Quality Assurance Technician

California Dairies•Fresno, CA

18d

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Technician performs analytical and microbiological evaluations of milk and butter products and assists other departments in producing quality products and monitoring process controls. The role performs laboratory testing, operates and maintains laboratory equipment, prepares testing solutions and media, documents and communicates results, and completes quality-related tasks. The technician must follow applicable quality, food-safety, manufacturing, and safety policies, maintain a clean and stocked work area, and help train and provide cross-functional coverage for laboratory personnel. The position requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field, or at least five years of relevant dairy laboratory testing experience. The technician must possess or be able to acquire and maintain Limited Samplers and Weigher’s licenses and Charm Test certification. English is required for written and spoken communication. The work involves a manufacturing and laboratory environment with moving mechanical parts, noise, wet and slippery floors, occasional exposure to chemicals, and temperatures ranging from 30°F to 130°F. Duties include prolonged standing, walking, lifting and carrying, repetitive pushing, pulling, reaching, and grasping, frequent bending and stooping, and occasional climbing, balancing, squatting, kneeling, or crawling. Safety equipment and proper lifting techniques are required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field, or a minimum of five years of relevant experience in dairy laboratory testing.
Must possess or be able to acquire and maintain both Limited Samplers and Weigher’s licenses and Charm Test certification.
English proficiency for written and spoken communication.
Ability to work quickly and efficiently, read and understand company rules and GMPs, and follow safety procedures.
Ability to work well with others and demonstrate good judgment when carrying out assigned duties.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work in confined spaces.
Ability to work in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 130°F and in noisy areas where hearing protection may be required.
Ability to stand for at least two consecutive hours and for periods of up to 8–12 hours; sit and walk during the workday.
Ability to lift up to 36 pounds repetitively and occasionally lift or carry 55 pounds.
Ability to push and pull up to 55 pounds repetitively.
Ability to bend and stoop often, frequently reach and grasp/manipulate repetitively, and often twist and turn while carrying.
Ability to occasionally squat, kneel or crawl, climb, and balance.
Use required personal protective equipment, non-slip footwear, rubber gloves, and proper lifting techniques.

Responsibilities

Perform analytical tests on products, including moisture, fat, pH, total solids, titratable acidity, salt, electrical conductivity, and antibiotic testing.
Perform bacteriological tests, including total plate count, yeast and mold, coliform, environmental monitoring, and air monitoring.
Confirm presumptive-positive antibiotic loads, including sulfa and tetra testing on Charm III and Beta Lactam confirmation on Charm S/L.
Obtain and maintain a Limited Samplers and Weigher’s license.
Set up, operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment and equipment in other departments.
Follow testing procedures to ensure accurate results and operate automated equipment for milk and butter product testing.
Follow safety precautions when testing and working in other departments, including using appropriate personal protective equipment and safely transferring chemicals.
Use personal and systems computers to enter required data; keep results and reports confidential in accordance with the CDI Letter of Confidentiality.
Maintain a clean, orderly, and neat work area and keep it stocked with supplies; notify a supervisor when standards are not met.
Perform quality-related tasks such as hold procedures, extraneous reports, and shelf-life evaluations.
Communicate results and other relevant information to appropriate individuals promptly, confidentially, and professionally.
Prepare solutions and media required for laboratory testing and perform necessary analytical and microbiological rechecks.
Recognize and notify the Q.A. foreperson or appropriate supervisors of unusual results or product defects.
Assist with training new laboratory personnel and provide cross-functional laboratory coverage.
Assist with break and lunch relief as needed and complete work properly and on time.
Support and enforce SQF/QA, GMP, safety policies and procedures, and production needs; follow company policies and rules.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and complete paperwork neatly and correctly.
Perform other duties as assigned.