Quality Technician

Job#: 1338578

Job Description:

Quality Technician

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Quality Technician is to perform all routine testing of raw materials and finished products in accordance with established methods to provide process control support and assure product quality and safety.

This role will be working 4 x 10 hour shifts, Saturday - Tuesday from 5:30 AM-4:00 PM

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Pulls, records and labels finished product samples for immediate testing and/or future evaluations as required.
• Verifies product labeling and code dates.
• Performs all chemical and microbiological testing on all raw, in-process control and finished product samples.
• Operates laboratory equipment, performs calibrations as required following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and troubleshoots when necessary.
• Communicates crucial in-process control testing and product evaluation results to management as specified by SOPs.
• Maintains company laboratory information management systems (LIMS) by performing daily data entry of sample identification and results.
• Verifies supply inventories, restocks and prepares supplies as needed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Quality Technician responsibilities include completing all documentation and data entry associated with milk/cream receipts as well as handling and analyzing all samples and results.

Other responsibilities consist of complete maintenance and operation of all laboratory equipment, supplies and glassware as specified by standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices (GLPs). This also includes sample handling requirements (receiving, storage and testing), daily housekeeping, routine workstation disinfection, equipment performance monitoring, calibration, trouble-shooting, and supply inventory maintenance (stocking and preparing supplies).

Technicians are expected to interpret production schedules and adjust accordingly in anticipation of the sample load to ensure the availability of adequate time and supplies. Analysts are expected to complete all daily testing within their allotted shift.

Testing includes, but is not limited to, fat, total solids, pH, viscosity, protein, EQA, titratable acidity, peroxide testing, aerobic plate counts, coliform counts, yeast and mold counts, and antibiotic residue testing.

Raw material samples are pulled from the raw receiving area of milk tankers and submitted for immediate chemical and microbiological analysis. Process control samples and finished product samples are submitted, as needed, by processors for immediate analysis. Quality Technicians monitor additional finished product samples to monitor quality and comply with standardized shelf-life testing and retention programs.

Further testing requirements include plant utility water, wastewater, package analysis, and occasional environmental monitoring and special project testing. Present data and immediate problems regarding food safety and quality to management for immediate action. Provide weekly reports to management outlining completed tasks, issues that occurred and goals. The Quality Technician is required to test products per quality assurance requirements.

The Quality Technician has the authority to take immediate corrective actions when dealing with Food Safety and Food Quality issues and is required to report these issues to his/her immediate supervisor and/or Quality Manager if further action is required. Another Quality Technician or designated employee, trained to perform testing duties, will fill in for Quality Technician in their absence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. or AAS. degree in science related field, i.e., chemistry, microbiology or equivalent is preferred but not required
• 1-2 years of related lab industry experience is needed
• Formal Education (including short courses) on GLP, GMP, TQM & HACCP are a plus

EXPECTED SKILLS

• Strong analytical and applied problem solving skills
• Familiarity with food plant operations is desired
• Excellent computer and math skills
• Excellent personal organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Manufacturing experience
• Laboratory experience
• Memberships in professional organizations

PERSONALITY PROFILE IN PRIORITY ORDER

• Strong work ethic, accountable, mature and possesses management perspective.
• Excitement for their role or field of endeavor.
• Sets and enforces high standards.
• Strong sense of right and wrong as well as an understanding of corporate accountability.
• Team player who readily assists other departments.
• Approachable, respectful, open and talkative.
• Places the personal needs of others above one's own self-ambition or corporate ambitions.
• Detail oriented, precise, communicates with clarity. Tailors' response to asker's knowledge.
• Enjoys speaking in front of small groups.
• Good personal organizational skills and habits.
• Patient but proactive. Not afraid to speak up in a group if prepared.

Send resume today for immediate consideration to

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .