Laboratory Technician

Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Hops Extract Corporation of America (HECA) Lab Technician’s primary function is to analyze hop products produced in the CO2, QC, and DSP production facilities. The Lab Tech will perform accurate lab analysis and report results in a timely manner in service of CO2 and DSP plant production. The Lab Tech will be well-versed in the product specifications of CO2 plants and DSP products to ensure that HECA products meet Hopsteiner’s high-quality hop product manufacturing standards. The Lab Tech will also assist in the other Hopsteiner labs when not performing analyses in the CO2, QC, and DSP labs. This is a full-time rotating position that works four days a week (4x10 hours), with two workdays on the weekend, and an initial training period Monday through Friday (5 x 8 hours).

• Prepare samples for analysis (e.g., grinding, blending).
• Weigh samples.
• Add solvent to samples.
• Prepare production composites for storage.
• Set up oil distillations.
• Keep the lab solvent supply filled.
• Wash glassware and store glassware away each day.
• Clean the lab and empty chemical waste containers.
• Operate lab instrumentation (Spectro, HPLC, Diluter, etc.).
• Enter sample descriptions into the lab database.
• Dilute samples for analysis using a syringe diluter and alternative methods.
• Run HPLC and UV Spectrophotometer Analyses, including calibration. Maintain records of analysis data.
• Maintain records of calibration and calibration checks for lab instruments.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair on lab equipment.
• Enter lab data into the computer data system.
• Prepare reports from lab data, route them to the appropriate person, and file records in a timely manner.
• Prepare hop product samples for shipment to customers.
• Perform a final inspection of the packaged product for labeling accuracy and package cleanliness.
• Understand the OSHA Safety/Health Plan.
• Do a full range of hop analysis methods as described in ASBC/EBC manuals and HECA SOPs, including accompanying   instrumentation.
• Train new lab personnel if necessary.
• Monitor the use of lab solvents, glassware, and other consumable lab equipment.
• Monitor CO2 and DSP plant safety.
• Assist the Technical Services Manager with ISO9001/HACCP/GMP programs.
• Monitor wastewater use and testing.
• Prepare samples for different studies and monitor results.
• Assist the lab manager in developing methods for analyzing new products.
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Experience, Education, and Licensure/Certification Requirements:

• An associate degree or technical school diploma is required. Bachelor of Science is preferred.
• Laboratory experience in educational coursework and/or employment is preferred. 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Computer literacy required.
• Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment, performing experiments, testing, and operating pilot plants.
• Must work well with others and independently.
• Must be self-motivated, innovative, and provide technical expertise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.