QA Lab Technician (Dairy Plant) | Night Shift

Shamrock Foods•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

Use laboratory and standardized testing procedures to ensure the quality and food-safety attributes of fluid dairy, non-dairy beverages, sour cream, cottage cheese, and other products meet regulatory and internal specifications, maintaining the integrity of Shamrock and its customers’ brands. Follow required safe-work practices, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), required PPE in designated areas, confined-space safety, safe chemical handling, and fall restraints. This position follows a rotating 2-2-3 overnight schedule consisting of 12-hour shifts from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Employees work two days, have two days off, then work three days; the following week they have two days off, work two days, then have three days off. The schedule provides consistent full-time hours and includes every other weekend off.

Requirements

At least 2 years of related experience.
A combination of relevant work experience and education may be considered.
Availability to work the department’s overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to work, with reasonable accommodations, in an environment containing major food allergens.
Ability to regularly climb stairs and occasionally climb ladders.
Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to work on foot for extended periods.
Minimum skill rating of Quality Assurance Technician II (Floor/Micro).
Ability to frequently reach up to 52 inches.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Dairy Science, Food Science, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Use laboratory equipment and standardized testing procedures to accurately measure and report product quality standards at the required frequency.
Interpret laboratory test results to identify issues quickly and help resolve them.
Communicate with the lab supervisor, production personnel, and warehouse associates so issues are corrected in a timely manner.
Interpret and submit samples and required documentation for co-pack vendors.
Evaluate raw ingredients and packaging for quality to prevent substandard materials from being used in production.
Deliver supplies and laboratory specimens to designated work areas.
Regularly clean and sterilize the lab area, equipment, and instruments to avoid sample contamination.
Conduct equipment swab tests to confirm equipment cleanliness.
Calibrate laboratory and production equipment at the appropriate frequency.
Maintain finished-product reports based on laboratory analysis.
Coach production associates in the assigned area on GMPs, sanitation, and quality checks to identify risk factors that could lead to non-conforming product.
Audit batching, processing, and filler paperwork, and escalate issues when non-conformances are found.
Coordinate communication between manufacturing associates and QA personnel.
Use Petrifilm plates to test water, air, ingredient, and product samples for microbial activity.
Conduct environmental testing for pathogens.
Interpret and submit Petrifilm results used to approve product.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.