Job Title: Laboratory Technician
Company:West Coast Personnel
Job description: Laboratory Technician
Athlone
R11,900 CTC per month
Department: Quality
Facility: Dairy & JuiceResponsibilities
Chemical Analysis
- Perform testing on raw milk, pasteurized milk, cream, buttermilk, yogurt, juice, and dairy blends.
- Analyse parameters including but not limited to pH, butterfat, protein stability, sugar content (Brix), viscosity, texture, and total solids.
- Conduct titrations for CIP and COP chemical strength verification.
- Test for antibiotics using rapid and confirmatory methods and reject products if tests fail.
- Complete Product Release documentation and issue release slips based on test results.
Microbiology
- Conduct microbiological analyses on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
- Plate samples as per SOPs and monitor microbial development overnight.
- Evaluate results against standards and report deviations immediately.
- Perform additional tests as required for over-developed samples.
Retention Sample Management
- Collect and store daily production samples for retention and shelf-life testing.
- Organize and maintain retention samples and remove outdated samples.
- Perform organoleptic and shelf-life tests upon expiry or for customer complaints.
Effluent Testing
- Analyse drain water/effluent samples for pH and COD to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Documentation & Reporting
- Accurately record all test results in hard copy and electronic formats.
- Maintain and update records for COAs, trend analyses, and non-conformance reports.
- Transfer data to shared systems for reporting and traceability.
Factory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure adherence to food safety, health, and safety policies within the production environment.
- Monitor staff compliance with hygiene and quality standards.
- Report quality issues, non-conformances, or unsafe practices to the Laboratory Coordinator.
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely availability of test results for decision-making.
- Accuracy and completeness of documentation.
- Adherence to hygiene, housekeeping, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Reduction in non-compliance incidents.
- Consistent stock availability for laboratory consumables.
Working Conditions
- Production/factory environment with potential exposure to wet, slippery, and cold conditions.
- Handling of chemicals and testing equipment.
- Shift work, including nights and weekends.
Educational Requirements
- Post-matric qualification in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Technology, or Agriculture.
- Strong foundation in Mathematics and Science.
Work Experience
- Experience in laboratory testing within a production or FMCG environment.
- Familiarity with quality control, quality assurance, and food safety standards.
Skills & Competencies
- Technical Skills: Laboratory testing, calibration, and use of analytical equipment.
- Communication: Ability to document and report findings clearly and accurately.
- Organizational Skills: Managing tasks efficiently within tight deadlines.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and rectify quality issues promptly.
- Teamwork: Collaboration with colleagues across departments.
- Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and laboratory management systems.
Reporting Structure
Line Managers:
- Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator
- Microbiology Laboratory Coordinator
- Food Safety Systems Administrator
- Food Safety Systems Coordinator
Decision-Making Authority
- Stop production if products fail to meet specifications.
- Request additional samples to verify test results.
- Inform supervisors of non-compliant products immediately.
Participation Areas
- Implementation of best practices in laboratory operations.
- Problem-solving initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
- Corrective and preventative action planning.
Email your CV to
Expected salary: R11900 per month
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Job date: Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:12:27 GMT
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