High Plains Processing is seeking a Laboratory Technician for the soon-to-be switch plant in Mitchell, South Dakota. High Plains is affiliated with South Dakota Soybean Processors and their strategic partners. This affiliation ensures Laboratory Technicians will have a foundation of support and resources needed to drive success. The Laboratory Technician is critical for maintaining safe and efficient laboratory operations throughout their shift. Employee appreciation is demonstrated through amazing benefits, company-sponsored events, and career development opportunities. High Plains Processing is projected to open in the fall of 2025. We are currently hiring (3) Laboratory Technicians to start in June 2025.
Primary Responsibilities
Safety
- Keep safety at the forefront through compliance, training, identifying potential hazards, reporting incidents, knowing emergency response procedures and actively participating in safety initiatives.
- Maintain all work areas in accordance with SQF compliance and safety policy and procedures, including maintaining the Master Sanitation Schedule to SDSP standards.
- Work with the safety department and SQF management to comply with employee, product safety, and environmental compliance program standards.
- Maintain standards above minimum compliance with all governing laws and regulations.
People
- Understand and comply with facility policies and procedures to ensure all objectives are achieved.
- Professionally interact and clearly communicate with all facility team members and departments.
- Engage as a team member, actively completing daily tasks and additional duties.
- Develop strong relationships with all internal departments.
Production
- Responsible for laboratory sampling and testing of sunflowers, soybeans, meal, hulls, pellets, oil, oil by-products, water, and any additional processing streams.
- Calibrate, validate, maintain, and troubleshoot all laboratory equipment including but not limited to KF, NIR, ICP, OSI, Eco Titrators
- Understand QA/QC procedures and policies. Implement and provide support as necessary.
- Utilize Standard Operating Procedures to execute laboratory testing and reporting.
- Interpret test results, compare results to established specifications, utilize control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
- Review data from 3rd party laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Work alongside other team members to preserve a safe and clean work environment.
Communicate and Collaborate
- Notify leadership of any observed safety, environmental, quality, or laboratory opportunities.
- Communication of laboratory results to a cross functional team.
- Perform duties outside normal responsibilities as needed to support the team and organizational goals.
Basic Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Post secondary education in a science related field preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Basic computer skills including data entry and data analysis.
- Maintain a safe, positive work attitude and demonstrate willingness to be a team member.
- Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work well with others.
- Experience in a processing facility is preferred.
Physical Requirements
Must Possess the Ability to Do the Following Frequently:
- Bend, squat, and kneel
- Sit, stand, and walk
- Push/Pull/Carry/Lift 25- 50lbs.
- Use fine finger movements
- Reach above shoulder level
- Climb ladders and stairs
Work Environment
- Work on & around high structures
- Exposed to excessive noise
- Exposed to dust
- Works around moving machinery
- Drives motorized equipment
- Occasionally exposed to fumes
- Exposed to temperature changes
- Work in confined spaces
- Indoor and outdoor work
