Job Description

General Purpose:

Support Bruce’s quality program activities, perform laboratory analyses with documentation, and manage laboratory areas and equipment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Responsibilities:

• Perform chemical and physical testing of ingredients, in-process, and finished products

• Complete laboratory testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending

• Report non-compliant laboratory test results to the QA Manager (Quality Supervisor)

• Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices

• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices

• Performing preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks

• Wash lab/production utensils and glassware

• Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents

• Prepare and stock reagents and media

• Perform inventory control management of laboratory supplies

• Documentation Control – Record Retention – Sample Retention

• Prepare samples and documentation for shipment to external labs

• Perform equipment and environmental inspections as required to maintain facility sanitation programs

Quality Program Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for plant and laboratory operation.

• Aseptically complete environmental surveillance sampling for Salmonella and Listeria per Corporate QA programs. Manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.

• Complete air and water monitoring sampling and manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.

• Organize and perform data entry into computer systems

• Support the facility's Food Safety Plan and Food Defense Plan

• Perform limited maintenance as defined per the MSS or as required, including but not limited to inspection, cleaning, and entering maintenance work requests into the SAP system

• Assist in the training and development of new lab technicians

• Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly at designated intervals

• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and common areas

• Anticipate problems, implement solutions, and look for continuous improvement/process improvement opportunities

• Safeguard and protect all company assets and proprietary information

• Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives. Make decisions in a timely manner

• Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with peers and employees from all other departments

• Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive

• Follow all Dairy Farmers of America procedures and practices: Safety, Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)

• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment

• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity

• Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Food Safety, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)

• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Two year applied science degree in food science, dairy science, or applied discipline preferred

• 1 year food or pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance or laboratory experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically SAP

• Skill in proficient computer usage

• Able to perform basic quality testing as necessary, including but not limited to, TA, pH, sensory testing, salt %, and fat %

• Able to understand all plant processes to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise

• Able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once

• Able to use and understand mathematical calculations

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing

• Able to be proactive in seeking solutions

• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork

• Able to follow directions and meet deadlines

• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems

• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures

• Able to interpret and apply company policies

• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively

• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision

• Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities

• Able to use direct reading instruments and devices in which interpretation is not required

• Able to carry out instructions and effectively manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines

• Able to lift at least 50 lbs.

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay Range $24.36/hour