RESPECT to people, COURAGE to be pioneers and raise the bar, and always demonstrating INTEGRITY and authenticity. Do these core values align with yours? If so, Lhoist North America may be the place for you! We are a company that believes our people make it happen and rewards talent by offering opportunities to further develop your knowledge and interests. Within our organization, we offer safety first environments, collaboration across teams, diverse and inclusive workspaces all while challenging each other to grow.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The production and lab technician has responsibility for the performance of the site quality process. This position is accountable for safety and environmental compliance for the laboratory; cost control, quality reporting and equipment maintenance; maintenance of product compliance programs which include Safe Quality Food and NSF/ANSI 60. Perform all day-to-day plant production quality and raw material analysis. Communication of test results in a timely manner is critical for the smooth operation of the plant, and satisfaction of our customers. This position will support the plant management in maintaining product quality and integrity.
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:
Environmental, Health, Safety:
Ensure a safe workplace and regulatory compliance with Federal (MSHA), state and local laws, environmental regulations, and Company policies.
Collect water samples from overflow during periods of heavy rain.
Leadership for laboratory safety and environmental:
Ensure a safe workplace and regulatory compliance with federal (MSHA, OSHA), state, local, and Company safety policies.
Support Environmental Health and Safety initiatives and awareness programs.
Actively participate in audits for regulatory, quality, safety, and environmental compliance at the site.
Understand and practice chemical hygiene program.
Safe Quality Food (SQF): Ensure a SQF workplace maintained within Federal FDA –
Food Modernization Safety Act (CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 507) compliance.
Support SQF initiatives and awareness programs.
Be a leader and promoter of employee safety and SQF culture.
Ensure proper training programs are implemented for new employees and continued for existing employees.
Actively participate in audits for regulatory, safety, SQF and environmental compliance at the site.
Quality Control Testing / Production Support:
Maintain quality assurance programs.
Accurately sample and measure chemical and physical properties on all types of raw and finished products following established laboratory guidelines.
Effectively document, interpret and communicate analysis to maintain product quality.
Prepare charts and graphs of data and enter data into computer for analysis.
Lead investigations on customer complaints to find root causes. Document findings.
Interact directly with sales team as needed.
Report quality non-conformances to the plant manager.
Conduct quality audits in the various departments to ensure consistently high quality of various products.
Participate in regional and corporate quality initiatives.
Identify and lead quality improvement initiatives.
Implement and sustain 5S in the laboratory.
Effectively communicate quality findings with hourly workforce
Train and coach hourly workforce on quality matters as needed.
Assist with tasks in other departments as needed.
Maintain lab equipment and work with outside technicians.
Ensure adequate feed rate of stone into the minerals plants. Control and monitor adequate fuel consumptions to meet production demands by the most efficient means while maintaining environmental compliance.
The production technician will also act as a minerals plant operator and manage the plant systems by monitoring and adjusting crushers/mills, feeders, gates, screens, and conveyors to maximize efficient operation and reduce downtime.
Maintain daily operational reports on logs (soft and hard) with feed rate, amount of fuel, temperature, amperage, etc. which is listed each hour and given to the supervisor and the next operator at the end of each shift.
The production technician will remain on duty until the next scheduled operator arrives or a trained replacement is found.
During shift changes, the production technician will provide others with a brief recap of their shift relating to production, equipment issues, safety concerns, and any other necessary topics as they relate to production and safety.
Report any potential operational or safety issue to a supervisor or manager immediately.
Laboratory Management:
Maintain chemical solutions, laboratory instruments and work environment in a clean and safe manner.
Maintain laboratory supplies and related inventory.
Support and lead the Laboratory Safety initiative.
Responsible for minor repairs on laboratory equipment, facilities, and preventative maintenance.
Communicate needed repairs and replacements with plant manager.
Compliance:
Assist with state registration and licensing.
Provide QC support for EHS greenhouse gas reports.
Other duties as assigned
ATTRIBUTES:
Interacts and behaves professionally, following Lhoist corporate core principles of Courage, Respect, and Integrity.
Demonstrated ability to closely follow testing protocols and quality procedures and reporting results in a useful manner.
Familiarity with Quality Management systems and understanding of its application to manufacturing processes.
Good written and verbal communication skills
Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Good numerical skills in order to report results.
Self-motivated and must be able to work independently.
Demonstrated skills entering, retrieving, and manipulating data in a Quality Management System and Microsoft based computer system.
Knowledgeable of manufacturing and mining processes in a related mineral industry.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.
Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 150 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a lime/mineral environment.
The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Lime/Mineral Particles.
The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing, and sitting.
Ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds.
REQUIRED EDUCATION: Associate’s degree in a science-based degree program required, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFFERED EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other science related field.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years laboratory experience.
PREFFERED EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years laboratory experience.
Lhoist North America offers a very competitive salary package that includes but is not limited to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, and disability insurance. You can plan for your future with Lhoist North America 401K retirement savings options, which include an employer match. Lhoist North America also recognizes the importance of continuing education by offering Educational Assistance to our employees to encourage continued personal development and professional growth.
Here at Lhoist North America, we are an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all individuals and strongly support an inclusive workplace. We strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and we are committed to treating everyone with respect at all times. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.