Discrimination Panel Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

As a member of the technical team under the general supervision of the Program Director, the position has the primary responsibility to provide assistance in all product testing aspects and technical requirements in support of the Plano TX Managed Services on-site Sensory food discrimination testing program. On occasion when the Discrimination Panel Leader is absent or needs back up, the position includes running panel as the assistant Discrimination panel leader.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty/task/project satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Essential Functions Statements

· Provide support to Food Testing Panel Leader with regards to daily operations of the Discrimination Program. This includes cross-training to assist and fill-in when the Discrimination Panel Leader is out of the office.

· Follow all defined requirements, protocols and procedures for food storage, preparation, coding, serving, and disposal of samples and sample related materials. Continue to refine best practices.

· Create Discrimination Panel Testing Kits for off-site evaluations.

· Attend weekly scheduling and team meetings.

· Manage samples for testing, to include transfer to the evaluation room from storage spaces. This includes light/moderate lifting (up to 20 pounds), use of carts/ rolling racks for product movement, and walking throughout the workday.

· Work with Discrimination Panel Leader to schedule tests, recruit panelists, and track participation.

· Create discrimination testing ballots as instructed by Panel Leader.

· Prepare panel room according to protocol for all panel evaluations and screening sessions.

· Prepare evaluation samples according to protocol. Preparation may involve cooking (stovetop and microwave) of samples according to protocol and cooking schedule.

· Serve sample products. This includes light lifting and standing/walking for up to 60 minutes at a time.

· Maintain clean work area, to include cleaning/straightening of panel areas before and after sessions.

· Request supplies necessary to perform evaluations as needed from DA Panel Leader.

· Have the flexibility to arrive early or stay late depending on specific circumstances (on occasion).

· Performs other duties as needed such as assisting with cook preparation for a Descriptive Panel.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Skills and Experience

• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Good organizational, planning, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Detail oriented, reliable, and enthusiastic.

· Proficiency in following procedures with awareness of all details of tasks.

· Ability to follow instructions in the preparation of cooked products

· Ability to perform repetitive movements including, but not limited to, sorting, labeling, packing, and lifting (up to 20 lbs.), and ability to stand for periods of time up to and exceeding 60 minutes.

· Basic math skills

· Functional proficiency with computers to include use of Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Competencies Required

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Detailed Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Communication skills (listening, verbal, written) – The ability to listen, write and speak effectively.
• Dependability/Reliability/Responsibility – Will arrive at work every day on time and ready to work and take responsibility for his/her actions.
• Enthusiastic – Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task
• Adaptability/Ability to Pivot – Having the ability to set priorities and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.
• Honesty / integrity – Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Problem Solving/Reasoning/Creativity – Ability to find solutions to problems using your creativity, reasoning, and past experiences along with the available information and resources.
• Self-Motivated/Ability to work with Little or No Supervision – Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Team Player – Work collaboratively and collectively to support fellow co-workers in achieving best possible results.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: HS Diploma; some college preferred.

Experience: Two years related experience which may include product evaluation technician, lab technician, quality control/assurance, product evaluation, consumer research, food preparation, or food service.

Computer Skills:

Microsoft Office Suite, Video calls

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person