Lab Technician at See's Candies

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.
See's is a leader in the confectionary industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing great customer service.

Job Description Summary:

Support the Food Safety & Quality Assurance Department in monitoring and maintaining of See’s Quality Assurance programs by performing microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory evaluation of raw materials, in-process and finished goods, packaging, customer complaints, metal findings, and environmental samples.

The pay range for this position is expected to be $24.77- $37.15 hourly. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains good laboratory practices when working along with excellent record keeping practices.

• Receiving, labeling, and safely storing samples to be tested for microbiological testing. This includes aerobic plate count (APC), yeast, mold, coliform, E. coli, Salmonella, Staph A, and Listeria on all raw materials, in-process, and finished products using a combination of conventional and rapid testing methods.

• Conducts and performs environmental swabbing in the plant to support EMP program

• Receiving, labeling, and safely storing samples to be tested for chemical testing. This includes moisture, salt, viscosity, free fatty acid, peroxide value, percent fat, titratable acidity, total solids, water content, and water activity.

• Performs various duties including maintaining sample library, packaging tests, cleaning and maintaining lab equipment, recalibration of equipment, and maintaining equipment records and daily work logs.

• Determining and generating various reports including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) reporting, foreign material & metal findings reporting, special project reports, and environmental microbiological reports.

• Review of Certificates of Analysis for compliance of shipments. Supports in Lab SOPS review.

• Performs frequent sensory evaluation of raw materials, work in progress (WIP), finished goods and purchased candies, utilizing electronic platforms to review-analyze and make recommendations based on results.

• Performs Laboratory Inventory and purchasing orders needed for the Lab.

• Completes special projects as directed by the Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance.

• All See’s staff must be committed to the company’s core principles and workplace values, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently, detail orientated, works well with a group and between operating departments.

• Working knowledge of aseptic lab techniques and basic lab procedures including autoclave operations.

• Microbiology and chemistry background desired.

• Functional knowledge of quality systems and food safety standards.

• Proficiency using MS Word and Excel.

• BS in Microbiology or other science discipline; equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and manage change efficiently, proactively and in a positive manner.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).