WBC Laboratory Analyst

Job Description

Job Title: WBC Laboratory Analyst

Location: Corporate

Department: Quality Assurance

Job Summary: The WBC Laboratory Analyst will perform laboratory testing in order to provide accurate, timely data to support the manufacture of products that meet all marketing, regulatory, customer, and internal requirements.  Use discretionary judgment to take appropriate corrective action as indicated by test results and quality assurance protocol.  Assist the WBC QA Supervisor in special projects, good manufacturing practice (GMP) programs, quality standards, creation and design of product testing protocols, and training programs.

Immediate Supervisor: WBC QA Supervisor

Back-up: WBC QA Sr. Supervisor

• Prioritize best food safety practices by following all processes and procedures and report any food safety  issues to the QA supervisor or manager Sr. Supervisor.

• Collect and test production samples (in-process and finished product) of fluid dairy, beverage and juice products to verify compliance to product specifications using approved chemical, microbiological and sensory test methods.  Utilize discretionary judgment to release compliant product to WBC Operations and hold non-compliant product from further processing.

• Record, track and evaluate test data for trends.  Report non-conforming results or trends to the WBC QA Supervisor and Dairy Production Supervisors.  Initiate root cause analysis.

• Monitor and enforce quality control standards and principles for dairy production, storage and distribution.

• Collect samples of co-packed Wawa products distributed through the Wawa Beverage Warehouse and ship to third party laboratory for testing.  Record, track and evaluate test data.  Report non-conforming test results to the WBC Supervisor.

• Sample and test incoming raw ingredients and validate that ingredients meet Wawa specifications.  Follow established quality assurance protocol to accept or reject incoming ingredients.  Record, track and evaluate data obtained.  Report non-conforming results to the Wawa Beverage WBC QA Manager.

• Complete duties that shall include but are not limited to sample collection, analytical testing including wet chemistry, sensory and microbiological testing. 

• Maintain records for regulatory and internal review, including Quality Assurance SOP Manual, calibration, product testing protocols, laboratory training documentation, and corrective actions to non-conforming test results.

• Complete data input and data integrity maintenance, interpret trends, research customer and store dairy product complaints and write reports.

• Complete WBC environmental testing.   Test for pathogens weekly using aseptic swabbing technique and prepare sample for third party pick up.

• Complete pre-operational testing.  Verify equipment sanitation utilizing ATP testing as assigned.

• Perform GMP audits, tank and cold storage temperature checks, glass and brittle plastic audit and food safety audits

• Perform verification audits of food safety systems and SOP’s for QA and operations and report non-compliance for corrective and preventative action to WBC QA Supervisor weekly or as required. Perform quarterly safety audits of the laboratory.

• Perform checks, calibrations, maintenance of all laboratory equipment as scheduled and in accordance with good laboratory practice.  Perform minor repairs to laboratory equipment as required.

• Maintain laboratory information system (LIMS) by updating software and interfacing with internal and vendor IT support.

• Collect and ship dairy samples to third party laboratory for required testing by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture as scheduled.

• Complete Allergen testing after all filler CIP to verify SOP for dairy to non-dairy filler changeover 

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work with little or no supervision
• Detail oriented and strong organizational and time management skills
• Good analytical skills
• Performs the following physical behaviors frequently throughout their shift:  standing, walking and handling
• Performs the following physical behaviors occasionally throughout their shift:  reaching horizontally, reaching above the shoulder, reaching below waist, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, pushing, grasping firmly and pushing buttons
• Must be able to lift up to 40lbs
• Must be able to push/pull a cart with wheels that has up to 240lbs
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and the ability to work with various department leads in a team environment
• Participate in PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) Split Sampling program.  Achieve an acceptable annual rating in this proficiency testing program. Pass on-site biennial examination administered by PDA Laboratory Evaluation Officer.  Maintain testing requirements, procedures, and records as required to satisfy the requirements of Appendix N of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.  Maintain compliance with internal Laboratory Quality Assurance Program as outlined in the FDA Series 2400 forms that regulate laboratory testing. 
• Ability to adapt to an environment of constant change
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend work, multiple shifts, and some holidays.
• Shift differential included for second and third shift.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science preferred
• 1 - 3 years of experience in a quality control laboratory.  Food industry experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing procedures, protocols, and techniques
• Must obtain/maintain certification as a certified industry supervisor (CIS) and approved analyst for testing Animal Drug Residues as set forth in Appendix N of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
• PCQI certification and HACCP certification required or achieve certification with hiring.
• Knowledge and understanding of computers and Microsoft programs

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected].

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.