SUMMARY:
Under the direction of Lab Supervisor and in alignment with the Company Core Values, the Lab Tech assists in all day to day lab activities in a tissue culture production environment, including, but not limited to, processing plant materials, media preparation, sterilizing tools and equipment, and maintaining lab cleanliness.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Processes plant materials; includes sterilization, micro propagation, and meristem excision.
- Accurately weighs, measures, mixes, and pours media and media components accordingly.
- Ensures that aseptic guidelines are followed at all times and maintains a clean lab area.
- Accurately and consistently records laboratory data and observations.
- Properly operates autoclave to sterilize media and other lab materials.
- Utilizes forceps, scalpels and other tools to perform laboratory work.
- Daily cleaning of lab area, glassware, and equipment.
- Collaborates with and provides support to lab staff within a production environment.
- Follows standard operating procedures at all times in a safe and compliant manner.
- Promptly reports breaches in compliance, safety, and sanitation to management.
- Other duties may be assigned as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily (with or without accommodations). The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific discipline and at least six months of applicable laboratory experience. Previous micro propagation experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of aseptic technique
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with teams
- Proven ability to perform a variety of tasks under time constraints and strict deadlines
- Demonstrated efficiency, productivity, attention to detail, accuracy, and results orientation
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods
- Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
- Extended periods of microscope work
- Exercising a consistently high degree of accuracy when using fine motor skills
- Wearing gloves, respirator and other required protective equipment for extended periods
- Working in aseptic conditions under a laminar flow hood for extended periods
- Able to lift 25-50 pounds at a time
- Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to colleagues and management
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Climate controlled laboratory conditions
- Confined space and secured area
- Strong odors from machinery, media, isopropyl alcohol, and/or bleach
- Loud noises from machinery
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Normal hours of operation Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (may be subject to change depending on operational needs)
EEOC STATEMENT:
Dark Heart Nursery, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Dark Heart Nursery complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.