Quality Technician in Armada, Michigan at Blake's Orchard, Inc.

Job Summary

Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill is a family-owned business that blends tradition and innovation to create exceptional Michigan-made products and experiences. Since 1947, Blake’s has grown into a nationally recognized brand rooted in quality, hospitality, and community.

The Quality Tech is primarily responsible for the daily execution of quality control processes across a diverse production operation. This role provides hands-on support for production teams, verifies compliance with GMPs and HACCP, and ensures accurate completion of records. This team member must have a drive for continuous improvement in all processes, logical problem-solving skills, and the desire to lead by example.

Essential Functions

• Perform routine hourly line checks, pre-operational inspections, sanitation verification, sample analysis, HACCP monitoring, and GMP inspections
• Assist with data collection to drive continuous improvement
• Perform routine verification of the quality system, environmental monitoring, and allergen controls
• Ensure that all team members are upholding Blake’s promise of producing products of exceptional quality
• Provide support for corrective and preventive actions, and verify their effectiveness
• Maintain audit readiness by assisting with internal audits, third-party audits, ensuring proper documentation, sanitation, and adherence to quality
• Follow systems and procedures outlined in the company manuals
• Participate as a key team player by supporting operations as needed
• Other duties as assigned by their manager

What you need to be successful for Blake's:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a scientific field preferred
• 1 year of experience in food manufacturing and quality assurance (preferred)
• Understanding of HACCP principles in a food manufacturing environment (certificate preferred)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong understanding of record keeping, documentation accuracy, and audit processes
• Must be able to perform physical tasks typical of manufacturing operations, including standing for extended periods and light lifting.
• Flexibility to work longer hours during peak seasons to support business needs
• Ability to work weekends during the “busy season” which includes the months of September and October

Verbal Communication Skills

This position will use verbal skills to communicate information to groups

Written Communication Skills

This position will be required to review and approve documentation, reports, and records as completed by subordinate staff

Tools and Equipment

General Office Equipment

Mental Demands

This position will regularly require the following mental demands:

• Concentration/Attentiveness
• High Level of Recordkeeping
• High Level of Decision Making
• High Pressure for Results
• Manage Multiple Projects/Tasks
• Read and Comprehend Work Instructions
• Independent Judgement/Discretion
• Respond to unpredictability
• Organize and Prioritize
• Relate to Others

Physical Demands

This position may require the following physical demands between 25-75% of the time:

• Ability to Stand
• Ability to Walk
• Ability to Sit
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to Carry
• Ability to Push
• Ability to Pull
• Repetitive Finger Movement
• Ability to use both legs
• Ability to use both hands
• Ability to communicate orally
• Ability to hear conversation
• Specific visual requirements
• Repetitive twisting involving both hands or wrists

Working Conditions:

This position may work under the following conditions 25-75% of the time:

• Work outside and inside
• Work alone
• Work more than 40 hours weekly
• Work a shift between 8-12 hours
• Required to be on call

Personal Protective Equipment Regularly Required:

This position typically requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. You will be expected to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested by your supervisors.

The Blake’s family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.