Technician, QC Lab

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for using laboratory equipment in a safe manner and following standard Westlake test methods and procedures to conduct a

variety of routine and non-routine tests.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work 12 hour rotating shift or hours as prescribed by supervision. 
• Follow standard routine and non-routine laboratory procedures and test methods including control strategies, as needed.
• Follow Level I, II, and III SOP and SQP’s in according with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Westlake Quality Policy and QC Lab Quality Objective per ISO 9001 requirements.   
• Record all test results, sample identification and other necessary information in LIMS, SAP and instrument computer systems as well as LIMS production and shipment worksheets to assure that quality records are maintained.
• Continually seek ways to improve knowledge of lab test methods, instrumentation, and the product being tested.
• Follow Company policies and programs including all HSE policies and procedures.
• Complete all CBT (Training Exchange) modules as assigned. 
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment, report problems and/or problem areas to supervision.
• Perform standards and control sample testing as required to insure proper operations of testing equipment.  Follow appropriate Control Strategy for control sample failures.
• Accurately complete required testing and report test data to Operations in a timely manner.  Prioritize work to effectively and efficiently complete all tasks in a timely manner.
• Communicate (verbally and via the LIMS system) product failures to Operations, supervision and/or Quality Assurance if necessary
• Work well with coworkers and supervision.  Display enthusiasm, teamwork, and a positive attitude at all times.  Once assigned tasks are complete, actively seeks additional tasks. 
• Be self-disciplined enough to complete all needed tasks without close supervision.
• If necessary, obtain and analyze environmental samples as needed to meet environmental standards.
• Perform oil viscosity and oil moisture testing.
• Conduct timely equipment checks and perform minor maintenance and/or adjustments and repairs.
• Use statistical techniques when appropriate.
• May monitor cylinder gas pressure each shift and change out cylinders as necessary.
• Evaluate and recommend changes to help improve test procedures or other lab policies.
• Anticipate and report inventory needs of consumable supplies prior to depletion.
• Utilize spare time to clean, straighten and maintain QC Lab and lab equipment, and perform other related duties as necessary.
• Actively participate in all QC Laboratory safety programs by performing safety observations and using SafeStart practices.  Use safety observations to aid in the identification of at-risk behaviors, near misses, and safety concerns. Participate in lab safety projects.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects the environment and personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site.  Whenever appropriate, promptly report safety, health or environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected.  Attend Monthly Safety Meetings to help prevent off-site and on-the-job accidents.
• Wear required PPE for a given task.  
• Receive and apply constructive feedback from supervision positively and pursue methods to improve performance based on this feedback. 
• Complete additional tasks assigned by supervision and/or lead technician.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• High school degree.
• Two-year college degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience in a lab preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This job is performed mainly in laboratory setting; physical presence is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; have full use and range of motion of arms, hands and fingers to reach, grasp, hold, push or pull, twist, and work with tools; and talk or hear.  The employee must be able to stand for long periods of time, up to 12 hours (their full shift).  The employee is occasionally required to perform tasks that may require bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lying down or working from elevated platforms. The employee must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to see details of objects that are more/less than a few feet away; see differences between colors, shades and brightness and determine the distance between objects. This job requires response to audible emergency alarms inside of the plant.  Employee must be able to evacuate when required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee must be able to work in a normal factory environment, including enclosed spaces and exposure to various hazards. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, flame retardant clothing, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.