Quality Assurance Technician I

Organic Valley; Cashton (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Biometric screenings

Job summary

Organic Valley in Cashton, WI is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician I to join the CALF team. This onsite role focuses on executing and recording quality and food safety processes across conversion, labeling, and finishing operations.

You will perform routine checks, support HACCP/HARPC and traceability, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with Operations, QA, and DC to ensure product integrity and compliance. Training provided; shift 3 pm–11 pm; wage range included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM field preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or laboratory operations.
• Experience in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or distribution environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute food safety programs including HACCP/HARPC, PRPs, Food Defense, and traceability requirements.
• Record and monitor results of quality and safety checks.
• Maintain SOPs and work instructions.
• Assist with audit preparation and documentation gathering.
• Support labeling accuracy, packaging, and product identification controls.
• Record deviations or quality events in designated systems.
• Assist in recall readiness and product control activities.

Skills

HACCP/HARPC

GMPs

Data interpretation

Document control

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM Field Preferred

Tools

SAP

WMS

Job description

Quality Assurance Technician I

Location – Onsite
Thisis an onsite role that works at the Cashton Conversion & Labeling Facility (CALF) in Cashton, WI.The shift/hours are 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Employee Type – Hourly
Bonus– This position is eligible for a 3% annual incentive bonus based on cooperative and individual performance.
Safety Sensitive – Yes

Summary of Role

The Quality Assurance Technician I – CALF executes, performs, records, logs, monitors, and follows quality and food safety processes across conversion, labeling, and finishing operations.
This role supports the implementation of food safety and quality systems through routine process checks, documentation, monitoring, and verification activities. The position contributes to regulatory and corporate compliance by ensuring consistent execution of procedures and maintaining accurate quality records.
The role also provides back‑up support to Distribution Center (DC) laboratory programs, assisting with sample handling, documentation, and basic testing activities as needed. The position works closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, and Distribution Center teams to support product integrity, labeling accuracy, and compliance throughout CALF operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance Support – 30%

• Execute and follow food safety programs including HACCP/HARPC, PRPs, Food Defense, and traceability requirements
• Perform monitoring activities for food safety controls and record results accurately
• Maintain compliance with SOPs and work instructions
• Assist and support food safety program execution as directed
• Assist with audit preparation and documentation gathering
• Participate in audits as directed
• Ensure work areas and records are audit-ready
• Follow instructions to support compliance activities

Conversion, Labeling, Traceability & Inventory Control – 30%

• Perform verification checks for labeling, packaging, and product handling processes
• Complete production paperwork reviews to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Monitor labeling accuracy, coding, and product identification
• Record and communicate deviations or inconsistencies to QA personnel
• Assist in correction activities under direction
• Support hold and release processes through recordkeeping and system updates
• Monitor inventory status and maintain accurate records
• Follow procedures supporting recall readiness and product control

Documentation, Systems & Data Management 30%

• Record, log, and maintain quality documentation in accordance with procedures
• Log deviations, holds, and quality events in designated systems
• Ensure records are accurate, complete, and retrievable
• Follow document control requirements and filing standards
• Execute quality system tasks, including data entry and record maintenance
• Follow procedures for system use (SAP, WMS, or other systems as assigned)
• Ensure accuracy of system entries and documentation
• Maintain compliance with system requirements and SOPs

Sampling, Testing, Environmental Monitoring & Quality Verification 10%

• Assist with sample collection, labeling, and handling for product and environmental testing
• Perform basic testing tasks as trained and directed
• Record and log test results accurately
• Maintain sample documentation and chain-of-custody records
• Perform environmental and hygiene monitoring sample collection and logging
• Assist with sanitation verification activities, including ATP and hygiene checks
• Monitor sanitation records for completeness

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
• Assist and support Operations, QA, and DC teams in daily activities
• Participate in routine meetings as needed
• Communicate quality concerns or observations to QA leadership
• Contribute to team-based execution of quality tasks
• Participate in implementation of continuous improvement activities as assigned
• Follow updated procedures and training requirements
• Provide feedback on workflows when requested
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP/HARPC, CCPs, GMPs)
• Understanding of quality assurance processes and laboratory testing
• Ability to interpret data and support decision-making
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze, validate, and coordinate work across functions
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs
• Strong analytical problem solving and performance management capabilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong research skills
• Dairy/plant experience preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM Field Preferred
• 0-3 years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or laboratory operations
• Experience in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or distribution environments preferred

Base hourly wage range: $26.34 - $31.93 per hourThe typical hourly wage for a new hire with little or no experience is $26.34. This position alsoreceives a $2.00 per hour shift premium between the hours of 6pm and 12am, a $3.00 per hour shift premium between the hours of 12am and 6am or this position receives a$2.00 per hour shift premium on Saturdays and Sundays. This hourly wage rangeis exclusive of fringe benefits. The compensation package may also includeincentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary bonuses. Ifyou are hired at CROPP, your final base hourly wage compensation will be determinedbased on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/orexperience. Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity andconsider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any finaloffer. Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role shouldexpect to be at the lower end of the hourly wage range and hiring at the maximum of the hourly wage rangeis not typical.

Benefits

We believe when our peopleare strong, our mission is strong. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive andholistic Total Rewards package meant to strengthen employees’ and theirfamily's total wellbeing. Here are some of the great benefits offered:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf)
• Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Time Off – 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date. Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday to use at will.
• 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave – For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption.
• Vision & Dental Insurance – Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho.
• 401k – We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee’s contribution, and then 50% for 3.1%-5.0% of employee contributions.
• Free services at five local Neighborhood Family Clinics.
• Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education.
• Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee. Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee.
• Employee Assistance Program - Free and Confidential for employees, spouses, and dependents.
• Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching.
• Financial advisors and seminars
• Annual $360 Lifestyle Spending Account