QA Technician I

Select Milk Producers•Coopersville, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Continental Dairy Facilities is Select Milk Producer’s first state-of-the-art powder milk and butter facility in Coopersville, Michigan, producing over 300,000 pounds of dry non-fat milk per day. Since 2009, it has provided grade A, Gold Star quality milk products to manufacturers globally, emphasizing quality and sustainability. The company values its employees as the foundation of the organization, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment, encouraging innovation, and rewarding excellence. They seek employees who take pride in their work and are proactive in problem-solving. Select Milk Producers, Inc. produces over 10 billion pounds of milk annually from innovative sustainable farming and extraordinary animal care. Founded in 1994 by family dairy producers, Select Milk is built on honesty, trust, and quality, aiming to provide the highest quality fresh milk and operating with high standards across its cooperative of 99 family dairy farm members. The company is committed to going above and beyond in caring for families, leading employees, land, and animals, serving customers, and producing quality milk. The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for analytical and microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products, ensuring adherence to USDA, FDA, AOAC, GFSI, GMP, and safety regulations, as well as company rules.

Requirements

Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation.
Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.
Must be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license by the state regulatory agency.
Must be able to be licensed as Certified Industry Analyst in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (current edition) and state regulatory agency.
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays that fall into schedule.

Responsibilities

Operate all testing equipment including, but not limited to spectrometer, FTIR analyzer, moisture analyzers, pH meter, burets, beta & aflatoxin analyzers, chlorine analyzer, pipettors, and various laboratory testing equipment. All equipment is to be operated in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner.
Perform daily quality audits and checks on plant floor as assigned.
Fill out required worksheets and logs, either electronically or paper form in an accurate manner.
Maintain all results and report in a confidential manner in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality.
Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
Must keep laboratories stocked with necessary supplies.
Responsible for quality related tasks such as certificates of analysis.
Communication of results to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, and professional manner.
Preparation of all solutions and media required in the performance of all laboratory tests.
Recognize and notify FSQA Supervisor, FS Coordinator, FSQA Manager, and appropriate production supervisors of any unusual results or product defects.
Perform the necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological testing.
Aid in training of new Quality Assurance personnel.
Assist in the calibrations, troubleshooting, and functionality of lab equipment.
Be proficient in the performance of the following: Inhibitory test, Total solids/Moisture Analysis, Inventory sample analysis, Powder test for scorched particle, and moisture, Whey Protein Nitrogen Index test (WPNI), Bacteria test (Aerobic Plate Count, Coli, and Yeast & Mold).
Obtain proper series samples as required.
Compositing samples for third party testing.
Proper identification of outgoing samples for third party testing.
Report immediately to supervision any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning the equipment.
Follow all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules.
Aid in execution of plant environmental monitoring program.
Assist in the investigation of plant incidents and out of specification products.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.