QC Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Santa Ana, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a quality control technician in Santa Ana, CA to support batch testing, sampling, and data evaluation with high accuracy.

The role involves calibrating lab equipment, maintaining records, and ensuring products meet safety and quality standards in a fast-paced production environment with 4:00am–12:30pm shifts. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Post-secondary education in food science, biology, or related fields preferred.
• 1–3 years in food manufacturing, lab testing, or QA preferred.
• Certification or license may be required during employment such as Better Processing Certificate or state antibiotic testing certification.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality of batch preparation and QC activities, including inspection, sampling, and evaluation to meet specs and quality standards.
• Test incoming and outgoing products for compliance with standards.
• Prepare, sort, and clean up samples; calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation.
• Maintain lab records and complete paperwork accurately and timely; enter data into computer systems.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Reading and following procedures

English literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary education related to food science preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE
Apply quality control experience to perform tasks related to the testing of products, setting of samples, and following through on various quality assurance programs. Test and inspect products at various stages of the batching and production process. Compile and evaluate data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. Use gauges and other devices to verify conformity to standards of products being tested. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Ensure that products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards.

HOURS AND DAYS OFF

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

4:00am-12:30pm 4:00am-12:30pm

OFF

OFF

5:00am-1:30pm 5:00am-1:30pm

5:00am-1:30pm

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure quality of batch preparation and quality control activities, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation to meet specification and quality standards
• Properly test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards
• Perform sample setup/sorting, preparation, and clean-up
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed
• Notify supervisor of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately, monitor quality problems or trends
• Maintain lab records as directed. Complete all required paperwork accurately, clearly, timely, and completely with required information. Complete data entry into the computer system(s). Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures
• Prepare reports of results
• Maintain process control by monitoring and/or generating statistical information and reporting to team leader or supervisor
• Participate in task meetings and suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies
• Perform daily cleaning of task area keeping work area free of clutter. During CIP (Clean in Place), perform detail cleaning in task areas. Wash lab utensils and glassware; assist with other clean-up activities
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate
  regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences preferred
• 1 to 3 years of food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, and/or related work experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment such as Better Processing
  Certificate, state certification for antibiotic testing, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and skill with applicable laboratory equipment
• Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
• Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable
  products
• Able to keep good records (record keeping skill)
• Able to follow directions
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others
• Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions
• Able to perform task and duties under general supervision
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay Range

$29.15 - $32.39

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

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