Technician, Quality Assurance

California Dairies, Inc.•Pixley, 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. Nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, our Tipton facility manufactures a diverse range of products, including milk powder, butter, nutritional powders, and processed fluids. 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 Q.A Technician is responsible for analytical and microbiological, evaluations of all milk and butter products, etc. To provide assistance to all other departments as required to aid in the production of quality products and the monitoring of process controls.

Requirements

Must be able to work in a quick and efficient manner.
Must be able to read and understand all company rules and GMP’s.
Must be able to work in a safe manner and follow all safety procedures.
Must be able to work well with other people.
Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field or Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in dairy laboratory testing.
English is required as the written and spoken language.
Must possess or be able to acquire and maintain both Limited Samplers and Weigher’s license and Charm Test certification.
Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times. General knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.

Responsibilities

Perform any and all analytical testing as needed, i.e.: moisture, fat, pH, total solids, titratable acidity, salt, electrical conductivity, antibiotic, etc.
Perform any and all bacteriological testing as required, i.e.: total plate count, yeast and mold, coliform, environmental monitoring, air monitoring etc.
Perform confirmation testing on presumptive positive antibiotic loads, to include sulfa and tetra on the Charm II and confirmation of Beta Lactams on Charm S/L.
Obtain and maintain a Limited Samplers and Weigher’s license.
Must be able to set-up, operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate all pieces of laboratory equipment maintained in the laboratory and other departments.
Adherence to procedures to ensure accuracy of results.
Operate automated equipment for testing of milk, and butter products.
Must follow all necessary safety precautions while testing and while in other departments, such as the use of safety glasses, gloves, proper transferring of chemicals, etc.
Must be able to operate personal computer and systems computer to input necessary data.
Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner in accordance with the CDI Letter of Confidentiality.
Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
Must keep area stocked with supplies.
Responsible for quality related tasks such as hold procedures, extraneous reports, shelf-life evaluations, etc.
Communication of results, etc. to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, professional manner.
Preparation of all solutions and media required to perform all laboratory tests.
Recognize and notify Q.A. foreperson/appropriate supervisors of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary rechecks for analytical and microbiological tests.
Aid in training of new laboratory personnel.
Lab Techs must be trained to cover cross functionally.
Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
Must notify supervisor in the event that standards are not met.
Assist with break and lunch relief as needed.
Responsible for all work being done in a timely fashion and done properly.
Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Follow all company Policies, such as but not limited to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safe Quality Foods (SQF), and Safety Rules and procedures.
Required to climb stairs, ladders and work in confined spaces.
Employee will be subject to temperatures ranging from 30 degrees F to 130 degrees F.
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 regular and reliable attendance at work.
Complete all paperwork neatly and correctly.