Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance TechnicianUnder direction of the Quality Assurance Supervisor, the Quality Assurance Technician verifies adherence to all food safety, regulatory and quality requirements and conducts microbiological, chemical, and physical in-process and finished product testing. In addition, the Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for conducting pre-shipment review of product paperwork, conducting frequent auditing, and weekly environmental swabbing.Land O'Lakes, Inc offers a competitive salary and bonus potential. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package as well as other company sponsored benefits.Required Qualifications & Experiences18 years or older.Basic computer skills.Ability to read, write, comprehend, follow verbal and written instructions, and possess basic mathematical skills.Preferred Qualifications & ExperiencesHigh School diploma or equivalent.Minimum of 2 years working in a food-related environment, dairy preferred.Knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, composition, analysis, processes, and regulations.Must be able to effectively communicate and actively listen.Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write routine reports and interpret safety, quality, operating, and maintenance instructions.Must be proficient in Microsoft suite.Must be agile and able to shift gracefully when priorities change.Must be attentive to detail and have good organizational skills.Must be a self-directed worker, as well as a team player.Must be flexible with work schedule.Ability to relate with a positive, warm, and friendly manner.Must have a willing attitude to learn and better the Creamery and yourself.Essential Functions & ResponsibilitiesConduct routine analysis of raw ingredients, work-in-process, and finished product.Compete microbiological plating for coliform, yeast, mold, etc.Complete physical testing on product, such as pH, moisture, salt, and butterfat.Assist with the HACCP prerequisite program implementation, training, and records.Monitor and maintain internal product testing records.Create and edit Quality SOP's.Review finished product pre- shipment paperwork.Complete sensory evaluation.Assist in management of product retain sample inventory.Organize and conduct environmental swabbing.Follow all Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements.Comply with safety and environmental requirements.Maintain QA Lab cleanliness and inventory.Communicate results / findings clearly and escalate to QA Department leadership when necessaryManages time appropriately to complete tasks within shift hoursCollaborates well with coworkersServe as weekend coverage as production and departmental schedule requiresAssist Quality Assurance Supervisor and Quality Assurance Manager in other functions as necessary.Other duties as assigned.Essential Physical RequirementsFrequent movement including walking, standing, bending/stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms, lifting, climbing and other active movements.Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment.Working across temperature zones that may include cold and/or hot environments for extended periods and may include work in environments where dust is present.Shift schedules that include days, nights, and weekends, some holidays and periodic overtime.Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check.This position is Wednesday-Sunday with hours of 10am - 6:30pm, Shift schedules could include days, nights, weekends, and some holidays, hours subject to business needs.