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Job Description

General Purpose:

Support Bruce’s quality program activities, perform laboratory analyses with documentation, and manage laboratory areas and equipment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Responsibilities:

+ Perform chemical and physical testing of ingredients, in-process, and finished products

+ Complete laboratory testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending

+ Report non-compliant laboratory test results to the QA Manager (Quality Supervisor)

+ Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices

+ Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices

+ Performing preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks

+ Wash lab/production utensils and glassware

+ Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents

+ Prepare and stock reagents and media

+ Perform inventory control management of laboratory supplies

+ Documentation Control – Record Retention – Sample Retention

+ Prepare samples and documentation for shipment to external labs

+ Perform equipment and environmental inspections as required to maintain facility sanitation programs

Quality Program Responsibilities:

+ Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for plant and laboratory operation.

+ Aseptically complete environmental surveillance sampling for Salmonella and Listeria per Corporate QA programs. Manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.

+ Complete air and water monitoring sampling and manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.

+ Organize and perform data entry into computer systems

+ Support the facility's Food Safety Plan and Food Defense Plan

+ Perform limited maintenance as defined per the MSS or as required, including but not limited to inspection, cleaning, and entering maintenance work requests into the SAP system

+ Assist in the training and development of new lab technicians

+ Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly at designated intervals

+ Maintain safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and common areas

+ Anticipate problems, implement solutions, and look for continuous improvement/process improvement opportunities

+ Safeguard and protect all company assets and proprietary information

+ Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives. Make decisions in a timely manner

+ Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with peers and employees from all other departments

+ Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive

+ Follow all Dairy Farmers of America procedures and practices: Safety, Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)

+ Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

+ Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment

+ Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity

+ Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Food Safety, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)

+ 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.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

_Education and Experience_

+ High School Diploma or equivalent

+ Two year applied science degree in food science, dairy science, or applied discipline preferred

+ 1 year food or pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance or laboratory experience preferred

_Knowledge, Skills and Abilities_

+ Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically SAP

+ Skill in proficient computer usage

+ Able to perform basic quality testing as necessary, including but not limited to, TA, pH, sensory testing, salt %, and fat %

+ Able to understand all plant processes to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise

+ Able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once

+ Able to use and understand mathematical calculations

+ Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing

+ Able to be proactive in seeking solutions

+ Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork

+ Able to follow directions and meet deadlines

+ Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems

+ Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures

+ Able to interpret and apply company policies

+ Able to adapt and manage to change effectively

+ Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision

+ Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities

+ Able to use direct reading instruments and devices in which interpretation is not required

+ Able to carry out instructions and effectively manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines

+ Able to lift at least 50 lbs.

+ Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer

**Pay Range** $24.36/hour