QUALITY TECHNICIAN

job Description: 

The Quality Technician is responsible for supporting the quality of the operations within the manufacturing site.  This includes providing quality support and inspection for incoming materials, product manufacture, and finished product shipping.  The Quality Technician performs all job responsibilities following cGMP guidelines and practices. 

Job Responsibilities: 

The Quality Technician is responsible for the day to day quality oversight and routine inspection of the entire manufacturing operation from incoming raw materials, through product manufacturing, to finished product shipping.  The individual works closely with production, warehouse, and operation personnel to assure shipping/receiving, production and sanitation activities meet the highest quality expectations under the supervision of Quality Assurance Manager.

Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities, but not limited to the following:

• Reviews incoming material receipts for compliance including verification of net weight statements, proper product labeling identification, and allergen statements.
• Performs various aspects of sample collection including selection of sampling equipment, weighing of samples, and thorough documentation practices.
• Collection of pre-shipment samples for chemical, physical and microbiological testing by the site analytical testing laboratory
• Analysis and recording/plotting of Quality Control samples and data.
• Recording of samples upon delivery to labs.
• Conducts pre-operative inspections including ATP swabbing. Responsible for QA release of manufacturing rooms to production.
• Takes environmental monitoring swabbing and allergen verification sampling.
• Conducts allergen verification testing.
• Conducts HACCP reviews and verification activities.
• Provides support and input to production personnel to verify and validate production methods for specific products.
• Assists in investigation of non-conforming material events.
• Performs packaging, labeling and finished product outgoing quality checks.
• Responsible for outgoing trailer inspections and documentation.
• Assists in training operation personals for general concepts of cGMP and food safety.
• Assists facility Quality Assurance Manager for closing production records and other quality and food safety related duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Training, Education and Experience Requirements:

Associated Degree in a science related field; High School Diploma and a minimum of two years’ experience in quality role within a science based environment; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• • Possess a working knowledge of manufacturing operations and quality assurance programs including batching, batch verification, and blending procedures.
  • Experience with measuring equipment and devices, data entry, and data analysis.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of applications including Outlook and Excel.
  • English Language proficiency

Behavior Competencies:                                             

To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Communication Skills- Possesses good written and oral communication skills; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Writes clearly and informatively; Assures spelling and grammar are correct; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Work Environment:                 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Manufacturing environment.
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to manage a fast paced operation that can run 24/7.
• Exposure to chemical odors and airborne particles may be encountered. May include handling of hazardous chemicals including caustics, acids and flammable hydrocarbons.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Employee is required to wear steel toed boots/shoes, safety glasses and a hard hat.

Must be able to pass criminal background check, drug screen and physical