2nd Shift - Lab Technician - Lead

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 15,000 people globally.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations:

• Have an understanding and proficiency in all areas required for LDC Claypool Quality lab technicians.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the chemistry involved in all tests performed, including but not limited to chemical reaction.
• Oversee lab operations and processes when the Laboratory Operations Supervisor is not present.
• Have an understanding and knowledge of other areas of the facility with the capability to cover inter-departmental responsibilities as assigned and needed.
• Ability to advise the Lab Operations Supervisor or Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager with recommendations and decisions related to Food Safety and Quality Assurance/Control issues within the facility.
• Perform routine laboratory tests of production and environmental samples to ensure the quality of final product and environmental discharge levels. 
• Complete monthly JSO audits of the Quality Laboratory area as well as other areas in the facility.
• Collaborate in maintaining the proper data and quality lab logs for all 3rd party certification guidelines (BQ9000, NOPA, and FSSC22000).
• Safely and properly collect samples as required by facility and process sampling plans.
• Able to do general maintenance of analyzers and conduct troubleshooting for lab equipment, software issues, etc. following written guidelines and SOPs.
• Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for processes driven by the Laboratory Operations Supervisor and for which laboratory staff are responsible
• Train laboratory staff and operations staff on laboratory analyses and procedures.
• Organize and oversee disposition of samples according to sample retention guidelines, track samples scheduled for internal and external testing when necessary.
• Coordinate and prepare shipments of samples to ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA or other governmental or company regulations and requirements.   
• Generate and approve Certificates of Analysis and other reports as required, and reviews/approves in absence of the Laboratory Operations Supervisor.
• Conduct regular checks and calibrations of laboratory methods and equipment to ensure that standard operating procedures are followed, and standards are met.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of current and new analytical methods to increase efficiency and efficacy of the laboratory operations.
• Maintains laboratory supplies inventory and ordering of laboratory supplies to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Accepts/carries out/completes other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Operations Supervisor or Quality Manger.  

Process Control & Improvement:

• Enters laboratory test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generates reports as required.
• Trains Lab Techs and Operators to proficiently use LIMS.
• Consults with Lab Operations Supervisor on any problems / rejections or unusual test results.
• Works in a safe manner and follow all safety standards and procedures.
• Ensures work area is kept clean and free from safety and environmental hazards.

Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs:

• Contributes to the development and implementation of facility quality audits
• Participates in the investigation of any product quality issues.
• Actively participates in the facility Food/Feed Safety Programs and assessments, including site HACCP/HARPC.

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates, and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualification: 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or other science related field.
• Minimum 2 yrs. laboratory work experience in food and/or manufacturing.
• Other combinations of Education and experience considered for this role.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience within a related oilseed/ethanol/biofuels facility
• Training in or experience with continuous improvement programs (5S, 6 Sigma, Kaizen, etc.)
• Experience with standard laboratory testing equipment such as GC/HPLC, NIR, Karl-Fischer

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

• Broad knowledge of laboratory processes, procedures, and equipment
• Broad knowledge of quality assurance testing methods
• Broad knowledge of plant production processes, procedures, and equipment
• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to use statistical software.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software (e.g., Excel and Word) and advanced reporting and statistical software, (Labware LIMS, Minitab)
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Excellent attention to detail             

Preferred:

• Knowledge of manufacturing regulatory and safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, PSM, EPA, BATF, and NDEQ)
• Knowledge of Quality Systems (i.e. FSSC22000, BQ-9000, etc.)
• Knowledge of Quality Standard (ASTM, AOCS, ISO, USP)

Equipment Used

• Standard laboratory equipment and machinery (e.g., FTIR, GC, ICP, Karl Fisher).
• Typical office equipment:  PC, telephone, fax machine.
• Personal protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory work is in a typical climate-controlled laboratory environment.
• Continuous 24/7 plant operation. This role may include shift work and call-in availability on days off or other atypical hours/schedules
• Periodic visits to industrial operations areas are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions. 
• Regular exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, dust, odors, and flammable materials.
• Exposure to areas with wet floors and loud noise.

Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities

• Is an active member of the facility SHE Program. 
• Complies with the laboratory safety program
• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules, and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and adheres to all applicable requirements. 
• Completes required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  
• Shares in responsibility of maintaining the lab in an orderly and safe manner. 
• Reports unsafe working conditions to Laboratory Operations Supervisor or Food Safety and Quality immediately.

Employee Supervision

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Follows established laboratory procedures to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a laboratory to meet facility needs and production goals.
• Follows established testing methodologies to ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Communicate testing results to necessary parties to ensure quality and meet production standards.

Complies with governmental and company policies, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance.        

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage

- 401k with Company Match

- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits

- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

- Hybrid work schedule

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.”

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company
We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us