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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vaccine Logistics Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainHealthcarePharmaceuticalsBiotechnology

🎯 Role Definition

The Vaccine Logistics Technician is a critical guardian of public health, serving as the hands-on specialist responsible for the integrity of the vaccine cold chain. This role is far more than just moving boxes; it involves the meticulous handling, storage, monitoring, and distribution of temperature-sensitive, life-saving biologics. Working at the intersection of logistics, quality control, and regulatory compliance, the technician ensures that every vaccine vial is maintained under exacting conditions from the moment it arrives at a facility until it is dispatched for administration. This position demands a profound sense of responsibility, unwavering attention to detail, and the ability to perform precise tasks under pressure, directly impacting the effectiveness of vaccination programs and patient safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate (especially in a regulated or temperature-controlled environment)
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Logistics Coordinator or Assistant
  • Laboratory Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Cold Chain Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Logistics & Distribution Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Inventory Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Quality Control Associate
  • Clinical Trial Supplies Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute the end-to-end physical and administrative processes for receiving, inspecting, and storing inbound shipments of vaccines, diluents, and associated medical supplies.
  • Meticulously verify shipment documentation against physical contents, ensuring accuracy in product type, quantity, lot number, and expiration dates.
  • Operate specialized material handling equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, to safely move and position temperature-sensitive products within the facility.
  • Manage the precise placement and organization of inventory within designated temperature zones, including refrigerators, freezers, and ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers.
  • Continuously monitor and document temperature conditions across all storage units using digital data loggers (DDLs) and building management systems, responding immediately to any alarms or deviations.
  • Conduct routine calibration checks and minor maintenance on temperature monitoring equipment to ensure consistent accuracy and reliability.
  • Perform daily, weekly, and monthly inventory cycle counts and support comprehensive physical inventories to maintain stock accuracy and investigate any discrepancies.
  • Follow detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for picking, packing, and preparing vaccine orders for outbound shipment, ensuring all products are selected correctly.
  • Expertly pack vaccines in validated cold chain shipping containers, selecting the appropriate coolant (ice packs, gel packs, dry ice) based on product requirements, transit duration, and ambient temperature forecasts.
  • Prepare and affix all necessary shipping labels, handling instructions, and regulatory documentation to outbound parcels, ensuring full compliance with IATA, DOT, and carrier-specific regulations.
  • Coordinate with courier and freight services for the timely pickup and dispatch of shipments, ensuring a seamless handover and maintaining the chain of custody.
  • Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to process transactions, track inventory movement, and generate reports.
  • Conduct thorough quality control inspections on incoming materials and outgoing parcels to identify and quarantine any damaged, compromised, or non-conforming products.
  • Maintain meticulous, error-free records and logbooks for all logistics activities, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) for regulatory traceability and audit readiness.
  • Segregate and manage the disposition of expired, recalled, or damaged products according to established quarantine and destruction protocols.
  • Uphold a clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to all environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines and cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
  • Participate in the investigation of temperature excursions or logistics-related deviations, assisting in root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Assist in the validation and qualification of new storage equipment, shipping systems, and logistics processes to ensure they meet stringent quality standards.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, explaining processes, and demonstrating compliance with regulatory bodies like the FDA, CDC, and WHO.
  • Cross-train on various logistics functions to provide flexible support across the team and ensure operational continuity during periods of high demand or staff absence.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to inventory levels, shipment times, and temperature performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting enhancements to logistics workflows and SOPs.
  • Collaborate with procurement and planning teams to provide feedback on supplier performance and inventory needs.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the logistics team operates within an agile framework for project management.
  • Assist in training new team members on safety protocols, equipment operation, and standard operating procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Cold Chain Management: Deep understanding of the principles and practices for maintaining specific temperature ranges (refrigerated, frozen, ultra-low) for biologics.
  • Good Distribution Practices (GDP): Proficient knowledge and application of GDP regulations for pharmaceuticals to ensure product quality and integrity throughout the supply chain.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan) for inventory control.
  • Temperature Monitoring Technology: Competency in using and interpreting data from Digital Data Loggers (DDLs), chart recorders, and centralized monitoring systems.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with regulations from bodies such as the FDA, DEA, IATA (for dangerous goods), and DOT concerning the handling and transport of pharmaceutical goods.
  • Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Certified or experienced in safely operating forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse machinery.
  • Packing & Shipping Validation: Knowledge of protocols for packing temperature-sensitive products, including the proper use of insulated shippers, phase-change materials, and dry ice.
  • Good Documentation Practices (GDP): Skill in maintaining accurate, legible, and compliant records for traceability and audit purposes.
  • Quality Control Inspection: Ability to perform detailed visual inspections of products and packaging to identify defects or damage.
  • Basic Computer Proficiency: Solid skills in using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for data entry, communication, and reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all tasks, from reading labels and verifying numbers to documenting temperatures, where small errors can have significant consequences.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly identify issues, such as a temperature deviation or inventory discrepancy, and follow protocols to resolve them effectively.
  • Adaptability & Composure: Capacity to remain calm and function effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, especially when responding to alarms or urgent requests.
  • Dependability & Reliability: A strong sense of ownership and commitment to being punctual and completing tasks thoroughly without constant supervision.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, supervisors, and courier services.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively within a team to achieve common goals and support colleagues.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently to meet strict shipping deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics
  • Biology or a related Life Science
  • Business Administration
  • Public Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of experience in a logistics, warehouse, or supply chain role.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device warehouse environment operating under cGMP/GDP regulations.
  • Proven experience with cold chain logistics, including handling and shipping temperature-sensitive products.
  • Forklift certification and experience operating various material handling equipment.
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