QA Tech

Job Title Quality Assurance Tech I Date April 2010 Reports To Lead Quality Technician Classification Full-time, Non-Exempt Department Quality Location Pawnee City or Bern Job Purpose The Level I QA Technician position is intended to be a “starting” point, from which the technician is expected to advance to capability on both sides of the process before the two‑year target. The Level I Technician should be capable of the required sampling and testing on either the processing or packaging side of the process with some assistance from the other QA technicians or Leads, and should have a good working knowledge of Food Safety and Quality policies. Description of Essential Duties Analytical Instruments – Operate the NIR, Aw meter, Computrac moisture analyzer, calipers, mycotoxin test equipment, pH meter, laboratory weigh scales, vacuum chamber for seal checks (PC), thermometers, and other equipment as added. In‑Process Sampling and Testing – Complete all routine tests required for either the Processing or Packaging side. Quality Hold and FIFO Program – Place materials and product on Hold in JDE and physical Hold, and complete Nonconformance and Hold reports. Business Systems – Enter data collected from routine tests into IQS software; possess knowledge and proficiency in all Alphia Business Systems as related to the position. Food Safety and Sanitation – Follow basic GMP requirements; monitor HACCP compliance in‑process; perform verification checks of metal detectors and magnets in the area of responsibility as specified in Quality Checkpoints; assist with product changeover cleaning and sanitation; perform inspections required before product startup. Microbial Testing – Pull finished product samples for product release testing. Regulatory Requirements – Pull samples for testing as required in product specifications. Communication – Inform operators and shift supervisors of testing results; communicate Quality concerns and Quality status to the shift. Follow established procedures to ensure Alphia, Inc. produces safe, quality food, meeting all governmental regulations. Perform other duties as directed or assigned. Qualification Requirements High school diploma or GED required. Willingness to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals. Excellent communication skills. Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner. Basic math skills. Ability to multi‑task. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place. Occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, or reach above shoulders. Frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or touch. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders. Must exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May be frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area. Production employees are exposed to temperatures ranging from 50 to 115 degrees, depending on the season and workstation, and may be working near moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur. Noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running. Personal Protection Equipment (including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area. Ear plugs and bump caps are required at all times in the production area. Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr