Quality Lab Technician - 2nd shift

Nichols Farms•Hanford, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Lab Technician assists the Quality Leads, Supervisor, and Manager with daily work in the Quality Department. The department monitors and samples products and packaging throughout production, performs laboratory testing and inspections, and ensures employee practices and product handling meet company specifications and applicable GMP, FDA, SQF, and company quality standards. This is a hands-on role involving scheduled and assigned quality and food-safety checks. When the Quality Lead is absent, the technician helps ensure the department runs smoothly. The role promotes workplace safety, follows quality and GMP procedures, and participates in continuous-improvement teams and processes. Work is primarily in a manufacturing environment that may have high noise levels and extreme cold, heat, or humidity. The position requires use of designated personal protective equipment and may involve work around forklifts and in confined spaces.

Requirements

Preferably one year of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
Mathematical aptitude and knowledge and use of the metric measurement system.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, crouch, crawl, and perform repeated bodily movements for prolonged periods.
Ability to take samples from confined spaces and safely follow confined-space requirements.
Ability to work in noisy areas and wear ear protection and required PPE.
Manual dexterity to sort and pack product.
Ability to push, pull, and lift 25 pounds; the physical-demands section also states frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.
Near vision sufficient to see details at close range; the physical-demands section also lists close, distance, color vision, and depth perception.
Ability to work any day or shift, including weekends and holidays.
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with teams.
Self-starter able to work with limited supervision and promote a positive work area.
Ability to use sound judgment, manage time and priorities, adapt to change, and work in a fast-paced setting.
Ability to participate in problem solving and continuous improvement, learn new information, and listen actively.
Knowledge of SDS sections and locations of SDS binders.
Training in GMPs, SSOPs, HACCP, hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, or other programs as needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous quality experience in a production environment.
Bilingual English-Spanish ability.

Responsibilities

Assist Quality Leads, the Supervisor, and the Manager with daily department work.
Collect samples and swabs, complete assigned quality and food-safety checks, and document results.
Follow procedures for handling and documenting swabs and delivering samples to the Quality Lab.
Identify damaged, defective, and poor-quality kernels and in-shell products, including raw and roasted almonds.
Enter data accurately in log sheets, computers, or tablets.
Use scales, moisture analyzers, salt meters, and other equipment to complete assigned tasks.
Analyze bins for quality and check pack lines or related machinery against quality standards.
Select and test products at different production stages for various qualities.
Communicate quality data and report major product discrepancies to the appropriate lead or manager.
Follow company policies, GMP, sanitation, health, and safe-work procedures; report near misses, property damage, and injuries and complete required documentation.
Participate in tailgate discussions and continuous-improvement activities.
Provide break or absence relief for fellow team members and, when the Quality Lead is absent, help ensure department operations run smoothly.
Perform housekeeping, including organizing and sweeping.
Follow the Quality schedule and software documentation system to determine material requirements and movements, and record supply and material movements in company logs.
Perform other duties and tasks assigned by management.