QA Tech I - 2nd Shift

Ventura Foods; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Employee appreciation events

Job summary

Ventura Foods is hiring a QA Tech I for the 2nd shift in Albert Lea, MN. The role performs lab tests and supports operations to ensure food products meet specs and customer requirements.

Onsite position requiring collaboration across departments and strong attention to GMPs, HACCP, and FSMA guidelines. Ideal candidates hold a chemistry/biology/food science degree with 1–3 years in a food manufacturing lab, with fats and oils experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Test, monitor, and document quality results and processing data.
• Audit, verify and follow up process controls (weight checks, batch sheets, HACCP, PCs, inspections)
• Support formula adjustments to satisfy customer requirements
• Maintain communication across departments and assist training of QA Tech I personnel
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment
• Follow GMPs, FSMA, SQF, and other food safety policies
• Utilize AS400 and JDE for quality functions
• Maintain documentation timely
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

GMP audits

Problem solving

Written & verbal communication

Self-starter

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/Biology/Food Science

Tools

AS400

JDE computer system

Job description

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QA Tech I - 2nd Shift

Location: Albert Lea, MN, US, 56007

Employment Type: Hourly

Shift: Second

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, perform a variety of laboratory tests or other laboratory work to help provide top quality and safe products that meet customer requirements and specifications. Assist plant operations personnel with quality and processing matters.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Test, monitor, and document accurately the quality results and processing data for products produced
• Using RedZone: Audit, verify and follow up process controls such as weight checks, batch sheets, HACCP, PCs, plant inspections, receiving, etc.
• Support process variations as they relate to formula adjustments to satisfy customer requirements
• Maintain a high and effective level of communication with all operating departments. Assist with training of QA Technician I personnel
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment
• Assure that all sanitation and housekeeping practices are being followed according to expectations, and responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Understand and apply the functionality of the Unshippable Program
• Utilize AS400 and JDE computer system for necessary quality functions
• Maintain and complete files and documentation accurately and timely
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of experience in a food manufacturing lab environment
• Food manufacturing lab environment experience in fats and oils preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge and understanding of crystallizing and tempering process; ability to conduct Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audits and post cleaning inspections
• Excellent math, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and be a self-starter
• Excellent teamwork and good interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact well with others at all levels

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision - coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs
• Hourly Base Range of $20.97 - $25.76*

*The "base hourly range" provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position in the specified markets. Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.

Physical Demands:

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying. Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Our Culture

Our Culture reflects our commitment to treating every employee with respect and creating an environment where people can do their best work. We rely on a variety of strengths, backgrounds, and experiences across our teams to help us innovate, grow, and deliver for our customers. By fostering a workplace that is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in integrity, we continue to attract strong talent and meet the high expectations of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ventura Foods may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tools at certain stages of our hiring process, including identifying & sourcing candidates, reviewing applications and matched candidates on job boards and websites, and generating screening questions to help us work more efficiently and consistently. We regularly review our tools to promote fairness and reduce the risk of bias. However, while these tools support our process, every hiring decision is made by a real person on our team. Applicants in the State of New York may request an alternative process by contacting us at [e-mail] .