At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

This position is responsible for executing the daily plan in coordination with the EH&S management team and any other departmental management team members who are involved in a project.  The SER Project Technician will plan, organize, and follow-up on the safety and environmental needs of the Eddyville Facility.  They will assist with coordination of construction and production work as needed based on tasks taking place.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing setting with a strong knowledge/focus on safety protocols
• Production, Wastewater, Utilities and Maintenance (overall manufacturing process) experience preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be self-motivated and show a willingness to learn
• Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, E-Maint, SAP, Velocity, etc.)
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects for oneself and the team
• Ability to professionally interact and communicate with others
• Basic knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with an ability to lead and teach others
• Mechanical aptitude and/or a willingness to learn how to troubleshoot mechanical issues
• Use of required personal protective equipment when in the manufacturing environment
• Good working knowledge of SER ISO programs and policies
• Ability to interface with others in the workforce and stop all unsafe activities identified.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Fast-paced bioprocess manufacturing construction and production environment working both indoors and outdoors in various temperatures. This position may perform activities in an environment that contains hazardous elements and requires safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines.  Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. Safety, environmental, and quality standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting or standing, repetitive use of hands and arms, and eye/hand coordination for 6+ hours a day. Walking required, usually < 1-2 hours a day. The position may require lifting, up to 55 lbs., on occasion. Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing, or pulling. Seasonal exposure to hot and cold temperatures. Ability to infrequently climb ladders and stairs.  Ability to wear respirator according to respiratory protection program. Position holder may be required to drive a car or truck on occasion.

Safety, Environmental, & Quality Compliance

• Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and convey them to others.
• Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards.
• Complete/assist with Contractor audits as required and follow-up on any findings until corrected.
• Stop any hazardous activity as identified and correct as soon as possible.
• Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and policies
• Coordinate LOTO with production in preparation startup activities 

Data Collection, Equipment Verification and Documentation

• Oversee any new projects or installations in the department to ensure paperwork is completed.
• Make sure all PPE are being used correctly and for being task appropriate.
• Assist with completing any necessary work permits.
• Work closely with engineering and production during project status review meetings. 

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Collaborate with other departments about project work to ensure understanding of needs and expectations collectively.
• Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas, continually striving for increasing processing efficiencies based on regulations and personal knowledge.
• Be the point of contact for contractors for SER topics.
• Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized.

Coordination of Department Tasks

• Meet with existing departments when project activities may possibly impact production.
• Meet with the construction team and contractors to go over work to be completed daily/weekly as well as planning for offsite equipment needs (cranes, pumps, rentals, etc.)
• Work with Supervisor and Manager to plan startup safety counter measures and then share information with other department managers.
• Report all Incidents, Near Miss, and or Identified hazards timely.
• Communicate with project and department management regularly with updates on daily performance and issues via email, phone, or face-to-face updates.

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.