Quality Assurance Technician

Essential Functions:

• Approach tasks with a Continuous Improvement (CI) mindset, and engage in Model Dairy's Mission Statement to identify, value, prioritize, resource, and sustain improvement opportunities.
• Own and promote a Safety Culture by ensuring a safe work environment and promoting proper safety behavior.
• Perform sensory evaluation of product samples, fresh and at shelf life
• Prepare samples, media, and solutions for chemical, physical, and microbiological analysis.
• Perform accurate microbiological analysis of raw material, in-process, and finished goods. Coliform, Standard Plate Count, Yeast & Mold
• Perform accurate chemical and physical analysis; Antibiotics, Freeze point analysis, Phosphatase, butterfat and Total solids, Brix, Titratable Acidity, Vitamin analysis.
• Safely operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to include Foss FT120, Cryoscope, Horiba, Brix, pH meter, CEM, scales, pipettes, thermometers
• Perform quality checks, adhering to specifications, and escalate any deficiencies and non-compliance findings to the quality leadership team following the Hold and Release Program.
• Perform pre-operational and sanitation checks of facility and equipment including visual inspections, and ATP swabbing.
• Perform finished product checks of labels, coding, and packaging.
• Apply proper sample collection, transport, storage testing, and disposal
• Conduct and maintain the Environmental Monitoring Program and Allergen Program to include Air Quality, Water Quality, Pathogen swabbing, and Allergen swabbing.
• Perform routine laboratory and administrative duties, coordinate sampling and sample shipments with third-party laboratories and customer request as appropriate.
• Maintain proper inventory of all laboratory items and supplies. Accurately identify and restock lab supplies to maintain a current lab supply and inventory rotation
• Maintain various production, raw material analysis, and quality control records in an organized manner while meeting local, state, and federal regulations and SQF code requirements.
• Record and enter data, create COAs, and other reports promptly and accurately; provide summary reports of testing and monitoring activities to management and leadership teams.
• Keep accurate and legible records following Good Documentation Practices (GDPs), prioritize work assignments effectively, review work for quality and completeness
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Must follow all proper Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and established quality policies, safety policies, and standard operating procedures
• Participate in laboratory proficiency and follow and maintain laboratory procedures; Identify and implement process improvement and efficiencies in laboratory functions
• May orient and instruct others in job duties
• Assist Quality Assurance Supervisor and Manager in special projects and any other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Effective use of time management and organizational skills
• Detail oriented with an ability to prioritize in a fast-paced production environment.
• Self-starter and able to effectively and efficiently complete tasks without close supervision.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance systems and processes within a food manufacturing environment
• Proficient in the use of standard computer software, i.e., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent interpersonal skills: professional, courteous, friendly, empathetic.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred); Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience working in a food laboratory environment (food laboratory experience preferred)
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Knowledgeable of Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs)
• Strong understanding of microbiology.
• GMP and/or HACCP qualifications desirable.

Model Dairy offers its employees a team-oriented work environment, competitive salary, and an excellent benefit package including medical/dental/vision benefits and 401(k) retirement plan.

Model Dairy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Model Dairy participates in E-Verify.

Education

• High School or better