Lab Analyst I

Why U.S. Sugar?

Employees are our most valuable asset. When we succeed, our employees succeed. As we grow, we hire new employees who are knowledgeable, energetic and committed to keeping us on the cutting-edge of our industry. We reward them with challenging work, opportunities to learn and grow, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment where safety is our top priority.

SUMMARY

• Hourly Rate $23.16 - $28.47
• This position is responsible for preparing samples and operating chemical and physical analysis instrumentation to determine characteristics or composition of intermediate and finished production as well as effluent analysis. Performs microbial analysis, as needed. Conducts research, analysis, synthesis, and experimentation on sugars, for such purposes as product and process development.

FUNCTIONS

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Know and observe Plant Safety work procedures and rules, Environmental Practices and GMP guidelines. Set up, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation. Operate computer-controlled instrumentation and be able to store and/or extract data. Prepare solutions, standards, and buffers according to standard formulas used in analytical analysis. Prepare and analyze quality control production samples such as various sugar, syrup, liquor, massecuite and magma samples for polarization, brix, purity, ash, and pH as required. Prepare and analyze organic compounds to determine physical and chemical properties. Prepare and analyze environmental effluent samples. Monitor process operations including carb cells, char and carbon filters as required. Perform analyses both timely and accurately. Prepare final product samples and documentation for shipment release. Responsible for efficiently setting up and safely conducting laboratory and/or system experiments. Responsible for making and recording experimental observations. Performing data entry into plant information system to allow generation of reports on plant operating conditions. Communicate timely and accurate analytical information to operations personnel.

Additional Responsibilities

Participate in the team effort to improve performance. Responsible for the cleanliness/Five S of the area assigned. Ensure standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, and materials are met. The individual will troubleshoot, diagnose, and perform routine repair to laboratory instrumentation. Aid in review of laboratory procedures. Ability to support the laboratory overtime requirements

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 the law and Company policy.

Company SHE Primary Responsibilities

Understand and observe all Safety, Health & Environmental rules and procedures

• Report or correct any unsafe act or condition
• Report any chemical/fuel spill to supervision
• Report any pain or discomfort to supervision

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

The following are the basic qualifications:

• One year certificate from a college or technical school in a related scientific discipline or high school diploma with laboratory experience qualifications are met.

The following are the preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Food Science preferred.

Experience

The following are the basic qualifications:

• One to three years of laboratory experience required.

The following are the preferred qualifications:

• The position requires a working knowledge of laboratory applications with the ability to integrate new procedures or work instructions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

The following are the basic qualifications:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, laboratory procedures, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Effective oral and written communication skills are essential.
• The analyst must be capable of organizing complex workflow patterns and balancing multiple priorities in order to keep pace with critical production and shipping demands.
• Have the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Knows the fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry and have the ability to apply and calculate concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the associate is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to walk. The associate is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The associate must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The following are the preferred qualifications:

• Analysts must have a proven track record of working effectively with others in a fast-paced team environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Equipment Used

• Basic Laboratory equipment

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The associate is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; extreme cold; extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Employee Supervision

• No supervisory responsibilities

Decision Making/Accountability

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Require the ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

United States Sugar Corporation 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.