Sun Gro Horticulture

Lab Technician

Santa Maria, CA
Full Time
Mid Level

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at Sun Gro.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Lab Technician is responsible for ensuring Sun Gro’s quality practices are adhered to at the site they support as well as external agency requirements.  This is done by following the steps outlined in the SQS Manual, conducting lab tests on raw materials, in-process components and finished products.  The Lab Technician must consistently monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.  Data is collected and reported to ensure consistent product is produced and verified. Pay range for this role is between $19-$22/hr.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Quality
  • Understand and accurately follow the SQS program and its requirements
  • Work with operations employees to complete raw material, in-process and finished product testing per SQS Manual
  • Understand and follow the appropriate protocols (escalation) when materials fail to meet expected quality parameters
  • Test finished product at the start of a run and throughout to ensure consistency
  • Collect or create samples as required by Technical, Regulatory or other teams
  • Calibrate testing equipment as required by SQS Manual
  • Assist in plant/mix line calibration as requested by operations
  • Collect retain samples as required by SQS Manual
  • Train employees in performing receiving, in-process and finished product testing as required
  • Enter test results into SG database Navision quality module and provide to approved parties e.g. Grower/Technical Specialist data as requested
  • Assist Grower Specialist and Operations with claims resolution
  • Participate on Plant-centric teams to provide insight into quality issues in a timely manner
  • Work with Regional Technical Specialists to ensure proper quality specifications are maintained and escalate any quality issues that do not fall within proper specification
  • Complete Audits Yearly.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
 
  • Strong math skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Good analytical and problem solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Fosters Teamwork
  • Above average computer skills, Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and other data-based systems
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
 
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 – 3 years experience in production of soils or related industry

 
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 
  • Walking, sitting, standing required for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs
  • Ability to smell, hear and see
  • Ability to touch and feel
  • Ability to work shift work
  • Ability to communicate effectively and interpret tests results to others

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
 
  • Environment can be dusty and loud at times
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions are possible and temperatures can be either hot or cold, depending on the site
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