Quality Assurance LAB Technician

QA Lab TechnicianThe QA Lab Technician is responsible for in-process and finished product quality and food safety, maintaining accurate records, leading investigations and plays a primary role with ensuring the highest standard of our products.Essential Responsibilities:All plant personnel have the responsibility to monitor and report any deviations from our food safety and quality programs to your immediate supervisor.Collect and perform testing on finished product at designated time periods including, but not limited to: butterfat, particle size, and freezing point.Verify packaging is correct at all stages.Verify raw milk loads prior to receipt.Perform visual inspections, ATP swabbing, and H2O2 residual testing.Perform sensory evaluations on finished product.Perform daily calibration checks and maintenance on lab equipment.Maintain accurate and complete laboratory testing records.Lead role in identifying deviations related to quality or food safety, conducting investigations, identifying root cause and implementation of corrective actions.Prepare various chemicals for use in a safe manner.Perform various testing and verifications as needed including, but not limited to: allergens, rework, slurries, and CIPs.Collect and perform testing on barn samples provided by each load received for components, herd health, and microbial growth.Perform plating primarily using the petrifilm method and maintain a clean work area.Pipette incubated samples to be tested using EPIC (a bioluminescence system which detects ATP).Perform weekly cleaning of lab area and other assigned MSS items.Plays a key role in driving awareness around QFS, Sanitation and GMPs.Participate in the site's food safety walk through program with identifying.Hold responsibilities in helping keep the site SQF, FDA and SMB audit ready at all times.Knowledge and Experience:High school diploma required, bachelor's degree in science field preferred.Manufacturing experience with an emphasis in food and QFS preferred.Competency in Microsoft Windows and Office preferred.Good communication skills.Ability to prioritize and multi-task is required.