Bel is seeking enthusiastic, accountable people to join our quality team in Brookings, SD.

At Bel, Safety is our number one priority, and all our team members act as safety leaders in all responsibilities.

We support each other with teamwork while continuously improving our business goals.

Bel has an in-depth training program and provides opportunity for advancement!

New team members are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and wellness reimbursements immediately, as well as generous paid time off program.

Come grow with us and Be You. Be Ambitious. Be Bel.

Job Description Summary

Quality Control technician 1 performs chemical and/or physical and/or sensory testing of raw materials, in-process product, and finished product to insure conformance to specifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical tests which evaluate milk producer performance: count butter fat and protein content, residual anti-biotic levels, and water and sediment levels. Perform required tests, comparing results against specifications, and providing required test result documentation to state regulators and the Field Department.
• Perform periodic chemical and physical testing of in-process and finished products, assessing factors such as moisture content, ph, texture, fat and salt content. Collect product samples from production locations and prepare product for testing for chemical or microbiological testing. Perform required tests, comparing results against specifications, and providing required test result documentation.
• Perform training of new employees.
• Perform periodic visual inspections, ATP testing, and swabbing to test the sanitation of the plant.
• Calibrate laboratory testing instruments and otherwise prepare for testing duties, including the washing of equipment and utensils.
• Perform statistical calculations relating to test data. Enter test data into the computer system and prepare test result reports.
• Prepare samples and conduct sensory testing on finished product
• Review and enter data into SAP for cheese release criteria
• Have the ability to take and pass PCQR training to be able to release cheese
• Follow all clean up and housekeeping procedures. Comply with all quality, safety, and work-rule requirements.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned by management.
• Follows all Good Manufacturing Practices as stated within the policy
• Follows all Safety rules & procedures by working safely and ensuring safety of others
• Follows all food safety procedures
• Follows all environmental protocols as applicable
• Follows all sanitation procedures and work instructions

Qualifications and Competencies

Minimum education and experience required:

• Requires education generally equivalent to a High School Diploma plus 1 to 3 years additional training laboratory procedures preferred.
• Preferred 3 to 5 years of experience in laboratory testing techniques in a dairy and/or food processing environment. State of South Dakota certification is preferred. Experience should include the ability to perform the following tests; bacteria, somatic cell, added water, drug residue, milk butterfat, and any other required chemical testing.
• Ability to read and understand laboratory procedures.
• Ability to function as a team member and contribute to group goals.
• Ability to operate a variety of office and laboratory equipment such as a personal computer, microscope, water baths, incubator, PH meters, salt analyzer, scales, and rapid and reference chemistry testing methods.
• Prefer a good knowledge of State of South Dakota rules that regulate the dairy industry, testing procedures, and documentation techniques.
• Requires good oral communication skills to effectively deal with coworkers.

Protective Equipment:

Employees must wear safety glasses, protective gloves, hair net, plant uniform, bump cap, and rubber boots, as required.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach above shoulders, taste and/or smell, or talk and/or hear.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds collecting samples and performing laboratory tests. Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color 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.

The employee occasionally works in proximity to fumes or air-borne particles, non-weather related wet, humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, and in non-weather related extreme cold.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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