Food Technician

SUMMARY

The Food Technician provides hands-on technical support to the Research and Development (R&D) team (TAG+APP) to advance cheese and product innovation initiatives. The role prepares and executes laboratory, pilot-plant, converting, and industrial trials; coordinates samples and testing; operates and maintains equipment and inventories; and accurately records and summarizes results. By ensuring safe, organized, and reliable trial execution and high-quality data, the Food Technician helps the R&D team make informed decisions, improve products and processes, and deliver on project and business priorities. This position will work primarily from 8am to 4pm, Monday - Friday, and will need flexibility in starting/ending times due to business needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

· Prepares, sets up, and assists in the execution of R&D cheese make and converting trials, as well as analytical, pilot-plant, and industrial trials.

· Supports the preparation and fulfillment of internal and external sample requests for non-finished goods cheese items.

· Sets up, operates, disassembles, and cleans R&D pilot equipment; verifies equipment, materials, and trial readiness before execution.

· Maintains pilot-plant inventories of raw materials, ingredients, trial products, and related supplies, including organization, rotation, and disposition of expired materials.

· Performs physical and analytical testing using R&D laboratory equipment and application testing of product samples; submits samples for Quality Assurance laboratory testing as needed.

· Coordinates microbiological sample collection, identification, and submission for approved black-boxing or process studies in partnership with Quality Assurance or the microbiology laboratory.

· Records, organizes, and performs routine analysis of data from benchtop tests and pilot experiments; prepares data summaries and reports for review by the project lead.

· Assists with the manufacture of Sartori starter culture custom blends.

· Prepares samples for and participates in product evaluations and sensory tastings.

· Maintains accurate laboratory, trial, sample, and inventory records through data entry and other documentation systems.

· Participates in quality, product-improvement, and productivity initiatives.

· Maintains a clean, organized, and safe R&D work environment, including sanitation of the laboratory, coolers, pilot equipment, utensils, and work surfaces.

· Delivers against established R&D and Sartori company metrics and initiatives.

· Executes work using approved scientific protocols, food science principles, and project-tracking tools.

· Adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices, accurate documentation practices, safety requirements, and confidentiality expectations.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is not responsible for leading others.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Associate degree in a science-related field is preferred; a minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing is required in lieu of formal education.

SKILLS AND COMPENTENCIES

· Information Seeker: Proactively gathers relevant information to inform decisions.

· Learning Agility: Quickly applies new knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

· Collaborative: Partners with others to realize better results.

· Teamwork: Works well within diverse groups to achieve common goals.

· Resourceful: Finds alternative solutions to overcome problems or limitations.

· Problem Solver: Identifies root causes and recommends effective solutions.

· Detail-oriented: Ensures accuracy and precision in work output.

· Active Listener: Listens attentively and understands what is being said.

· Prioritizes Effectively: Identifies and focuses on the most critical responsibilities.

· Committed: Pledges firmly to a goal, idea or plan.

· Goal-oriented: Concentrates on accomplishing specific objectives.

· Persistent: Perseveres despite opposition or difficulty.

· Results-driven: Focuses on achieving results that promote business success.

CERTIFICATIONS

None

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION

This role is expected to be onsite at Joe’s Lab on a regular basis.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%), limited travel for training, meetings, or visits to other Sartori manufacturing facilities.. A valid driver’s license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit, walk, hear and or talk with others. Also, the Team Member will occasionally be required to stand, kneel, crouch or crawl, handle, finger of feel, climb, stoop or reach with hands and arms as well as maintain control over others. The Team Member will be required to lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include: near and far acuity, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. The Team Member is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly exposed to wet, humid and/or cool conditions and is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in various work areas requires ear protection. This position requires occasional off-shift work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.