Quality Assurance Technician

• 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.
• Able to work Monday thru Friday 8pm-4:30am (occasional weekend & OT)

Do you have experience in pH sensors?, Do you have a High school diploma or GED?, * 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, * 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.

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance, 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.