Technician, Quality Assurance VNB

California Dairies, Inc.•Bakersfield, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Our state-of-the-art Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and Aseptic Ultra High Temperature (UHT) dairy bottling facility, Valley Natural Beverages, produces premium beverages in various formats, and these shelf-stable products are shipped globally. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California! Our commitment to CDI employees: We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work. Job Summary The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician provides assistance to the Quality Assurance Department with quality audits, swabbing, coli form plating, calibrating, antibiotic testing, microbiological, and other various laboratory functions. The QA Technician will support compliance in the areas of all food safety and food quality programs including: GMP, regulatory, process authority, GFSI, 3rd party auditor, customer required, and company specific. The QA Technician will follow all safety regulations and partner with the production team members to ensure all products meet quality standards.

Requirements

Basic computational skills required.
Simple math reasoning required.
Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
English is required as the written and spoken language.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Agriculture Science, Microbiology, or Chemistry with 3-5 years food manufacturing experience.
Associate degree with 6-7 years food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Perform weekly tasks which include environmental swabbing air plates, thermometer and lab equipment calibration, and others.
Perform noon and midnight inventory and temperature of fluid silos.
Support monitoring wastewater, pH, EC, and COD.
Micro plating, antibiotic confirmation testing, and TA testing.
Daily send outs to Sunrise Labs and Sierra for testing.
Pull customer samples and re-test samples.
Clean and maintain clean lab areas.
Complete all paperwork neatly and correctly.
Complete all filing of documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Follow all Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Follow all Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Responsible for care and maintenance of company tools laboratory equipment.
Updating quality and procedure manuals, calibrations, wastewater reports, swabbing, and air quality monitoring.
Take inventory of lab supplies and submit orders.
Verify product codes meet internal and customer standards.
Participate in production safety and quality alert routine.
Follow all safety and working rules.
Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.
Excellent regular full-time attendance in support of company objectives.
Use initiative and judgment in making decisions, keeping with California Dairies, Inc. best interests.
Ensure yours, your team members’, and all visitors’ safety by actively supporting and following all safety programs as part of a “Zero Accident” commitment.
Ensure full compliance to all regulatory, customer, and plant quality requirements as part of a “Perfect Quality” commitment.
“Make it Better”. Constantly look for defects and opportunities for improvement throughout all parts of the plant operation and personally lead necessary efforts to “Make it Better”.
Bring value to the Team and strengthen the Team through your job performance, treatment of your team members, and effective communication.
Understand all performance criteria and operating results associated with your area of responsibility and constantly meet or exceed these requirements.
Maintain Plant areas of responsibility to ensure an inspection and tour ready facility at all times.
Actively contribute during Daily Shift/Direction Setting Meetings.
Complete and document CILs (Clean, Inspect, Lube), master sanitation tasks, quality checks, PMs (preventative maintenance tasks), and perform required maintenance on your equipment.
Understand sources of waste and actively strive for “Zero Waste”.
Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
Perform all other job duties as assigned.