QA Lab Relief II - Visalia - Shift Flex (73785)

Job Location: Visalia Plant - Visalia, CA 93291

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $23.70 - $23.70 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Category: QA - Quality Control

Work Location: Visalia 12310 Avenue 368 | Visalia | CA | 93291

Hourly Rate: $23.70 (Overtime and weekends may be required)

We are hiring for a Flex Shift position which will cover all three shifts where needed.

Shift: 1st Shift 6am - 2:30pm

Shift: 2nd Shift 2pm - 10:30pm | Shift Differential $0.40 hour

Shift: 3rd Shift 10pm - 6:30am | Shift Differential $0.80 hour

Job Summary

The QA Lab Relief II is the primary person responsible for the sampling of all finished products in the facility including but not limited to, incoming/outgoing tankers, blend tanks, silos, packaged goods, etc. They will be testing inbound tankers, outbound tankers, and batches for all analytical tests as time permits. The QA Lab Relief II reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor. The QA Lab Relief II may work any shift.

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Effectively communicate with production operators to ensure timely sampling of products to not cause delays.
• Pull sample from batch tanks, silos, tankers, packaged products, resampling for microbiological and product testing.
• Perform aseptic sampling techniques to ensure proper handling of sample.
• Create labels for retention samples.
• Responsible for maintaining product shelf life/retention sample policy.
• Perform routine analytical tests per specification: citric acid, brix, ratio, pulp, defects, flavor, and color.
• Create lots and/or labels for production packages.
• Enter all data into the Portal/CitrOS/Sage with accuracy and speed.
• Calibrate all laboratory equipment at the beginning of each shift.
• Send out customer sample requests using SSR database.
• Complete various COAs for numerous products.
• Manage typical samples as required for customer shipments including organizing the freezer inventory.
• Composite oil samples to send to Tipton.
• Sample Water Phase Essence and Oil Phase Essence products to send to Tipton.
• Perform audit of the process during the production run.
• Perform pre-operational audits as required, including Hygiena swabs.
• Assist in training technicians as necessary.
• Follow all safety rules and practices to include the wearing of all essential personal protective equipment.
• Follow all personal hygiene and food safety practices.
• Report non-standard conditions to the Lead or QA Supervisor immediately.
• Act professionally toward co-workers, customers, vendors or other visitors to the plant.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a positive attitude.
• Responsible for CCP #3 (Tanker Inspection) review of documentation and a secondary check on compliance with JPA guidelines.
• Organize Quality documentations including but not limited to: instrument calibrations, tanker inspection forms, CCP charts, sanitation documents, etc.
• Provide coverage as necessary to labs: Juice, Peel, and Fresh Fruit, if applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Two (2) years experience in a food processing environment.
• High school graduate; prefer college level course work in math, chemistry or other sciences or Associates Degree.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and large ERP applications.
• Ability to work successfully in a team involvement environment is a must.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as: auto titrator and centrifuge.
• Ability to follow protocols as prescribed to avoid unsafe conditions or compromised test results.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs as fruit crates with samples can weigh 35 lbs.
• Ability to work under extreme environments; cold/freezer temperatures.
• 30% Routine Laboratory analysis
• 20% Computer data entry
• 50% Walking, auditing facility, climbing up Tanker ladders and/or standing; The ability to move between different areas of the lab and facility to retrieve chemicals, samples, or tools is critical.
• While personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, and goggles reduce exposure, this role must be able to work in environments where low-level chemical fumes, solvents, or powders are present.