Lab Technician

Job: Laboratory Technician
Shift: Day - 12hrs (223 Rotation)
Location: Royal Canin (Fremont, NE)

Royal Canin is seeking Laboratory Technician to join our exciting pet food business at a Fremont, NE manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Royal Canin offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.
Perform reception operations including quality control analytic operations and physical offloading operations (including departmental sanitation tasks).

Responsibilities: 

• Quality tests of all incoming raw materials as specified in reception procedure
• Sampling raw materials from bulk trucks, big bags, and totes
• Perform various laboratory analysis on raw materials according to control plan
• Perform receiving document procedures (delivery documentations) and sign delivery documents including, if necessary, quality / quantity objections
• Inform Q&FS Manager of quality deviations according to product standards and production procedures
• Accept or decline reception of goods according to reception procedures
• Collaborate with raw material supply coordinator on inbound receiving scheduling priority
• Laboratory instrument calibrations, verifications and record keeping
• Perform area-related equipment first level maintenance
• Detect and report raw material quality problems
• Prepare samples and documentation for external labs
• Preparation of finished products to ensure quality control (micro sampling)
• Accurate submission of products to offsite/external laboratory
• Working knowledge of food safety
• Responsible for assisting all areas in maintaining high levels of daily cleanliness and adherence to site GMP's
• Prioritize work daily by identifying pressing issues, through communication with each operator, knowing shift production plans and awareness of area
• Promote high quality team environment through effective team work and self-management with a positive attitude
• Performs all assigned activities and job tasks within their area
• Understands production schedules as they relate to shut downs
• Detailed cleaning of large areas and work spaces
• Understanding of microbiological and pest control as it pertains to a food manufacturing environment
• The ability to work with all Teams at the site on Sanitation, Pest Control and Housekeeping projects.
• The ability to work in enclosed spaces
• The desire to work as an interactive team in a plant setting
• When assigned to a specific operation area, complete all duties associated with that assignment in a safe and efficient manner
• Perform sanitation duties as required by the Master Sanitation Schedule, with particular attention to lock out/tag out procedures. Complete required documentation
• Assist the plant to meet or exceed production goals
• Other duties and responsibilities throughout the plant as assigned by Manager

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Standing on a concrete floor

• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform)

• Bending, stooping, twist, turn, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 55lbs

• Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust dirt and chemicals

• Vision correctable to 20/20

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to plan work on a daily basis, work independently and be a self-starter and a highly motivated individual
• Ability to work with a team and effectively interact with other departments

Knowledge / Experience

• Prefer candidate with 1 year of work experience within manufacturing, or a technical and/or trade discipline
• Demonstrated competency in computer and pc software including MS Office and email
• Prefer candidate with knowledge of inventory control principles
• Preferred science background or previous laboratory experience
• Ability to operate a forklift, scissor lift, or other equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to quickly respond.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time on hard surfaces
• Computer / iPad literate with the ability to enter, record, maintain, and retrieve data.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Interested candidates must meet all qualifications to be considered for this position.

About Mars, Incorporated 

Mars is a family-owned business with over a century of history, making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.