Quality Assurance Field Technician

If a company is going to make a difference in today’s world, it’s going to have to think differently. At Organic Valley, our philosophy and decisions are based on the health and welfare of people, animals and the earth.  We’re a mission-driven cooperative, owned by family farmers, and we’ve been leaders in organic agriculture from the very beginning.  Once pioneers of organic agriculture, we’re now an established leader.  Organic is all we do.  We are driven by our mission to promote regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products.

Summary of Role

The Quality Assurance Field Technician is responsible for facility related quality assurance tasks at the Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative.  These tasks require interaction with a wide variety of members from Organic Valley Production, QA, Warehouse, Transportation, and Accounting Departments located at Cashton campus, McMinnville, and La Farge locations. 

This is a safety sensitive role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Sampling and/or testing of ingredient, in-in process, or finished dairy products
• Maintenance and calibration of plant and laboratory equipment
• Monitoring and reporting of out of specification products
• Obtain and Maintain necessary certifications for compliance with Food Safety, Regulatory and/or Testing programs
• Compliance and enforcement of the principles of GMP, HACCP and GFSI (BRC) standards.
• Follow and comply with applicable good manufacturing, safety, and quality assurance policies and practices.
• Perform facility audits.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor, track, and document all necessary documentation, verification of documented tasks.
• Perform and report environmental swabbing.
• Monitor sanitation and chemical usage.
• Aid in Regulatory inspections
• Enter data and assist with compilation of quality assurance reports and technical documents as needed.
• Follow up and troubleshooting through phone, email and written communication when issues arise.
• Perform general clerical duties as assigned.
• Assist in daily, weekly and monthly facility sanitation duties.
• Assist with product archives, testing and studies.
• Participate in product shelf-life studies as needed.
• Other duties assigned by the QA Field Manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum 2 years of experience with CROPP Cooperative, lab experience (dairy), or QA/QC practices with Production QA experience
• High School diploma plus post-secondary training in a lab setting.
• Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural or Laboratory Science field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to demonstrate strong math skills, such as dilutions and unit conversions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to obtain State Licenses and Food Safety Certifications
• Ability to multi-task several responsibilities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player.
• Willingness and ability to grow with a dynamic company.
• Must be willing to work evening, weekends, and holiday hours as needed.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• Self directed and willing to work on routine tasks.
• Ability to occasionally lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
• Provide R&D with support regarding testing of products.
• Monitoring, purchasing, and maintenance of QA Supply inventories and associated GL accounts.
• Train other QA (Field) Technicians on products, programs or procedures as assigned.
• Identify areas of needed improvement and work towards alignment across department.
• Support Product Specification generation and updates as needed
• Handles confidential information with discretion.
• Cross-train across locations to support department initiatives and CROPP Business resiliency