QA Lab Tech - Ross Plant

Tree Top•Selah, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Perform quality tests and analysis on products produced by utilizing lab equipment and customer specifications, and by communicating with co-workers and supervisors. To ensure that lab duties are accomplished, support implementation of continuous improvement activities, and provide training support for production, supply usage, and quality specifications; input data into system, and Maintain accurate, detailed and complete documentation to ensure finished product integrity.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and speak effectively with co-workers, managers, supervisors, and operators.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.
Ability to lead, coach, and direct crew to meet process and production objectives.
Communicate effectively to accomplish on-the-job training programs.
Lead by example.
Follow the basic principles of leadership: Focus on the situation, issue, or behavior, not the person.
Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others.
Maintain constructive relationships with employees, peers, and managers.
Take initiative to make things better.
Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Close vision to read and write reports.
Distance vision to observe work area.
Color vision to grade and maintain specifications.
Peripheral vision to walk to necessary areas of the plant.
Depth perception to maintain quality of product to specifications.
Ability to adjust focus to maintain quality of product to specifications.
Work near moving mechanical parts.
Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
Work in high, precarious places.
Work in outside weather conditions.
Exposure to extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
High noise level in the work environment.

Nice To Haves

Climb or balance
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Taste or smell product

Responsibilities

Communicate quality assurance information with production employees and Supervisor's.
Notify shift Supervisor and QA Manager of foreign material and process problems.
Participate in root cause and corrective action.
Communicate with mechanics, Team Leads and co-workers.
Communicate with Research and Development on special projects and report findings.
Inform Q.A. Manager of any problems, deviations, corrective actions.
Review product specification sheet prior to each run and at the start of each shift.
Calibrate equipment as required, and log the information.
Check and print the specification sheets for the day.
Perform Sulfite and granulation tests to meet specifications.
Analyze composite sample for specification attributes.
Record all results to grade sheet.
Check product for defects (taste test).
Inform Supervisor and Team Lead of status.
Monitor scales, metal detector, and magnets.
Fill out hold tickets as needed.
Check each pallet label to verify that item numbers, case numbers, and case weights are correct.
Save three samples of product per line, per shift, for vacuum oven testing.
Collect samples for micro analysis.
Input data into computer Applications and usage of the Crunch Meter.
Calibrate thermometers and other equipment as required, and log the information.
Check granulation, moisture, temperature, sieve, and Sulfite additives to ensure specifications are met.
Monitor metal detectors, magnets, scales, and temperature of product to assure proper operation.
Save one sample per pallet per shift, for vacuum oven testing.
Save "retain" samples.
Ensure that bags are sealed correctly.
Verify that label item numbers, case numbers, and case weights are correct.
Fill out hold tickets and foreign material reports as needed.
Perform analytical analysis: Preservative testing, Water Activity, Vacuum Oven.
Record usage (pallet number and cases per item).
Adjust inventory off in system.
Recognize quality issues.
Notify Supervisor of non-conforming issues.
Notify Maintenance of quality issues.
Verify correct size of cut.
Blend inventory to meet specification.
Place product on hold for foreign material or non-conforming product.
Investigate cause with Supervisor(s) and Maintenance (Food Safety Team).
Grade for product attributes.
Notify Supervisor and Team Lead of products' adherence to specifications.
Ensure paperwork is clean and neat.
Log all of the day's activities and problems.
Monitor all supplies and notify QA Manager to order as needed.
File all paperwork daily.
Properly disposition product appropriately on the HOLD logbook.
Operate computer to perform data entry, which includes Microsoft Office, Movex, Intelex, etc.
Maintain GMPs.
Clean lab equipment after use.
Maintain a clean work area; keep floors swept, squeegeed, mopped, etc. in proper place; empty trash containers as needed.
Wipe counters.
Ensure cleaning procedures are followed in proper sequence.
Adhere to GMP standards throughout the entire plant.
Adhere to chemical safety hygiene plant.
Ensure Food Safety by Following Food Safety Plan.
Maintain personal cleanliness, wash hands frequently, wear hairnet, wear sanitary gloves.
Follow proper chemical storage protocol.
Avoid cross-contamination.
Follow color code policy.
Follow proper procedures, practices, training.
Verify correct ingredients are being used.
Be familiar with all HACCP, PFD's and Food Safety Plans.
Know all critical control points in all processes; i.e.: metal detection, pasteurization.
Oversee the lab operation on your shift.
Make sure to have a complete and clear understanding of all Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures.
Use proper Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures at all times.
Instruct in use of all instruments, equipment, and chemicals.
Teach techniques and procedures using proper methods.
Report any problems to QA Manager/Supervisor.
Provide instruction and follow-up in data entry.