Job Description

Position Title: Quality Technician I

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive Benefits including Health, Life Insurance, STD, 401(k) plan and more!

Company Information:

ARG is the longest continuously operating refinery in North America dating back to 1881. Privately held, the employees and leadership pride themselves on offering competitive pay, generous benefits and a supportive culture of growth and learning. In addition to a 401k retirement plan to which the company makes matching contributions, ARG offers participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to qualified employees, through which they share in the profits of the company.

Scope & Responsibilities of Quality Technician I: (Not limited to)

As a Quality Technician, be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment, and open to gaining broad experience in various laboratory areas. In a lab setting, technicians examine products, process samples and conduct experiments to determine quality status &/or identify imperfections. Often using mechanical or electronic equipment and chemical analysis, Technicians work to ensure that manufactured products meet standards and company specifications. The lab operates on a continuous basis 24/7/365 days a year and individuals serving in this role support a rotational schedule including shift work.

• Conduct routine laboratory test methods to evaluate products for adherence to company standards regarding both quality and color. 
• Use job-related equipment in accordance with standard guidelines, as well as perform housekeeping and basic maintenance of equipment.
• Complete mathematical calculations to validate test results.
• Enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software. 
• Collaborate and build effective working relations with team members and beyond.
• Provide exceptional internal & external service by communicating effectively with peers, co-workers, suppliers, third-party representatives, and supervisors.
• Operate under documented Process Safety Management and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Systems.
• Adhere to safety practices while handling hazardous materials and comply with the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and OSHA/TOSCA regulations. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Benefits Available to Quality Technician I:

• Health Insurance including Medical, Dental, Optical & Prescription
• Health Savings Accounts & Flexible-Spending Plans
• Life, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance Options
• Short & Long-term Disability Coverage
• Escalating Paid Vacation Plans
• Paid Holidays & Personal Days
• Education & Employee Assistance Plans
• Employee Stock Ownership & 401 (k) Plans

Education & Experience for Quality Technician I:

• Bachelor of Science with lab experience preferred; consideration will be given for candidates with Associate of Science with 1-5 years of work experience &/or High School Diploma or GED with strong math & science background and 5-10 years of work experience.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite of applications, including Excel, and general office technologies is required.
• American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is desirable.
• Knowledge in water chemistry, refinery and branded lubricants is advantageous.
• Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
• May be required to complete Forklift Certification program.

Other Qualifications of Quality Technician I:

• Develop general understanding of company products and processes.
• Display mechanical aptitude and successfully able to use wide array of scientific tools and equipment.
• Understand and properly apply appropriate units of measure in testing scenarios.
• Execute oral and written instructions with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Comprehend and report relevant data from LIMS to stakeholders.
• Capable of multi-tasking; able to prioritize the planning and execution of tasks or projects. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adjust to changing work environment and priorities.
• Work efficiently under limited supervision and time constraints; ability to work independently is essential.
• Complete all job-related training activities which may range between 1-3 years to achieve a fully qualified Technician status.
• Desire to function in and support a culture of servant leadership.
• Successful completion of all company mandated &/or job-related training programs deemed appropriate.

Physical & Cognitive Demands of Quality Technician I:

COGNITIVE DEMANDS: Meet deadlines, focus attention, work independently, independent judgments, work with a team, communication, instruct/synthesize, reading comprehension, critical thinking/troubleshooting.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  seeing, speaking, hearing, smell, sitting, walk/climb, stand/reach, listening, writing, driving, keyboarding.  Push/pull/lift/carry or otherwise transport 50 pounds.

May be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, &/or callouts to support business activities.

Regularly handle 5-gallon pails, gas cylinders sample strays, etc. therefore, must possess sufficient physical strength and endurance to push/pull/lift/transport 50 pounds.

This role requires strong visual skills that specifically include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Notes:

This position, as well as every other position at American Refining Group, is required to conduct their work at a high level of safety and quality performance. We require our employees to adhere to safety policies and procedures and expect they will help and encourage colleagues to do so as well. Our goal is to strive for a Zero-Incident environment that is a benefit to our employees and community. Our commitment to safety is identified as one of our core values: “Safety is our Compass”. Employees are expected to understand and operate under current Process Safety Management guidelines in accordance with their role. Adherence to our Refinery Conduct of Operations in refinery and safety-sensitive functions is critical to our ongoing commitment to reliable operations. 

American Refining Group, Inc. executes and maintains an ISO certified Quality Management System to meet specified customer requirements for product performance, safety, and service.
 
Employees are expected to understand and operate under the guidelines of the Quality Management System while executing the functions of their position. ARG culture promotes ongoing training and mentoring that is intended to be a developmental partnership for all (employees are subject to ongoing performance reviews and feedback).

This is not a job bid - external recruiting is being conducted concurrently with internal posting. Applicants will be selected based on qualifications and a job interview; final selection will rest solely with the Company.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; they are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

EEO Employer –ARG is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in our recruiting and employment practices. If assistance is needed to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.