Production Technician Trichoderma at AECI Limited

Job Description    

Trichoderma Production:

• Meet production targets timeously.
• Participate in the planning and scheduling of Trichoderma production activities in co-operation with the Technical Dept.
• Ensure low levels of production losses, both normal and abnormal and conduct troubleshooting to determine root causes.
• Observe, monitor and communication production bottlenecks to the Trichoderma Leading Hand.
• Ensure all equipment utilised is kept to a high level of order and efficiency.
• Ensure the isolation maintenance and purification of mother cultures for production, quality control and intellectual property purposes.
• Assist with the continuous evaluation and improvement of the protocol under the guidance of the Microbial Team Leader.

Production Management of other Niche Microbial Products:

• Assist the Microbial Team Leader with the management of the production and stock levels based on set sales targets as and when required.
• Ensure the isolation, maintenance and purification of mother cultures for production, quality control and intellectual property purposes.
• Assist the Microbial Team Leader with the drafting, implementation and management of the cleaning and production schedules.

Administration:

• Assist with the preparation and execution of the monthly stock takes for the Trichoderma production facility and QC Lab.
• Adhere to and maintain the hard copy and electronic document filing systems in an orderly and optimal manner.

Housekeeping:

• Ensure effective housekeeping and deep cleaning in accordance with the laboratory cleaning procedures.
• Maintain a high level of cleanliness and order in the laboratories ensuring that satisfactory sterilisation has been achieved with the use of thorough cleaning techniques and effective disinfectants.
• Be prepared to assist team members with maintenance of the high level of cleanliness and order in the laboratories.
• Perform other housekeeping tasks for which the incumbent is competent.

Ad Hoc Tasks:

• On occasion is required to carry out ad hoc tasks for which the incumbent is competent as instructed by the Microbial Team Leader and/or Management within reason.
• Assist with the planting/execution of and harvesting/processing of trials, including the preparation of greenhouses and seeds for trials.
• Processing samples for trial purposes, including sorting, washing, drying, labelling and measuring of different parameters as requested.
• Assist in the Quality Control Lab with the analysis of samples, for which the incumbent is competent, including but not limited to; Solvita, Root staining, Myco spore wash & count, Plate Count Method.

Qualifications & Experience    

• Minimum Grade 12 with post matric diploma or certificate focussed on Bio-technology or related scientific field. B.Sc. or Technical Science degree in Industrial Microbiology advantageous.
• Must have a minimum of 1 years’ work experience in a commercial setting in a similar role.
• Must possess a sound working knowledge of microbial culturing and upkeep of cultures.
• Must have a sound knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of SHEQ Management Systems requirements advantageous.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license, have own reliable transport and must be medically fit to drive.
• Must be able to operate in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and be self-motivated.
• Possess a sound knowledge of laboratory administration, laboratory procurement and laboratory servicing needs.