Quality Assurance Technician in Central Point, Oregon at Zausner Foods Corporation

Summary/Objective
This position is to help ensure that all products meet legal and company specifications for food safety and standard of identity before leaving the premises. This is accomplished by testing ingredients, in-process samples and finished product per Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products protocols and supporting R&D activities by assistant in product testing, date collections and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs a variety of chemical and physical analyses on incoming, in-process and finished product which include but are not limited to: Moisture, Total Solids, Fat tests (Gerber Method), Salt, pH, residual oxygen, leak detector, and titratable acidity;
• Enters analytical data into excel;
• Supports the environmental monitoring program by collecting and testing surface, air, drain, hygiene, pathogen swabs (Zone 1-4), and water samples. Enters and trends data in database;
• Performs monthly scale verifications and quarterly thermometer verifications;
• Maintains a product retains library and evaluates product at average age and end of code for quality, micro, and sensory conformance. Enters data, trends data, and reports information to department manager;
• Communicates non-conformances clearly to production and provides guidance on possible corrective actions;
• Maintains a working relationship with the production department by collecting, testing, and communicating deviations for ATP swabs and Pre-Op Inspections as needed;
• Execute R&D product and packaging trials, ensuring accurate setup, monitoring, and completion;
• Collect, document, and analyze data from R&D initiatives (e.g., plastic bagger, smoker, tray sealer, conventional vs. organic trials, salt and acidification verification, molding adaptations);
• Perform laboratory testing and analysis to support R&D objectives;
• Organize and execute standard sensory testing and enter and interpret data;
• Draft and coordinate Management of Change documentation and schedules;
• Co-develop and maintain a comprehensive R&D calendar, including tastings and trial timelines
• Demonstrates knowledge of the site’s HACCP/Food Safety Plan, pre-requisite programs and GMPs;
• Support Special Projects as needed
• Maintains regular, predictable attendance;
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies
Job Knowledge
Quality of Work
Job Safety
Cost Control
Teamwork & Leadership
Inclusion & Communication

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but can participate as a team leader in auditing activities to support the manager.

Work Environment
This position works in a lab environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines and works routinely with chemicals.

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.

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, and hours of work vary depending upon shift but are Monday through Friday. Occasional off shift and weekend work is required.

Travel
There is no travel required with this position.

Required Education and Experience
• High school diploma/GED and 2+ years of experience working in a lab environment or BS degree in biology, microbiology or food/dairy science with no experience.

• Proficient knowledge of MS Excel
• Current Food Handlers Certificate (has up to 30 days to obtain).

Preferred Education and Experience
• Previous food industry experience, particularly in cheese and/or dairy applications.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Eligible to work in USA.

Food Safety and Product Quality
This position is responsible for supporting the food safety management system and for communicating food safety issues to the Quality Department.

Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rogue Creamery provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.