Quality Control - Lab Tech II

National Beverage Corp•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

The Quality Control Technician is responsible for quality programs and functions, including maintaining HACCP and food safety records, conducting plant audits and mock recalls, and training plant employees on relevant procedures. The position tests ingredients, suppliers, packaging, concentrates, and beverage products to validate microbiological quality and provide data that supports the production of high-quality products. Testing covers current and new ingredients, in-process and finished concentrates, and products in development and finished beverages. The technician also works with the R&D team on new product launches. The role includes documenting and following established procedures, completing batch reports and calculations, measuring and mixing products, evaluating and troubleshooting batches, performing tests and documenting results, and taking corrective action on the production line. The technician prepares and sanitizes batch tanks, supports pest-control activities, and assists supervisors with quality issues, trend tracking, and plans to improve quality and production efficiency. The position supports compliance with applicable federal and state requirements by establishing and enforcing quality standards and testing materials and products. Work may take place in manufacturing and warehouse plants and other locations as directed by a supervisor. Personal protective equipment must be worn in applicable environments. The role requires physical activity including walking, standing, bending, squatting, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The schedule is flexible full-time and may include weekends and holidays; transportation to various locations in the service area is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred, or equivalent experience.
Two to three years of hands-on work experience in the carbonated soft drink industry preferred.
Experience with quality-control testing procedures and internal and external sanitation of beverage equipment, with an understanding of blending, product attributes, recordkeeping, and yields.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft business applications and reporting software; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is required.
Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common information, reports, and other documents; respond to common inquiries or complaints; and present information effectively to management.
Ability to follow OSHA-required training.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Favorable background check and drug examination.
Ability and willingness to work a flexible full-time schedule that may include weekends and holidays.
Must provide own transportation to various locations in organizational service areas as required by duties.
Must be able to walk, stand for long periods, sit, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, bend, squat, reach, turn, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Must wear personal protective equipment in applicable work environments.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience.
Two to three years of hands-on experience in the carbonated soft drink industry.

Responsibilities

Maintain HACCP and food safety records, plant audits, mock recall programs, and employee training on related issues and procedures.
Test ingredients, suppliers, packages, concentrates, and beverage products to validate microbiological quality and provide quality data.
Work with the R&D team on new product launches.
Know cleaning agents and their applications, including external and internal cleaners and sanitizers.
Document and follow procedures established in frequency guides and standards.
Complete batch reports, calculate variations in batch sizes, and document product attributes, standards, and other formula-required information.
Measure and mix products according to proper procedures.
Evaluate and troubleshoot batches and make corrections.
Perform testing and evaluations and document results according to procedures.
Troubleshoot and take corrective action on the production line.
Prepare batch tanks for batching, rinsing, sanitation, odor checks, and tasting.
Perform internal pest-control activities, including locating, checking, and cleaning stations and maintaining required documentation.
Assist supervisors in resolving quality-control issues, tracking quality trends, and recommending and implementing plans to improve quality and production efficiency.
Support compliance with federal and state legislation by establishing and enforcing quality standards and testing materials and products.
Collect, analyze, and summarize process quality information and trends.