Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Juice Laboratory Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the science behind great-tasting, high-quality beverages? This role requires a highly motivated and precise Juice Laboratory Technician to become a vital part of our Quality Assurance department. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for conducting critical chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses of our juice products from raw ingredients to the final packaged item. You will work with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and collaborate closely with our production team to uphold our commitment to excellence. This position is perfect for an individual with a strong scientific background who thrives in a structured environment and is dedicated to ensuring consumer safety and satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Graduate (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology)
Quality Control Technician (other industries)
Production Line Operator with a quality focus

Advancement To:

Senior Laboratory Technician / Lead Technician
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Research & Development (R&D) Scientist

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Auditor
R&D Technician
Sanitation Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive chemical and physical analyses on raw materials, in-process blends, and finished juice products, including Brix (sugar content), pH, titratable acidity, color, and turbidity.
Operate, maintain, and calibrate a variety of laboratory instruments such as refractometers, pH meters, automatic titrators, and spectrophotometers to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Perform routine microbiological testing, including total plate counts, yeast and mold analysis, and pathogen screening, utilizing aseptic techniques to guarantee product safety and stability.
Diligently record all test data, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with an exceptional degree of accuracy and integrity.
Execute sensory evaluations (organoleptic testing) on finished products, assessing taste, aroma, mouthfeel, and appearance against established quality benchmarks and reference samples.
Immediately identify, document, and report any out-of-specification (OOS) results to the Quality Assurance Supervisor for prompt investigation and implementation of corrective actions.
Place non-conforming products or raw materials on hold, assist in root cause analysis, and verify the effectiveness of implemented Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).
Collect representative samples from various stages of the production line, including incoming tankers, blending tanks, and post-pasteurization, ensuring proper labeling and traceability.
Uphold a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment by adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), safety protocols, and daily housekeeping schedules.
Provide direct technical support to the production team by troubleshooting quality-related issues on the floor and communicating analytical findings clearly and effectively.
Analyze trends in quality data to identify potential process drifts or areas for improvement, and prepare summary reports for the quality management team.
Assist in the development, validation, and implementation of new testing methods and procedures to improve efficiency and analytical capabilities.

Secondary Functions

Participate actively in the facility's HACCP, GMP, and food safety programs, contributing to internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support Research & Development and new product development teams by preparing benchtop samples and conducting analytical testing on pilot-scale batches.
Manage and maintain inventory of laboratory consumables, chemicals, and supplies, initiating purchase orders as needed to prevent operational delays.
Calibrate and perform daily verification checks on production line monitoring equipment, such as in-line Brix and pH meters, to ensure process control.
Prepare and ship samples to third-party laboratories for specialized testing and validation, ensuring proper documentation and shipping conditions are met.
Review and verify production batch records for the completeness and accuracy of quality-related entries and critical control point monitoring.
Maintain and update laboratory documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), equipment logs, and calibration records, to ensure compliance.
Ensure proper segregation and disposal of chemical and biological waste in accordance with environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with standard laboratory instruments (e.g., Refractometer, pH meter, Autotitrator, Spectrophotometer).
Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and HACCP principles.
Experience with aseptic sampling techniques and standard microbiological plating methods.
Competency using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and retrieval.
Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques, including solution preparation and titration.
Sensory (organoleptic) evaluation skills for taste, aroma, and appearance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all tasks.
Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting findings and collaborating with teams.
Proven ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as a collaborative team member.
Superior time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability and a willingness to learn new techniques and procedures.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Chemistry
Biology / Microbiology
Biochemistry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a quality control laboratory environment.

Preferred: Direct experience within the food and beverage manufacturing industry is highly desirable. Experience in a GMP-regulated facility will be considered a significant asset.