Quality Assurance Technician

Job Summary

The Q.A Technician is responsible for analytical and microbiological, evaluations of all milk and butter products, etc. To provide assistance to all other departments as required to aid in the production of quality products and the monitoring of process controls.

Essential Functions

• Perform any and all analytical testing as needed, i.e.: moisture, fat, pH, total solids, titratable acidity, salt, electrical conductivity, antibiotic, etc.
• Perform any and all bacteriological testing as required, i.e.: total plate count, yeast and mold, coliform, environmental monitoring, air monitoring etc.
• Perform confirmation testing on presumptive positive antibiotic loads, to include sulfa and tetra on the Charm III and confirmation of Beta Lactams on Charm S/L.
• Obtain and maintain a Limited Samplers and Weigher’s license.
• Must be able to set-up, operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate all pieces of laboratory equipment maintained in the laboratory and other departments.
• Adherence to procedures to ensure accuracy of results.
• Operate automated equipment for testing of milk, and butter products.
• Must follow all necessary safety precautions while testing and while in other departments, such as the use of safety glasses, gloves, proper transferring of chemicals, etc.
• Must be able to operate personal computer and systems computer to input necessary data.
• Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner in accordance with the CDI Letter of Confidentiality.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area. 
• Must keep area stocked with supplies.
• Responsible for quality related tasks such as hold procedures, extraneous reports, shelf-life evaluations, etc.
• Communication of results, etc. to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, professional manner.
• Preparation of all solutions and media required to perform all laboratory tests.
• Recognize and notify Q.A. foreperson/appropriate supervisors of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary rechecks for analytical and microbiological tests.
• Aid in training of new laboratory personnel.
• Lab Techs must be trained to cover cross functionally.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
• Must notify supervisor in the event that standards are not met.
• Assist with break and lunch relief as needed.
• Responsible for all work being done in a timely fashion and done properly.
• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Follow all company Policies, such as but not limited to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safe Quality Foods (SQF), and Safety Rules and procedures.
• Required to climb stairs, ladders and work in confined spaces.
• Employee will be subject to temperatures ranging from 30 degrees F to 130 degrees F.
• Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance at work.
• Complete all paperwork neatly and correctly.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must be able to work in a quick and efficient manner.
• Must be able to read and understand all company rules and GMP’s.
• Must be able to work in a safe manner and follow all safety procedures.
• Must be able to work well with other people.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field or Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in dairy laboratory testing.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must possess or be able to acquire and maintain both Limited Samplers and Weigher’s license and Charm Test certification.

Driving Requirements: N/A

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times. General knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• The use of non-slip footwear is necessary due to slippery and wet floors.
• The use of rubber gloves is necessary to preform job functions.
• Constantly subjected to moving mechanical parts.
• On occasions will be subjected to chemicals including caustic, acid, and chlorine.
• Employee will be subject to temperatures ranging from 30 degrees F to 130 degrees F.
• Working area is noisy and may require that hearing protection be worn at all times.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will do all three. Must be able to stand on feet for at least a two-hour consecutive time period and up to 8-12 hours.
• Lifting/Carrying: Each workday, the Q.A. technician lifts up to 36 pounds on a repetitive basis. Occasional lifting/carrying 55 pounds may be required as well.
• Pushing/Pulling: Each workday, the Q.A. technician frequently pushes and pulls up to, but not limited to, 55 pounds in a repetitive manner.
• Bending/Stooping: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will bend and stoop often.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will sometimes squat. Occasional kneeling/crawling may be required.
• Twisting/Turning: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will often twist and turn while carrying.
• Climbing/Balancing: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will occasionally climb and/or balance.
• Reaching: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will frequently reach in a repetitive manner.
• Grasping/Manipulating: Each workday, the Q.A. technician will frequently grasp and manipulate in a repetitive manner.