Lab Technician

Description

Summary

Provide support and reports to improve and monitor fermentation and the ethanol production process, as assigned by the Lab Manager. Follow best available practices and procedures to assure the highest yields possible during the conversion of starch to ethanol. Perform required quality control testing of products as required by company standards and state and federal mandates. Individuals assigned to this position will normally be responsible for the day-to-day testing and quality control procedures as identified by the Lab Manager. The schedule for this position is second shift.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

1. Maintain awareness of plant operations and process conditions.
2. Complete daily rounds sheets and monitoring.
3. Perform quality control tests in all aspects of alcohol production. Examples of these tests include: 

• HPLC analysis 
• Run grain sieve analysis
• Determine Dextrose Equivalent and Total Solids (% solids)
• Determine total sugar (brix) and pH of samples
• Determine ethanol tank proofs, pHe, Karl Fischer and acidity
• Complete certification testing on all corn oil truck loads

1. Train operators to testing methods, complete re-certification process periodically to ensure compliance with methods  
2. Properly document all testing results in computer software.
3. Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on all lab equipment.
4. Perform weekly samples of distiller’s grains, centrifuge (wetcake) and grains for fermentable carbohydrate content and modify distiller’s grains as needed and send weekly feed samples to outside labs for assurance testing.
5. Ensure that all lab samples, lab containers and lab equipment are properly labeled, disposed of and handled in a safe manner.
6. Assist in maintaining inventory of all supplies.
7. Prepare reagents as needed.
8. Maintain clean work area.
9. Other duties as may be assigned to accomplish the safe and timely day-to-day operations within the plant.
10. Wear personal protective equipment as required.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Lab Technician preferred
• Requires knowledge of and adherence to standards of good lab practices.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well with others and work independently
• Attention to detail
• Excellent Microsoft Excel software skills, database, data entry (10 key skills)
• Exemplify the high standards necessary to accomplish the goals of this Company.

Education and Experience

• Education level of an Associate’s Degree or higher required
• Degree preferred in biology/micro-biology or related field
• Related work experience in core essential duties can substitute for education.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and /or move up to 50lbs
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders
• Ability to work in outside conditions and in adverse weather
• Walking
• Standing
• Sweeping

Working Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to:
• Work near moving mechanical parts.
• The employee is regularly exposed to high noise environments.
• The employee will regularly be exposed to chemicals used in the process.

Salary : $22 - $25