Job Information
Perdue Farms, Inc. Sensory Technician in Salisbury, Maryland
Perdue Foods is part of Perdue Farms, a family-owned company heading into its second century of growth and innovation. With a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins, we create products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe, while changing the way animals are raised for food.
Summary
We are recruiting for Sensory Lab Technician. Executes assigned sensory related activities with supervision. Prepares for and conducts sensory testing in sensory kitchen/lab. The Sensory Technician will be responsible for supporting daily functions for a high performing sensory lab. This includes but not limited to maintaining the sensory area, equipment within the sensory lab, and executing daily sensory testing. This person will perform testing based on established sensory practices to obtain accurate results. Organization, task prioritization, and adhering to timelines will be essential. Using technology to complete various testing is essential to this position and the team uses multiple computer programs. The candidate must have excellent Microsoft excel and word in order to accomplish the required tasks for consumer testing.
Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Conducts sensory tests as specified by sensory scientists and/or manager, ensure testing methodology selected is completed without errors in the system and ready prior to testing day.
Data entry of coding from products, testing methodology, materials, appropriate consumer information/criteria, cooking instructions, other test equipment into protocol forms and Compusense system. Includes taking pictures of the product and testing area and uploading into the system for reporting.
Check questionnaires for accuracy to ensure information in system updates into the custom report.
Assist sensory scientist using software and platform programs including importing large data from Microsoft Excel into Compusense, exporting from Compusense into Microsoft Excel and other programs such as text messaging, compensation, and social media. Prepare daily files using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Compusense system: sign in/appointment sheets, compensation distribution sheet, email reminders, and text message reminders.
Prepare for required tests by acquiring product and equipment necessary for methodology and including labeling. Order product and shop for competitive product when needed.
Maintain work areas in clean orderly condition and apply safety standards in all work areas. This includes conducting safety checks of building and labs 1-2 times per year. Preparing lab, cleaning lab and all testing areas.
Track lab inventory and order supplies: kitchen and lab supplies, maintain weekly product inventory in refrigerator(s) and freezer(s), order supplies for serving product, including shipping materials for mail and product pick up testing.
Cook/prepare product for testing using commercial, residential, and/or foodservice equipment.
Provide customer service to Delmarva Sensory customers: answering phone, responding to email, troubleshooting with customers using sensory computer system. Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings by interacting with consumers professionally and respectfully. The technician will be responsible for monitoring customer service satisfaction ratings on Delmarva Sensory social media and in our survey program. Uploading reports to share drive and/or Perdue iQ (research library)
Communicating with various scientists and research & development team members on testing and product information to prepare for schedule test(s).
Organization and inventory of the sensory lab, maintain sensory protocols are up to date, maintain good safety practices by adhering to both GLP (good laboratory practices) and Servsafe. Update and maintain Delmarva Sensory consumer databases, such as email addresses, consumer profiles, children accounts. Mail account update flyers, run activity reports in Compusense and export necessary excel data, develop monthly and quarterly pptx reports.
Preparation of samples, including preparation of samples using protocols, sample labelling, and purchasing reference products and serving receptacles (on line and in store) for panel, product cuttings and consumer testing. Documentation, including datasheets, preparation protocols, recording pull dates of commercial products, creating, updating, and organizing lab logs, create and maintain product databases, make and update shopping lists. Restocking supplies & proper storage of products.
Consistently follow up with sensory scientists and product developers on product to be sure samples are received and prep/cooking instructions are received and tested prior to testing day.
Other tasks as assigned by manager.
Assist other teams when needed such as culinary and product development.
Minimum Education and Requirements
REQUIRED: High school degree or GED equivalent required. Requires exceptional written/verbal communication skills, good customer service skills, ability to manage time well while working in a fast paced environment. Requires strong computer skills and intermediate knowledge in up to date versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Should have knowledge of common kitchen appliances and cooking. Must be willing to taste test protein products such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork.
PREFERRED: At least 1-year experience in the food industry, medical industry, or science lab. Working in a food manufacturing lab or manufacturing facility is a plus. Experience in sensory is a plus.
Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements
Position requires standing, bending, and moving a lot.
May need to move light (10-20 lbs.) equipment or supplies from one place to another.
May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
Work activity is in a kitchen, food truck, and lab.
Perdue Farms, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.