Research & Development Tech at Seaboard Triumph Foods

SUMMARY: This position will function as a team member, collecting accurate and precise data from various production lines and processes throughout the plant. Performing tasks aside from data collection will be required. Those tasks are expected to be completed according to company procedures. Must effectively manage time to achieve data integrity and test reliability. This person will establish positive and professional working relationships with Management. Effective communication with Management, line leads, other R&D Techs, and production employees is required to accomplish data collection, experiment design, quality, specifications, and food safety goals.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Collecting, recording, and downloading data as needed:

o Fat quality 

o Minolta 

o pH 

o Meat quality 

o FOM/Hot Scale and cold scale 

o Dissection and yield tests 

o Sequence and individual identification at line speed 

• Adhere to processes and timelines for initiating test product passage through the stockyards to the rest of the plant
• Work collaboratively with the Laboratory for microbiological and other testing
• Support SQF program

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  An Associate’s degree in a science or math based major or high school diploma or GED equivalent with commensurate experience. 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work well with others.  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.  Requires the ability to work as a team member and individually to complete given tasks.  Must be able to present information to all variety of groups.  Will maintain informal daily contact with supervisor. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Must be able to effectively communicate with USDA, production and management personnel. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications in practical situations. 

REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to solve practical problems.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: High proficiency with computers and Microsoft office programs, especially Microsoft Excel, and the ability to learn and effectively use any and all other computer programs that are or will be made available. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility and perform repetitive tasks.  The employee is required to sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb and balance; speak; hear; taste; and smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close and distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces, and wear all safety equipment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in hot or cold environments and the ability to stand on concrete for extended periods of time. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, cold/hot temperature and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The work environment includes climate extremes found in all areas of plant operations. 

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: The hours and days of work are established as needed at the discretion of management and, while generally as shown below, may be changed (increased or decreased) by management as required.