Laboratory Technician

COMPANY INTRODUCTION

Manzana Products Co. has been in business for over 100 years and is a leading producer of organic apple juice, apple sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Manzana is owned by Agrial, a prominent French co-op of 12,000 farmer members and a force in agriculture and food production.

Manzana’s mission is to create quality apple products by placing the highest value on people, suppliers, customers, and continuous improvement in manufacturing capabilities, with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of our actions.

We are in the process of relocating our manufacturing facility from Sebastopol, CA to Sunnyside, WA.  While the facility is essential, we believe that building a strong, dedicated team is the key to success. At Manzana, we work each day to foster a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, continuous improvement, and an inclusive, respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued, and feedback is encouraged.

At Manzana, all employees are required to actively participate in our comprehensive Food Safety Program to ensure the consistent production of the highest quality and safest food products. This commitment is essential to maintaining our standards and protecting our customers.

Join us as we grow and make a difference together

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing routine analytical testing on ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products to support quality assurance, product development, and production activities. This position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and the ability to accurately collect, analyze, and report data.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses including:
• • pH
  • Brix
  • Titratable acidity
  • Viscosity
  • Alcohol
  • Color
  • Turbidity
  • Sediment evaluation
  • Other analytical tests as required on ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products
• Prepare and support sensory evaluations and testing panels.
• Pull and organize samples for:
• • Retention
  • External laboratory testing
  • Sensory analysis
  • Customer requests
• Assist with daily instrument calibration and verification activities.
• Monitor and document routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Collect, analyze, and record experimental and analytical data using Excel and other designated software systems.
• Prepare reports and communicate results, including deviations, to relevant departments and management.

• Ensure laboratory equipment calibration requirements are met and documented.
• Complete analytical testing within established turnaround times.
• Identify and report quality concerns and non-conformances to the Quality Assurance department.
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis (COAs) as required.
• Prepare analytical standards, reagents, and laboratory solutions.
• Manage chemical inventory and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals while utilizing required PPE and following safety procedures.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and assist with troubleshooting activities.
• Investigate and resolve equipment issues when appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and laboratory projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate, or equivalent. 

• Minimum 1-3 years of related experience. 

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field preferred.
• Background in chemistry with knowledge of organic chemistry principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard computer applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize laboratory software and instrument-specific programs.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to use company-issued electronic tablets, or other approved digital systems to enter quality, safety, and production information accurately. 
• Ability to support other departments or team members with operational needs as assigned or required.

Skills:

• Commitment to laboratory safety and compliance with all company policies.
• Proficiency in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.
• Capability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

· Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work in a laboratory or production environment for extended periods. Ability to safely lift and carry laboratory supplies, samples, and chemical containers as needed while following company safety procedures.

Working Conditions

· This position is performed in a food-processing/production environment and may involve exposure to moving equipment, conveyors, high-pressure water, noise, wet surfaces, varying temperatures, and agricultural materials.

· The employee must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting as required for assigned duties.This position regularly works 8- to 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work based on production and business needs consistent with applicable laws and company policies.

Required PPE may vary by work area and assigned task. Employees must wear all PPE required by company policy, hazard assessments, food-safety requirements, and posted area-specific requirements.

PPE will include:

· Smock (or other uniform shirt), hairnet, beard net, safety glasses, ear protection, bump cap, and safety shoes.PPE bay include:

· Chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing, appropriate for the chemical and task.

Additional PPE identified through the applicable safety assessment, SDS, sanitation procedure, or posted area requirements.Employees are responsible for properly wearing, maintaining, and using required PPE at all times.

To protect food safety and prevent contamination, employees entering production areas must comply with all personal hygiene and GMP requirements.

Please note:  Nuts or products containing nuts are not allowed anywhere at the facility.

The following are not permitted in production areas:

· Glitter, sparkles, or loose decorative materials.

· False eyelashes (including extensions), false fingernails, nail polish (or other nail coatings.)  

· Jewelry, including rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, earrings, piercings, or other loose accessories, except as specifically permitted by company policy.

· Items or clothing containing glitter, spakles (or other decorative materials), or loose, fraying, dangling,or shedding materials that could present a contamination risk, or personal safety risk.

· Strong fragrances.

· Loose personal items that could fall into or contaminate product.

· Any other personal item, food, candy, gum, medication, accessories cosmetics, or materials prohibited by company GMP and food-safety policies.

Employees must follow all posted hygiene, handwashing, personal protective equipment, and food-safety requirements when entering or working in production areas.

Please note:  Nuts or products containing nuts are not allowed anywhere at the facility including parking lots, breakroom, offices, plant floor, etc.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing applicable pre-employment screening requirements, which may include:

· Background check.

· Drug screening.

· DMV Check (for roles that require driving a vehicle, forklift or other similar equipment.)

Manzana Products Co. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position. Applicants and employees who require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the job are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Manzana Products Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and other legitimate job-related factors in accordance with applicable law.