QA Technician I

Select Milk Producers•Coopersville, MI

2d•$26 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The QA Technician I performs analytical and microbiological evaluations of raw, pasteurized, and finished products at Continental Dairy Facilities in Coopersville, Michigan. The role follows applicable USDA, FDA, AOAC, GFSI, GMP, safety, and company requirements. It operates laboratory testing equipment, conducts plant-floor quality checks, documents and communicates results confidentially, maintains laboratory supplies and work areas, and supports quality and food-safety programs. The position is non-exempt and reports to the Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Supervisor. The schedule is nights, 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., on a 2-2-3 rotation. The employee must be willing to work weekends and holidays that fall within the schedule. Pay is $26.00–$32.00 per hour, with a $1.25 night-shift premium.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field, or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five out of the last ten years.
Must be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license from the state regulatory agency.
Must be able to obtain licensure as a Certified Industry Analyst in accordance with the current Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and state regulatory agency.
Work safely and efficiently while following safety procedures, including use of safety equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot small problems, recognize when issues require input from higher levels of authority, and ask for assistance when a process is unclear.
Willingness to work weekends and holidays that fall within the assigned schedule.

Responsibilities

Operate laboratory testing equipment, including spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, pH meters, burets, beta and aflatoxin analyzers, chlorine analyzers, pipettors, and other laboratory equipment, safely, efficiently, and sanitarily.
Perform assigned daily quality audits and checks on the plant floor.
Accurately complete required worksheets and logs in electronic or paper form.
Maintain and report results confidentially in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality.
Keep the work area clean, orderly, and neat, and ensure laboratories are stocked with necessary supplies.
Perform quality-related tasks, including preparing certificates of analysis.
Communicate results to the appropriate individuals promptly, confidentially, and professionally.
Prepare solutions and media required for laboratory tests.
Recognize and report unusual results or product defects to the FSQA Supervisor, FS Coordinator, FSQA Manager, and appropriate production supervisors.
Perform required analytical and microbiological testing re-checks.
Assist with training new Quality Assurance personnel.
Assist with calibration, troubleshooting, and functionality of laboratory equipment.
Perform inhibitory, total solids/moisture, inventory sample, scorched-particle and moisture powder, WPNI, and bacteria tests, including Aerobic Plate Count, Coli, and Yeast & Mold.
Obtain required series samples, composite samples for third-party testing, and properly identify outgoing third-party samples.
Immediately report equipment damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions to supervision.
Follow safety, work, and GMP rules, including use of safety equipment.
Assist with execution of the plant environmental monitoring program.
Assist in investigating plant incidents and out-of-specification products.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.