Quality Technician III

Performs analysis on in-process and finished products and R&D samples to ensure specifications are met. Makes accept/reject decision on incoming raw materials and pre-shipment samples based on pre-established criteria. Places defective product on hold in accordance with procedures. Resolves and reports defect issues. Interacts with other departments to communicate testing results.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

KY Buckner

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Quality Technician III

Job Description:

US Non-Union Template:

Schedule: Mon-Fri (Sat OT), 2p-1030p

Work Location: 1 Quality Place, Buckner, KY 40010

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $22.50-$29 Per Hour

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analysis and testing on in-process and finished products to ensure all quality and food safety Critical Control Points are met as defined by the applicable PJJ/Salsa, Traditional and Spoonables HACCP/Food Safety plans. 
• Performs and documents processing line audits and product evaluations for PPJ/Salsa, Traditional and Spoonables products, as assigned.  Tests include, but are not limited to: pH, water activity, viscosity, density, brix, product acidity, product sensory evaluation, packaging evaluation and CCP monitoring activity verifications.
• Performs and document verification activities of product foreign material detection devices to ensure equipment functionality.
• Performs and document verification activities of pasteurizer water chemical concentrations in the PJJ/Salsa processing areas.
• Assist in the identification and resolution of quality and food safety related non-conformances, including hold and release program activities.
• Ensure employees are following all quality, food safety, GMP programs and procedures.
• Review all production documents and investigate or correct for any missing or erroneous information.

• Assist in the collection and management of retain samples.
• Assist internal and external personnel on documentation requests, audits and inspections.
• Perform sanitation effectiveness verification activities that may include pre-operational inspections, environmental monitoring sampling and hygienic restoration activities.
• Assist with the coordination of environmental monitoring program including the preparation and sampling of environmental swabs, water and air testing.
• Assist in the investigation of non-conformances related to sanitation effectiveness.
• Actively participates in verification and validation activities of the food safety plans and is an active member of the plant’s food safety team.
• Assist in the investigation of consumer complaints.
• Work closely with operations, warehouse, sanitation, maintenance departments for all quality needs.
• Performs lab and workstation housekeeping tasks.
• Performs annual mock recall and traceability exercises as assigned
• Product shelf life reporting and shelf life extensions
• Performs certificate of analysis verification for all incoming ingredients
• Assists receiving team with investigating defective loads and administering corrective action as needed
• Creates and sends finished product COA upon customer request
• Updates schedule A and B per Kosher requirements
• Performs defect form submissions for all supplier related incidents
• Proficient in Tracegains
• Proficient in SAP
• Safely and accurately perform all duties as required for this position to ensure the safety and quality of our products.
• Completes HACCP, Better Process Controls, PCQI, BRC implementation.
• Executes environmental monitoring program by scheduling swab sites for QA team members
• Assists Quality Supervisor with scheduling and lab coverage to include the duties of QA Tech I & II
• Prepares paperwork packets for production team members and reviews completed paperwork for finished product release.
• Executes laboratory proficiency testing plan to ensure sample testing methods are validated accordingly
• Prepares sensory cuttings and performs organoleptic evaluations on finished product
• Monitors laboratory supply inventory levels and works with QA Team Leader/Maintenance Planner to keep required laboratory supplies in stock
• Monitors lab equipment maintenance and calibration
• Serves as a working team lead and a backup for QA Supervisor as scheduled.
• Fulf