FSQ Technician I - nights

SunOpta•Alexandria, MN

8d•$26•Onsite

About The Position

Quality Assurance Technician I is responsible for testing and inspecting products at various stages of production, compiles and evaluates statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products by performing the following duties. Responsible for the official release for all ingredients and finished goods. Micro duties which include plating, reading and interpreting results against known specifications. This requires basic math skills of averaging and knowledge of making dilutions. Various micro testing is conducted on powders, liquids, swabs, filters and air samples. Preoperational Inspections. This requires inspecting equipment before production startup and taking ATP and micro swabs to validate results. Incoming Ingredient analysis. This requires compositing powder samples, running various chemical, micro and physical analytical testing and reporting these results on a Certificate of Analysis. Results are compared against known standards for interpretation. Finished product analysis. All finished product has a Certificate of Analysis generated on it. Testing is in accordance to customer specifications which vary per product. Various tests may include Standard Plate count, Coliform, yeast & mold, viscosities, particle size, bulk density, moisture, solids, Dextrose Equivalency, protein, fat, scorched particle, PH, titratable acidity, flavor and separable solids. New tests may be brought in by the customer for their particular product. Sample taking. Aseptic samples are taken twice per shift from various ports located throughout the facility. Finished product bags may have to be sampled for troubleshooting purposes. Calibrating lab equipment Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas. Housekeeping – responsible for keeping work area clean and other various areas listed on the master cleaning schedule. Does various QC audits throughout the facility.

Requirements

Ability to prioritize and use time efficiently.
Ability to effectively communicate discrepancies to Supervisor and key staff personnel when a problem is detected.
Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; detail-oriented.
Ability to multitask and complete tasks on time or notify appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.
Follows written instructions and Standard Operating Procedures, takes responsibilities for own actions, good attendance record.
Ability to smell and taste.
Ability to interpret various test results that involve color analysis.
Understands and demonstrates safe behaviors.
Provides feedback to production employees regarding safe behaviors.
Document safety risks and communicates them appropriately.
Serves an active role in the plant safety program by attending safety meetings and participating in monthly safety inspections.
Understands and demonstrates good GMPs.
Understands sanitation processes thoroughly.
Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines.
Responsible for compliance to the HACCP for each process.
Reviews batch records for accuracy, neatness and completion. Document all incidents and deviations.
Ensures MSS tasks are distributed evenly and completed in a timely manner.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors.
Maintain communication with employees and management.
Reduce downtime due to changeovers, scheduling, breakdowns.
Conduct accurate and complete Tier 1 shift handoff.
Communicate necessary maintenance plans and schedules.
Promotes and contributes to the development of teamwork among other coworkers.
Assists in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.
Continuous improvement of knowledge of the soy base process.
High School diploma or GED.
Basic keyboarding skills are helpful but not necessary.
Candidate must possess the knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages and percentages.
Must be able to read and write in English.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills critical.
Must be able to work 12 hr shift as well as overnight.

Nice To Haves

Background in Food Science or Microbiology preferred.
Preferably at least two years’ experience in food manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the official release for all ingredients and finished goods.
Perform micro duties including plating, reading and interpreting results against known specifications, requiring basic math skills of averaging and knowledge of making dilutions. Conduct various micro testing on powders, liquids, swabs, filters and air samples.
Conduct preoperational inspections, inspecting equipment before production startup and taking ATP and micro swabs to validate results.
Perform incoming ingredient analysis, including compositing powder samples, running various chemical, micro and physical analytical testing, and reporting results on a Certificate of Analysis, comparing them against known standards for interpretation.
Generate a Certificate of Analysis for all finished products, performing tests according to customer specifications which may include Standard Plate count, Coliform, yeast & mold, viscosities, particle size, bulk density, moisture, solids, Dextrose Equivalency, protein, fat, scorched particle, PH, titratable acidity, flavor and separable solids. New tests may be introduced by the customer.
Take aseptic samples twice per shift from various ports throughout the facility. Sample finished product bags for troubleshooting purposes.
Calibrate lab equipment.
Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
Maintain cleanliness of work area and other areas listed on the master cleaning schedule.
Conduct various QC audits throughout the facility.