Quality Assurance Technician

The QA Technician will be responsible to liaise with Operations to ensure a safe wholesome finished product, which meets our customer’s specifications. This is accomplished by conforming to all standards within the LOL Quality Management Systems.

The individual will assist with LQMS orientation and training of new employees. Monitor activities to ensure compliance to all standards of LQMS. Work with QA Managers, Lab Supervisor and Staff to foster and develop programs to assist all employees in the completion of their duties, especially regarding Quality. Works Plant wide to ensure that product integrity, from a microbiological and analytical standpoint, is protected.

HOURS: 2nd Shift

5:00pm - 2:30am, Monday - Friday

HOURLY PAY RATE:

$16.50

EDUCATION:

* High School Diploma or GED.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

* 6 months plus work experience in a food manufacturing setting

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

* 18 years or older

* Work in cold and/or hot temperatures throughout the day

* Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of initiative and flexibility

* Extremely attentive to detail

* Analytical problem solving / root cause analysis skills

* Ability to work alone as well as with a team

* Good analytical and problem solving skills

* Utilize laboratory supplies/items relating to plant sanitation/safety

* Effective written and oral communication skills

* Proficient communication / interpersonal skills with the ability to teach, coach, and deliver results.

* Able to multi-task in fast paced environment with limited supervision

* Proficient in window based PC programs

* Ability to lift 50lbs.

* Need good time management skills to balance everyday workload with additional assignments/projects

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

* Quality experience in a manufacturing environment preferably in a Dairy or related food plant manufacturing operations

* Associates Degree in Science related field

* 1 plus years’ experience of progressive quality assurance or lab experience in food, or related operations

Essential Functions: As directed.

Milk Receiving

• Paperwork
• Sampling
• Temperature Check
• Butter Fat Testing
• Acidity Testing
• PH Testing
• Organoleptic Evaluation

Ingredient / Kettle check and release

• Paperwork
• Temperature Check
• Salt Testing
• Brix Testing
• PH Testing
• Viscosity Testing
• RS View Kettle Release
• Organoleptic Evaluation

Filler Operations

• Paperwork
• Temperature Check
• Metal Detector Verification
• X-ray Verification
• Seal Testing
• Code Check
• Weight Check
• Retain sample collection

Packing Operations

• Paperwork
• Temperature Check
• Code Check
• Labeling Check
• Packaging Evaluation
• Organoleptic Evaluation

Micro & lab Testing

• Sample collection of water and listeria
• Plating and Incubation for all Micro Samples including:
• Milk
• Eggs,
• Shelf life
• Environmental

Pre-Operation check

• Paperwork
• ATP Swabbing
• Allergen Swabbing
• Magnet Check
• Cooler Check
• Sanitizer concentration

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Traits:

• Ability to communicate with associates, leads, supervisors, and production management.
• Detail and Team oriented.
• Must be willing to work extended shifts.
• Ability to comprehend science-based material.
• Ability to comprehend high school level math, specifically algebra.

Decision-making:  Responsible for deciding if an item should be placed on hold and use decision making skills to conclude if in process product is within specification and can be pumped. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Must instruct all employees on any GMP and food safety violations.

Equipment Used:  Various lab equipment; Kettle enabling system.

Physical Demands                                                                 Duration

Standing                                                                                 Majority of shift

Noise typical of a production environment                       Entire shift

Climbing to a height of 8 ft.                                                  Daily

Working in hot/cold temperatures                                      Entire shift

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment, you will be walking, standing and engaging in movement throughout the day, and occasionally to frequently be required to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs. Due to a large variety of job duties (both routine and non-routine), certain duties also may involve, a variety of physical activities including bending, lifting, stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms above shoulders and head, standing, working in enclosed areas, climbing stairs or ladders, and operating heavy machinery. The noise level in the work environment can vary but noise is usually low to moderate.

At times, you may be required to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety gloves, hearing protection, a respirator or dust mask, protective footwear and protective clothing or uniforms. Work may be performed in cold and/or hot temperatures and the environment can be dusty. Physical requirements further include the ability to engage in productive and collaborative communication with co-workers and work may need to be performed during non-standard hours, including nights and weekends. At times, the ability to work overtime also may be required. The ability to perform these requirements is necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The company engages in an interactive process to review requests for reasonable accommodations that may be needed to allow qualified individuals with disabilities to perform all the essential functions of the position. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to the hiring manager.

WAGE RANGE SALARY:

Land O’Lakes, Inc offers a competitive salary and bonus potential. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package as well as many other company sponsored benefits.

Nothing in this job description restricts the management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and background review.

EOE M/F/Vets/Disabled. Land O’Lakes, Inc. enforces a policy of maintaining a drug-free workforce, including pre-employment substance abuse testing.