Quality Assurance Tech

Purpose of the Position This position is responsible for performing QA activities that ensure consistent food safety and product quality of all North Freeze Dry Pet Foods Products produced. Inspects products within the production facility to ensure high quality and compliance with company standards and procedures. Responsibilities & Essential Functions Perform quality testing on in-process samples and lot/load samples. Perform food safety, quality, and misc. testing on samples. Perform calibration and maintenance activities on analytical instrumentation and equipment. Complete daily check samples on North Freeze Dry computer programs. Maintain clean environment for lab and lab instrumentation/equipment. Keep inventory of testing supplies and notify QA Manager when supplies need to be reordered. Generate COAs for all outbound orders. Email COAs to the customer QA department. Review internal lab results for compliance with specifications. Conduct and document audits. Work alongside manufacturing and quality teams to ensure compliance with North Freeze Dry and customer requirements. Perform QA activities that address Food Safety/Quality problems arising during the shift and develop appropriate solutions and corrective/preventive actions. Assist in the implementation of internal quality documentation including product specifications and QA procedures. Support and adhere to the Company’s Safety Program. Quality Technician Specific Tasks & Responsibilities Provide guidance to plant operators regarding standard operating procedures related to quality, sanitation, and safety. Release raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products from hold status when materials meet quality standards and specifications. Inspect raw material, in-process, and finished product retention samples. Assist with quality project management as it relates to product testing, product specifications, process improvement, and audits. Assist operators in quality determination as needed. Other Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV’s) at all times. Promote a positive, proactive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged. Provide back‑up support for other roles, as necessary. Maintain meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in work product. Follow proper food safety, quality, and workspace safety procedures and requirements. Be available for overtime on a scheduled or call‑in basis, as necessary. Perform other duties as assigned by the manager/supervisor. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Coursework in Food Safety or a related field preferred. 1 year of experience as a Quality Technician, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and stand for an extended period. Demonstrated problem‑solving experience. Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Excel, and Word. Ability to see the big picture while focusing on the processes and procedures necessary to produce deliverables. Ability to establish and meet deadlines. Self‑motivated with ability to allow constructive feedback to grow in the position. Excellent interpersonal skills and a team‑player mentality. Ability to thrive, adapt, and accommodate to change in a fast‑paced environment. Benefits Package Medical, Dental and Vision insurance including coverage for employees, children, spouses and family. Ancillary benefits: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability coverage. 401(k) program with company match up to 4%. Paid Time Off accruing from the first day and Paid Personal Days. Seven company paid holidays. Work Environment & Physical Demands The job operates within a plant manufacturing environment. Employees are frequently exposed to normal working conditions for a food manufacturing plant with moderate to loud noise levels. The role routinely uses machinery, forklifts, computers, and laboratory instrumentation. Employees are required to stand for extended periods, use hands and fingers to reach or handle equipment, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and frequently lift up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities are required for close‑up work. The employee may need to tolerate extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines. Exposure to machinery and moving parts, airborne particles such as grain dust, hazardous materials or fumes, adverse weather conditions, extreme temperature changes, and confined spaces may occur. Hearing protection may be required in noisy areas. About the Company North Freeze Dry, LLC is headquartered in Fargo, ND, and is a U.S.-based co‑manufacturer that produces freeze‑dried companion animal food and treats. The company’s freeze‑drying facility in Little Falls, MN is one of the industry’s largest and most fully integrated freeze‑drying co‑manufacturing facilities. North Freeze Dry, LLC is a joint venture between Anchor Ingredients Co., LLC, a leading supplier of premium ingredients for the food and pet food industries, and Barrett Petfood Innovations, a rapidly expanding co‑manufacturer of premium pet foods. Disclaimer This job description is not a complete description of responsibility, but reflects the general qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities necessary to perform this position. All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to successfully pass a background check. North Freeze Dry reserves the right to revise the job description as circumstances warrant. North Freeze Dry is an at‑will employer, which means that either the employee or the company may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. We are an equal opportunity employer. Shift: 11:00 pm to 7:00 am #J-18808-Ljbffr