FSQ Technician I (Nights)

SunOpta•Alexandria, MN

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The FSQ Technician is responsible for performing necessary laboratory testing to ensure ingredients, product and packaging conform to specifications. The technician follows written and verbal instructions to determine that quality and efficiency standards are being met. This role is also responsible for the efficiency, safety and quality of laboratory work and for effective communication relative to shift and plant performance. Essential functions include assuring package integrity and product quality through laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures, performing various lab tests (pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.), performing destructive aseptic package testing, assisting with investigations related to product spoilage, collecting and communicating lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders, performing incubation activities according to standard operating procedures, maintaining a clean and organized workstation, troubleshooting and resolving basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment, and being responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals. The technician must accurately prepare and maintain all area paperwork and perform microbiology testing including basic plating in a clean room environment, stocking the lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed. Key accountabilities include following all facility human and food safety policies, reporting all near misses and accidents, understanding SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense, being aware of Food Safety and Quality requirements, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for product testing, cooperating with other shifts for facility housekeeping, ensuring teamwork with management and operators, promoting teamwork among production team members, and continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes.

Requirements

Must learn and perform consistently the essential duties.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Working knowledge of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages, and percentages.
Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision or escalate appropriately.
Strong past work history.
Able to stand for long periods of time.
Able to do repetitive work.
Able to lift a minimum of 50+ pounds.
Must have good attendance record and be able to work a 12-hour night shift.

Nice To Haves

2+ years related experience in Food Science/Food Technology, or a food or beverage production facility.

Responsibilities

Assure package integrity and product quality by performing laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures.
Perform laboratory testing such as pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.
Perform destructive aseptic package testing.
Assist with investigations related to product spoilage.
Collect and communicate lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders.
Perform incubation activities according to standard operating procedures.
Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
Responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals.
Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork.
Perform microbiology testing including basic plating in clean room environment, stocking lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed.
All other duties, as assigned.
Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE.
Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor.
Understand SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense.
Awareness of Food Safety and Quality requirements that pertain to the plant and specific role.
Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct required testing for products prior to processing, after processing and prior to product release.
Cooperate with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors.
Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift.
Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members.
Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid Family leave
Paid maternity leave
401(k) with Match
Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
Paid Holidays
Tuition assistance
Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
A $2.00/hour shift differential is added for working the 12-hour night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern.