Lab Technician - Louis Dreyfus Company

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 17,000 people globally.

This position performs daily laboratory tests of production samples to ensure the quality of the final product. Primary function is to ensure the quality of the final product in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations and Company standards.  This position is entry level.

Note: This position operates within the Quality Control team with opportunity to advance levels based on evaluation of the candidate by the hiring team.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations:

• Leads daily testing to ensure quality of the final product within the Quality Control laboratory of a fully integrated soybean processing facility.
• Able to operate all lab equipment to perform all routine analyses on raw materials, products, and Work in Progress (WIP).
• Understands Official Methods in Reference Standards (ASTM, EN, AOCS, USP) used in testing.
• Follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing methods.
• Enters laboratory test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generates reports as appropriate.
• Generates Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on finished product.
• Maintains cleanliness of lab area and maintains established 5S areas. .

Process Control & Improvement:

• Analyzes production and certification samples and reports results to the Operations personnel in a timely manner.
• Assists in maintaining environmental monitoring program.
• Participates in cross-check testing with internal and external laboratories.

Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs:

• Understands and complies with GMPs, Food Safety management systems, including FSSC 22000.
• Understands BQ9000 Producer Requirements and NOPA Trading Rules.

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.

Equipment Used

• Standard laboratory equipment and machinery (e.g., FTIR, GC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS Karl Fisher, NIR, analytical balance, colorimeter).
• Typical office equipment:  PC, telephone, fax machine.
• Personal protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory work is in a typical climate-controlled laboratory environment. 
• Continuous 24/7 plant operation; this position works 12 hours/day, including weekends and holidays as scheduled. May include shift work and call-in availability on days off or other atypical hours/schedules.
• Daily visits to industrial operations areas for sample collection are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, dust, odors and flammable liquids. 
• Occasional exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise. 
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities

• Is an active member of the facility SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) Program. 
• Complies with the laboratory safety program.
• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and adheres to all applicable requirements. 
• Completes required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  
• Shares in responsibility of maintaining the lab in and orderly and safe manner. 
• Reports unsafe working conditions to Management as soon as practicable. 

Employee Supervision

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Works in a safe and efficient manner in the chemical laboratory testing product. Accurately performs tests and records results.  Works independently on routine duties but consults with supervisor on any problems or unusual test results.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualification: 

• High School Diploma
• Experience working in a laboratory or quality testing environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Education: 2-year or 4-year technical diploma or degree in chemistry, food science, biochemistry, microbiology related field. 
• Experience: 1-year or more of analytical chemistry laboratory experience in the food, feed, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, or related industry. Consideration will be given to laboratory experience gained through the duration of the education.
• Prior quality inspection or testing experience.
• Laboratory, chemical, or quality certifications preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to learn and follow testing procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, (e.g., Excel and MS Word)
• Strong mathematical skills
• Ability to work in a safe manner and follow all safety standards and procedures.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company 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.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us