Quality Technician (12 Hour Nights- Rotating Weekends)

job purpose:

Entry level position that provides key support for the Quality department including water testing, raw milk testing, raw and pasteurized load out testing, finished product testing, microbiological testing, chemical titrations, and work-in-process testing. Employee is responsible for generating daily reports, data entry and collection, project assistance, filing, assist in conduct of special studies, calibrations, data collection, and communicating with other departments.

responsibilities:

• Ability to operate lab testing instrumentation correctly and in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner. Testing includes but is not limited to moisture/solids, protein, fat and pH. Technician will be responsible for understanding Foss analytical equipment, pH meter and other laboratory instrumentation as needed.
• Perform daily quality line sampling, evaluations and testing on plant floor as assigned.
• Preparation of all solutions and media required in the performance of laboratory tests.
• Required to perform sensory evaluations on all finished products.
• Fill out and maintain accurate laboratory records and results in the laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Recognize and notify Quality Assurance Manager and appropriate operations supervisors of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary re-checks as required.
• Conduct raw milk testing/screening as required by fairlife and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), ensuring milk meets all quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Maintain required certifications are required by the PMO.
• Ensure verification of approved incoming raw milk producers.
• Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area at all times. Must keep area stocked with sufficient supplies to perform job responsibilities.
• Communication of results to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, and professional manner.
• Report immediately to supervisor or manager of any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning the plant equipment or lab instrumentation.
• Follow all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and GLP’s rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

skills/qualifications required:

• College degree is highly preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of (1) year experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• College level verbal and written communication skills. Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 40-45 hours/sitting/standing/walking/lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Assist can be provided.

food safety responsibilities:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in production areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet company, customer and/or government requirements/standards as prioritized by the company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to food safety and the quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to food safety and the quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of food safety and quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condit