Product Development Technician

This is an entry level position designed to expose the employee to the pet food industry for their continued learning, as well as assist the company in executing necessary Product Development tasks and projects.

• Assist in ingredient specifications, production trials, benchtop testing and product launch initiatives.
• Exposure to quality assurance, production, sales & customer service, nutrition and formulation.
• Perform process checks throughout the raw ingredients, production, and packaging areas of the company (e.g. raw ingredient testing, finished product testing, and packaging checks).
• Assist in data entry.
• Help create summary reports with data gathered from trial runs, benchtop work, and third-party lab data.
• Work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of R&D activities.
• Escalate any non-conforming product/equipment/material to the appropriate manager/supervisor immediately.
• Restock lab supplies and track inventory.
• Ask clarifying questions to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain a food-safe sanitary environment at all times.
• Promote a positive proactive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged.
• Other duties as assigned by manager/supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, animal science, or other closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One (1) year in a feed or food production environment preferred.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and Access).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities & daily work load according to project/assignment deadline while meeting expectations of quality work.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and be able to work independently as necessary.
• Positive attitude, with excellent punctuality and attendance.

• Frequently required to: sit for prolonged periods of time, reach for/manipulate standard office equipment, communicate with various staff and/or reach for and manipulate objects.
• Position requires close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and detect product defects.
• Regularly use close visual acuity/color vision to prepare and analyze data and figures, read lab equipment, and detect product defects.
• Continuously required to communicate with other employees
• Regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds