Quality Control Technician (Nights)

LGI foundation; Dalton (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentia is seeking a Quality Tech on the night shift to support management and production in ensuring finished goods meet specifications and customer requirements.

You will perform inspections, take microbiological swabs, test samples, operate the LIMS system, and work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues.

A high school diploma or GED and 2–3 years in food processing are required, with a commitment to maintaining food safety standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2–3 years in a food processing environment or a 2-year science degree preferred.
• Stable work history.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food safety and quality programs to meet objectives.
• Inspect and test raw materials for vendor compliance.
• Perform microbiological swabs, in-process and finished product testing, and record results.
• Input data results into the LIMS system and maintain QA documentation.
• Calibrate and maintain equipment per sanitary rules and procedures.
• Collaborate with production teams to resolve quality issues.

Skills

Food safety

Quality control

LIMS experience

Microbiology sampling

Data recording

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

LIMS

Reliance

MAPICS

Excel

Word

Job description

Through committed service and sustainable proteins solutions, Essentia is dedicated to building a better business for our customers. We do this by holding true to our values: Teamwork, Respect, Agility, Creativity and Knowledge.The Quality Tech assists with duties providing technical support to management and production personnel in an ongoing manner to ensure all finished goods conform to specifications and meet customer requirements, according to established company policies and procedures. This is a Night Shift role.JOB QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience:High School Diploma or GED required. Two to three years’ experience in a food processing environment, or a two-year degree in the field of science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Stable work history.JOB DUTIES:Assist in ensuring fundamental food safety and quality practices are maintained to achieve food safety and quality objectives and to support ongoing improvements of food safety programs.Assist with inspection and testing of raw materials to assure vendor compliance with specifications and established procedures.As required, inspect, test and monitor current production in accordance with established procedures to assure compliance to required specifications; report findings to appropriate personnel for needed changes or adjustment or place product on hold.Perform technical operations such as taking microbiological swabs, in-process and finished product samples, examining/analyzing product, and recording results. Take appropriate action in accordance with established procedures.Develop and maintain proficiency with the LIMS system of Quality Assurance to input data results.Clean, maintain and sanitize equipment used for quality purposes according to established sanitary rules and regulations.Operate company vehicle as required.Record and document inspection results, identifying areas of improvement or concern.Work closely with production teams and process improvement manager to assist in resolving quality issues and prevent future defects.Ensure calibration equipment are up to date and within specifications.Perform all other duties as assigned.JOB REQUIREMENTS:General knowledge of food processing and manufacturing, quality procedures and laboratory testing.Knowledge of organizational methods and ability to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.Must be able to distinguish if food safety violations or product quality issues occur and resolve immediately or, if unable to resolve immediately, contact appropriate plant and quality management.Ensure food safety and quality responsibilities and tasks are accounted across the Quality Department in the event of absences due to illness or vacation.Should the Quality Technician be absent, duties will be covered by other personnel in the Quality Department.Must be flexible with time during peak season.Knowledge and ability to:Perform basic math calculations.Accurately and legibly record a variety of data, including testing data.Learn, understand, and implement a wide variety of processing methods to assure compliance with established sanitation and processing procedures.Learn testing methods, including instrumentation testing as required.Modify and adapt equipment/machinery in preparation for new product lines or mechanical processes.Communicate effectively and tactfully with plant personnel, sales staff, customer service and other internal and external customers.Operate basic plant, lab, and office equipment, including computers, telephones, fax machines, and copiers.Remain calm and professional during peak periods of activities.Maintain confidentiality of company information when required.Drive a vehicle and maintain valid driver’s license.Work daily, weekends, and extended hours as necessary.Assist other work-related areas, as required.Learn and operate windows environment software, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, LIMS, Reliance and MAPICS system.BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Approximate: 12-Hour Day (may be longer during peak season)Physical Demand Level: MediumPhysical Demand Wt./Force Height Distance FrequencyLifting, Waist to Floor 0-2.5 lbs. 0-36 in. NA FrequentlyLifting, Waist to Floor 2.5-40 lbs. 0-50 in. NA OccasionallyLifting, Above Shoulder 0-1 lbs. 50-72 in. NA OccasionallyCarrying, Bilateral 0-40 lbs. Self-selected Up to 25 ft. OccasionallyPushing/Pulling,Horizontal 0-35 lbs. of force ~36 in. Up to 200 ft. OccasionallyGrasping Up to 35 lbs. of force NA NA FrequentlyPinching(2-point/3-point/lateral)Up to 5/8/10 lbs. of force NA NA OccasionallyReaching, Forward/Lateral NA 0-50 in. Up to 24 in. FrequentlyReaching, Above Shoulder NA 50 -72 in. Up to 24 in. OccasionallySitting NA NA NA OccasionallyStanding NA NA NA FrequentlyWalking NA NA Up to 200 ft. FrequentlyStair Climbing NA 8-12 ft. NA OccasionallySquatting NA NA NA OccasionallyBending NA NA NA OccasionallyStooping NA NA NA OccasionallyTwisting NA NA NA OccasionallyFrequency KeyOccasional: 1-33% of workday or 1-12 reps/hourFrequent: 34-66% of workday or 13-62 reps/hourConstant: +67% of workday or +63 reps/hourPhysical Demand Summary: Maximum frequent waist to floor lift of 2.5 lbs.; Maximum occasional waist to floor lift of 40 lbs.; Maximum occasional above shoulder lift of 1 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral carry of 40 lbs.; Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull force of 35 lbs. of force; Frequent grasping of 35 lbs. of force; Occasional 2-point/3-point/lateral pinching of 5/8/10 lbs. of force; Frequent forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Occasional sitting; Frequent standing; Frequent walking; Occasional stair climbing; Occasional squatting; Occasional bending; Occasional stooping; Occasional twisting.