JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  Laboratory Technician

JOB PURPOSE:  Provide support to other functions for ensuring raw materials and finished goods conform to requirements.

DIRECT REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES:  Reports to Laboratory Supervisor.

PHYSICAL AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY:  Primarily the Quality Control Lab and surrounding area.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  Monitor product quality during Production runs.  Communicate results to appropriate personnel.  Assist in quality-related problem resolution.  Maintain accurate records and complete data documentation.  Perform tasks in support of other QC efforts.  Perform other duties as directed by the Lab Supervisor.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED:  Perform activities necessary to fulfill above responsibilities, including: setting-up, operating and cleaning plastic processing equipment; acquiring samples and raw materials; measuring color using the McBeth instrumentation; recording data; running some QC tests.

KNOWLEDGE NEEDED FOR THE JOB:  Operating equipment used in the QC Lab.  Interpersonal and communication skills.  Problem resolution.  Math skills.  Use of some statistical tools.  Measuring color and interpreting results.  Use of relevant computer programs.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  High School Diploma or GED equivalent

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  Within one year in position based on attached skill requirements.

TYPES OF DECISIONS TO BE MADE:  Deciding course of action to be taken on quality-related issues.  Determining when to enlist other resources in resolving problems.

PHYSICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  Some lifting/carrying.  Climbing required on occasion.  Communicating verbally and in writing with others.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:  Lab equipment, including, but not limited to: McBeth color spectrophotometer; small-scale Mixaco; small-scale extruders; injection molding equipment; “Ash” ovens; scales and balances; Densitometer; melt flow plastometers; compression molding press; forklift; pallet jack;  some hand tools and instruments.

OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT:  Familiarity with the operation of the equipment used is required.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TASKS:  Some may be required once appropriate type and interval has been determined.

TROUBLESHOOTING RESPONSIBILITIES:  Assist in troubleshooting of product problems discovered through QC Lab testing.  Troubleshooting of Lab equipment will be required when necessary.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:  Follow safety procedures and observe safe practices when performing responsibilities.

QUALITY ASSURANCE COMPLIANCE STANDARDS:  Must comply with internal QA standards and procedures and all applicable ISO, QS-9000 and ASTM requirements.

HOUSEKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES:  General work area should be kept clean, neat, orderly and conform to any applicable housekeeping standards.

TERMINOLOGY:   Terms related to plastic material testing and processing, specific testing equipment, statistics and SPC, general manufacturing and specific products and raw materials need to be understood.