QA LAB TECH III

JOB DESCRIPTION

The QA Lab Technician III is the primary person responsible for the advanced testing of juices and oils using the HPLC, GC and Microbiological testing.  Additionally, the person will be skilled in the analytical procedures of a QA Tech I and II. Additionally, the QA Technician I or II may fill in for the QA Technician III during absences. The QA Lab Technician III reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor. The QA Lab Technician III may work any shift.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately.  All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Test fresh fruit samples every hour or as directed management.
• Calibrate all laboratory equipment at the beginning of each shift.
• Performs routine analytical tests per specification:  determination of citric acid, Brix, ratio, percent fine pulp, coarse pulp, oil, defects, flavor, color analyses.
• Qualifies production equipment and tankers for use by observation and bioluminescence swabs.
• Proficient in using the HPLC for analysis for limonin, preservatives, and naringin.  Must be able to troubleshoot issues with the equipment, create methodologies, and perform quality control tests and routine maintenance on the HPLC.
• Proficient in using the GC for analysis on essential oils to identify vital components such as p-cymene, octonol and nanonol, creating methodologies; must be able to perform quality control tests and routine maintenance on the GC.
• Performs routine analysis for raw and finished product essential oils such as aldehyde, ethanol and optical rotation.
• Perform routine microbiological analysis.
• Input all data into CitrOS/Sage with accuracy and speed.
• Pull samples from tanks and silos as directed.
• Perform audit of the process during the production run.
• Take aseptic samples for microbiological testing.
• Perform pre-operational audits as required, including Hygiena swabs.
• Must be able to manipulate data and perform data entry of results into a computer.
• Follow all safety rules and practices to include the wearing of all essential personal protective equipment.
• Follow all personal hygiene and food safety practices.
• Report non-standard conditions to Quality Assurance Supervisor immediately.
• Act professionally toward customers, vendors or other visitors to the plant.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a positive attitude.
• Responsible for CCP #1 (Pasteurization) review of documentation and a secondary check on compliance with critical limits.
• Responsible for CCP #2 (Filtration) review of documentation.
• Responsible for CCP #3 (Tanker Inspection) review of documentation and a secondary check on compliance with JPA guidelines.
• Responsible for CCP #4 (Packaging) review of documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products:  Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and large ERP applications.
• Ability to work successfully in a team involvement environment is a must.
• Ability to operate centrifuge.
• Ability to operate HPLC.
• Ability to operate GC.
• Ability to operate automatic refractometer.
• Ability to operate automatic titration.
• Ability to perform microbiological testing.
• BS Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology required.
• Prefer two (2) years experience in a food processing environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must. 80% of time spent in a normal routine laboratory environment using juice testing equipment or the computer.  20% of time spent in plant obtaining samples, observing production practices, talking to supervisors and managers.