Quality Lab Technician - 2nd shift

Nichols Farms•Hanford, CA

11d•$20 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Nichols Farms is a U.S. processor of pistachios and almonds, with a processing facility at its corporate headquarters in Hanford, California. The company describes an employee-oriented environment focused on training, growth, operational excellence, and educational development. The Quality Lab Technician assists Quality Leads, the Supervisor, and the Manager with daily department activities. The Quality Department monitors and samples products and packaging throughout production, conducts testing and inspections on machinery, equipment, and other items, and works to protect products and food-contact surfaces. The technician performs hands-on daily, weekly, hourly, and assigned tasks in compliance with GMP, FDA, SQF, and company quality standards. When a Quality Lead is absent, the technician helps ensure the department runs smoothly. The role involves collecting and documenting samples and swabs, conducting quality checks and product tests, inspecting products and production equipment, and communicating findings to other departments and supervisors. Work is primarily in a manufacturing environment that may have high noise levels and extreme cold, heat, or humidity. The position requires compliance with safety procedures and use of designated PPE. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Preferably one year of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
Mathematical aptitude and knowledge and use of the metric measurement system.
Ability to distinguish product quality defects and accurately collect and document samples and data.
Ability to work any day or shift, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to work in noisy areas and wear ear protection and required personal protective equipment.
Ability to take samples from confined spaces.
Manual dexterity to sort and pack product.
Ability to push, pull, or lift 25 pounds; the physical demands section also states frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods; sit and stop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; climb stairs; reach with hands and arms; and continuously use trunk strength to support repeated bodily movement.
Near vision to see details at close range; the physical demands section also specifies close, distance, color, and depth vision.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.
Ability to work effectively with teams, build working relationships, participate in problem-solving, and promote a positive work area.
Ability to work with limited supervision, manage time and multiple priorities, adapt to change, and function in a fast-paced setting.
Safety awareness, attention to detail, critical thinking, active learning, and active listening.

Nice To Haves

Previous Quality experience in a production environment.
Bilingual English-Spanish skills; not required.

Responsibilities

Assist the Quality Leads, Supervisor, and Manager with daily Quality Department work.
Collect samples and swabs, complete assigned quality and food-safety checks, and document the results.
Follow procedures for handling and documenting swabs and delivering samples to the Quality Lab.
Identify damaged, defective, or poor-quality kernels and in-shell products, including raw and roasted almonds.
Accurately enter data into log sheets, computers, or tablets.
Use scales, computers, tablets, moisture analyzers, salt meters, and other equipment needed for assigned tasks.
Analyze bins for quality and inspect pack lines or related machinery against quality standards.
Select products at different production stages and test them for various qualities.
Communicate quality data to other departments, leads, supervisors, and managers as needed.
Report major product discrepancies and report near misses, property damage, and injuries; complete required documentation.
Follow company policies and established quality, GMP, health, sanitation, and safe-work procedures.
Participate in continuous-improvement teams and processes and in tailgate discussions.
Provide assistance or break coverage for fellow team members.
Perform housekeeping, including organizing and sweeping.
Follow the Quality schedule and software documentation system to determine material requirements and movements.
Record movements of supplies and materials in company logs and maintain quality standards.
Work safely around forklifts and follow confined-space requirements, including when taking samples.
Perform other duties and tasks assigned by management.