QA Lab Tech

• Follow all DFA GMP’s and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, local, state, and federal regulations
• Ensure the following facility programs are followed:

1. Safety
2. Food Safety
3. GMP
4. Preventive Maintenance
5. Quality Assurance
6. Sanitation

• Ensure all policies and procedures for the Safe Quality Food initiative, NDA, organic, FDA, and USDA are followed
• Assist with data entry and “Hold and Release” programs for finished product and incoming ingredient within SAP
• Assist with Mock Recall
• Ensure Pathogen Environmental Monitoring program is maintained
• Ensure all customer specific policies, procedures, and specifications are followed
• Properly test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards
• Notify plant supervision and management in any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operation or product quality
• Maintain individual state and/or federal licenses
• Perform preventative maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and laboratory
• Monitor laboratory operations, documenting and correcting discrepancies identified in technician performance
• Manage sample retention and laboratory inventory levels
• Safeguard and protect all company assets
• Make decisions in a timely manner
• Anticipate problems and implement solutions
• Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, vendor and employee information
• Attain plant goals and objectives
• Use skills and talent to contribute to organizational success
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees, and peers
• Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance appropriate for the position and situation
• Fill in for vacationing, sick, or otherwise vacant QA positions, with little or no notice at times on both
• Assist with sanitation – ATP, clean equipment swabbing, visual inspection, and follow up
• Attend required training, including but not limited to GMP’s, HAACP, SQF, Safety, etc.

• Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement to include Lean, Kaizen, 5S and Leader Standard Work

• Follow all DFA GMP’s and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two year Applied Science Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or Microbiology preferred
• 1 year of experience in a food laboratory strongly preferred

• Certified Industry Analyst Certification for PMO Appendix-N testing of Drug Residue in Milk
• HACCP Certification

• SQF Practitioner Certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have good record-keeping skills
• Must be able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
• Must have good communication skills, both verbally and in writing, sufficiently to prepare and comprehend wash tags, shipping and receiving paperwork, laboratory procedures and references, state and federal regulations regarding the testing of dairy products and communicate with fellow employees
• Must be able to use plant equipment, laboratory apparatus, and office automation equipment
• Must be able to take on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done
• Must be able to firmly adhere to the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America. Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
• Must be willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary and promptly share relevant information with others
• Must be able to adapt to changing situations and be willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned
• Must be able and willing to perform tasks and duties without constant supervision

• Must be able to maintain a positive “can do” outlook, rebound quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and maintain composure and friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer