Employment Type: Hourly
Work Designation: Onsite
Position Summary:
Under minimal supervision of Manager, Sr. Food Technologist, and/or Culinary Chef, perform and assist a wide variety of bench work, analytical testing, pilot plant production, new product development, and product maintenance. Responsible for overall lab operations, equipment, maintenance, and organization of the R&D lab and culinary kitchen. Will also assist in a variety of product presentations as it relates to supporting culinary development.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work under the supervision of the R&D Managers, Culinary Chefs, and Senior Food Technologists to perform routine product samples including sample preparation in the lab or in the pilot plant, analytical and sensory evaluation, and data entry.
- Required to operate the company's van for supply pick-up and other business including vehicle maintenance and inspection. May be required to travel on project-related work.
- Responsible for the overall cleanliness & organization of the R&D Lab and pilot plant. Maintain and calibrate lab equipment, stock all lab supplies, ingredients, packaging materials, and small wares. Source and order ingredients, packaging, utensils, and analytical testing solutions from our plants or external suppliers.
- Maintain, calibrate, and clean lab and pilot equipment as required to run each piece of equipment. Request and maintain raw material supplies in the lab, working with other technicians to maintain adequate inventories of ingredients and packaging materials. This includes ordering through AS400/Coupa and retrieving ingredients at the plant.
- Conduct shelf-life studies on new products, including analytical testing, sensory evaluation, sending samples to the Micro lab, and recording results. Write up reports for review and approval. Conduct shelf-life validation on existing products when required by ordering or collecting retain samples, or making fresh lab control, organizing sensory, and providing final findings.
- Support alternate ingredient evaluation, including organizing sensory comparisons on ingredients, and/or making bench samples, recording, and providing sensory feedback.
- Responsible for collecting, packing, and sending out customer samples, ingredients, and finished products requested. Enter packing slips in the R&D Sample Portal. Prepare shipments as required. Perform departmental housekeeping duties as required.
Education and Experience:
- Associate Degree or equivalent experience in Food Processing and related industry.
- 2+ years of experience in food analytical lab is required.
- Ability to travel 5%.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Able to operate a personal computer using Microsoft software for Windows program applications such as but not limited to: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with different groups within the company. Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Fluent in English. A second language is a plus.
- Some basic knowledge of production processes and procedures.
- Must be able to follow processes and procedures accordingly.
- Must be able to distinguish flavor characteristics.
- Must have basic knowledge of analytical testing procedures.
- Must be able to operate laboratory equipment and pilot plant equipment for sample preparation.
- Must have basic math knowledge.
Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:
- Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees.
- Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met).
- Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays.
- Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Salary Base Range of $58,803.00 - $73,475.00 for Employees Located in California.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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