QA Lab Tech II - Visalia - Shift 2nd

Ventura-Coastal; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventura-Coastal in Visalia, CA is hiring a QA Technician II for second shift to support testing of inbound/outbound tankers and batches. The role includes routine analytical testing, data entry, calibration, and cross-training across Peel and Fresh Fruit Lab Technician duties.

You will review analytics, issue corrections, assist in blending projects, and maintain quality documents. Strong lab skills and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a food processing environment.
• High school diploma required; associate degree in chemistry or science preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems a plus.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Test inbound/outbound tankers, batches for analytical tests.
• Fill in for Peel Technician and Fresh Fruit Lab Technician as needed.
• Perform routine analytical tests (citric acid, brix, acid, pH, pulp, pectin, defects, oil, color, mold, viscosity, dye, clarity, absorbance).
• Review analytics against specifications and issue corrections as needed.
• Assist in blending projects and sampling programs.
• Input data into Portal/CitrOS/Sage accurately and quickly.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment at shift start.
• Communicate out-of-spec results and tankers rejections to management.
• Pull aseptic samples from pulp collection, tanks, drums, and silos; resample for retesting as needed.
• Perform moisture testing of citrus peel and communicate loads to production.
• Perform product analyses in-process to ensure final product integrity.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Data entry

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Chemistry or Science (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Autorefractometer

pH meter

Auto titrator

Centrifuge

Spectrometer

Colorimeter

Job description

Work Location: Visalia 12310 Avenue 368 | Visalia | CA | 93291Hourly Rate: $23.59 (Overtime and weekends may be required)We are hiring for a 2nd Shift position which will cover all three shifts where needed.Shift: 2nd Shift 2pm - 10:30pm | Shift Differential $0.40 hourJob SummaryThe QA Technician II is the primary person responsible for the testing of inbound tankers, outbound tankers, and batches for all analytical tests.Additionally, the QA Technician II will fill in for the Peel Technician and Fresh Fruit Lab Technician during absences and days off. The QA Technician II reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor. The QA Technician II may work any shift.Primary ResponsibilitiesFood Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCP’s in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.Perform routine analytical tests per specification: citric acid, brix, acid, pH, coarse/sinking pulp, pectin, defects, oil, color, Howard Mold, viscosity, blue dye, clarity, and absorbance.Review analytics against customer specification and issue water, oil, and/or preservative correction as needed.Assist in blending projects.Participate in all performance evaluation programs such as cross checks and JBT Co-Op samples.Assist in sample submission requests and water phase and oil phase essence sampling.Perform dissolved oxygen testing.Create and verify labels for production packaging lots.Input all data into the Portal/CitrOS/Sage with accuracy and speed.Calibrate all laboratory equipment at the beginning of each shift.Communicate out of specification product and tanker rejections to management to ensure corrective action.Pull aseptic samples from pulp collection, tanks, tankers, purchased drums, and silos as directed. Resample product for retesting as needed.Perform GMP audit of the process during the production run.Participate in plantwide food safety culture audit.Perform pre-operational audit and qualifies production equipment and tankers for use by observation and bioluminescence swabs.Assist in training technicians as necessary.Report non-standard conditions to the Lead or QA Supervisor immediately.Responsible for CCP #3 (Tanker Inspection) review of documentation and a secondary check on compliance with JPA guidelines.Organize quality documentation including but not limited to: instrument calibrations, tanker inspection forms, pasteurization charts, sanitation documents, etc.Perform moisture testing of citrus peel after the extraction of fruit and communicate wet peel loads to production team to ensure corrective action.Perform analytical testing of incoming fresh fruit through in-process testing to the integrity of the final product. Samples must be extracted and analyzed in a timely and efficient manner.Analyze oil content using Berkel machine and perform oil efficiency testing on feed, separators and crème tanks.Perform chemical concentration level testing on PAA and water chlorine.Follow all safety rules and practices to include the wearing of all essential personal protective equipment.Follow all personal hygiene and food safety practices.Act professionally toward co-workers, customers, vendors or other visitors to the plant.Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a positive attitude.Perform other duties as assigned and required.Qualifications and Education RequirementsTwo (2) years experience in a food processing environment.High school graduate; prefer college level course work in chemistry or other sciences or Associate Degree.Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and large ERP applications.Ability to work successfully in a team involvement environment is a must.Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as: autorefractometer, pH meter, auto titrator, centrifuge, spectrometer and colorimeter.Physical RequirementsThe ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must.Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.70% Routine Laboratory analysis.20% Computer data entry.10% Walking, auditing facility, and climbing ladders.