Laboratory Technician - McCain Foods

The successful incumbent undertakes routine and non-routine analyses of finished products and intermediates using standard test methods to verify quality conformance to specification as well as microbial food safety hazards are absent in the product and production areas at different stages of the manufacturing process. This is a skilled Laboratory Technical position that also includes data capturing and admin functions.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

Collecting and analytical analysis of microbiological samples;

• Collecting all product samples for microbiological analysis.
• Collecting and analyzing Hand Swabs, ATP swabs, Hygiene Swabs and daily.
• Environmental swabs as per schedule.
• Collecting of water samples for analysis of Total Plate Count, E.coli & Coliforms as per schedule.
• Marking and Storage of samples for the Retention Sample Program.
• Logging samples in and out for Retention Sample Program.

Data capturing and Reporting;

• Reporting of non-conforming products or situations as soon as results become available
• Entering of all Microbiological results into SAP system timeously
• Releasing of conforming products and restricting (Blocking) of non-conforming products.
• Drawing of reports off the SAP system as required.
• Entering observations of GMP inspections into action lists.

GMP, housekeeping, pre-start-up and cleaning Inspections;

• Cleaning Observation pre- and post-shift, as and when required.
• Recording of non-conforming situations or findings, i.e. pictures.
• Assist Production, Packing, Engineering and Cleaning with pre-start-up inspections according to schedule.
• Stop lines or prevent lines from starting up if GMP, hygiene standards have not been met.
• Reporting of non-conformances.

Sample preparation for cuttings and product evaluations;

• Collecting of all samples for product cuttings, competitor cuttings and/or reference sample evaluations.
• Marking and storage of all samples and storage area.
• Sample presentation and cook-up, sample identification for all product cuttings (daily and as required per schedule).
• Providing of score sheets, water, equipment and stationary for all cuttings.
• Preparation for daily product reviews

Administrative functions;

• Recording and reporting on cutting and reference sample evaluations.
• Ensuring the availability of all microbiological materials, within budget constraints.
• Creating of shopping carts for all QC Department purchases, ensuring that all consumables are available at all times.
• Logging and graphing of daily foreign material plant Incidents.
• Assist with mock recalls and traceability exercises.

EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• Diploma or certificate in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology
• 2 years in Quality Control or Quality Assurance Laboratory in the food industry
• Knowledge and or experience of FSSC 22000 will be advantageous.
• Basic laboratory skills, food preparation skills, and excellent housekeeping skills
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks
• Ability to perform moderate physical work over prolonged periods while standing
• GMP & HACCP experience will be advantageous
• Computer Literacy

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements (LRA, BCEA, OHS Act)

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• SAP experience
• Basic statistical knowledge
• Sound computing experience
• Assertive and results orientated
• Technically minded
• Attention to detail
• Ability to handle pressure whilst maintaining a high work rate
• Ethical and trustworthy
• Ability to work productively in a stressful environment
• Willing to work shifts as and when required