Part-Time Technician - Research, Innovation & Development (Brookings, SD)
About The Position
At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission? To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives. The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID. #IWorkForAllForGoodJob Description Summary The Technician will assist the Pilot Plant Manager with cheese and packaging trials and innovation projects. Hours are about 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Central Time) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, plus occasional extra hours, for up to 20 hours per week.
Requirements
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Strong organizational skills
- Mandatory: Accurate data recording and data documentation skills
- Openness and willingness to learn new skills
- Requires education generally equivalent to a High School Diploma.
- Ability to read and understand laboratory procedures.
- Ability to function as a team member and contribute to group goals.
- Ability to operate a variety of office, laboratory and pilot equipment such as a personal computer, water baths, incubator, PH meters, salt analyzer, scales, and rapid and reference chemistry testing methods, climate chambers, pressing equipment, and mini cheese vats
- Able to create and edit spreadsheets, enter and organize data in Microsoft Excel.
- Requires good oral communication skills to effectively deal with coworkers.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in food production, pilot-scale trials, or laboratory settings (preferred)
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and sanitation protocols (preferred; training will be provided)
- Prefer a good knowledge of State of South Dakota rules that regulate the dairy industry, testing procedures, and documentation techniques.
Responsibilities
- Prepare equipment and materials for trials, including: Pre-cleaning equipment, tools and workspaces
- Post-cleaning after trial completion
- Preparing wax for application
- Preparing the brining process for application
- Execute product and packaging innovation trials
- Adjustments to pressing parameters during trials
- Monitor climate chambers and ensure proper conditions are maintained
- Execute mini vat trials, ensuring safe and effective use of pilot plant equipment
- Execute cheese waxing
- Create packaging mockup samples
- Prepare samples for shipment
- Accurately collect trial data, including pH, temperature, and other relevant metrics
- Gather production reference data
- Evaluate quality parameters of trial products
- Monitor and collect cleaning process data
- Execute pilot plant sanitation duties to ensure standards are met
- Perform tasks in a safe, organized, and independent manner
- Evaluate cleaning performance
- Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned by management.
- Follows all Good Manufacturing Practices as stated within the policy
- Follows all Safety rules & procedures by working safely and ensuring safety of others
- Follows all food safety procedures
- Follows all environmental protocols as applicable
- Follows all sanitation procedures and work instructions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
