QA Technician I

Quality Assurance Technician

Continental Dairy Facilities is Select Milk Producer's first state-of-the-art powder milk and butter facility that produces over 300,000 pounds of dry non-fat milk per day in Coopersville, Michigan. Since 2009, Continental Dairy Facilities has been providing grade A, Gold Star quality milk products to manufacturers across the country and around the world. Our commitment to quality and sustainability has made us a preferred producer for a wide range of food manufacturing companies.

Our most important core value is YOU. Our employees are the foundation and heart of our organization and we strive to promote a positive and inclusive work environment. We are a forward-thinking company that encourages out-of-the-box thinking and rewards innovation and excellence. We seek employees who will take pride in their work and love to take ownership to solve problems and find unique solutions.

Pay Range: $26.00 - $32.00

$1.25 Night Shift Premium

Schedule: Night Shift 6:00 pm - 6:30 am (2-2-3 schedule)

*Must be willing to work weekends and holidays that fall into schedule.

Summary Of Functions: The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for analytical and microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products. Always adheres to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety regulations, as well as company rules.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate all testing equipment including, but not limited to spectrometer, FTIR analyzer, moisture analyzers, pH meter, burets, beta & aflatoxin analyzers, chlorine analyzer, pipettors, and various laboratory testing equipment.
• All equipment is to be operated in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner.
• Perform daily quality audits and checks on plant floor as assigned.
• Fill out required worksheets and logs, either electronically or paper form in an accurate manner.
• Maintain all results and report in a confidential manner in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
• Must keep laboratories stocked with necessary supplies.
• Responsible for quality related tasks such as certificates of analysis.
• Communication of results to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, and professional manner.
• Preparation of all solutions and media required in the performance of all laboratory tests.
• Recognize and notify FSQA Supervisor, FS Coordinator, FSQA Manager, and appropriate production supervisors of any unusual results or product defects.
• Perform the necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological testing.
• Aid in training of new Quality Assurance personnel.
• Assist in the calibrations, troubleshooting, and functionality of lab equipment.
• Be proficient in the performance of the following:
• Inhibitory test
• Total solids/Moisture Analysis.
• Inventory sample analysis
• Powder test for scorched particle, and moisture.
• Whey Protein Nitrogen Index test (WPNI)
• Bacteria test (Aerobic Plate Count, Coli, and Yeast & Mold).
• Obtain proper series samples as required.
• Compositing samples for third party testing.
• Proper identification of outgoing samples for third party testing.
• Report immediately to supervision any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning the equipment.
• Follow all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules.
• Aid in execution of plant environmental monitoring program.
• Assist in the investigation of plant incidents and out of specification products.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation. Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.

Education And/Or Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license by the state regulatory agency.
• Must be able to be licensed as Certified Industry Analyst in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (current edition) and state regulatory agency.

Benefits: Competitive Pay, Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and 401k with a company match.

Position Location: Coopersville, Michigan

Reports To: Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Supervisor

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

EEO/Affirmative Action Employer - Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC maintains a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.