**Job Description** **General Purpose:** Support Bruce’s quality program activities, perform laboratory analyses with documentation, and manage laboratory areas and equipment. **Job Duties and Responsibilities:** Laboratory Responsibilities: + Perform chemical and physical testing of ingredients, in-process, and finished products + Complete laboratory testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending + Report non-compliant laboratory test results to the QA Manager (Quality Supervisor) + Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices + Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices + Performing preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks + Wash lab/production utensils and glassware + Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents + Prepare and stock reagents and media + Perform inventory control management of laboratory supplies + Documentation Control – Record Retention – Sample Retention + Prepare samples and documentation for shipment to external labs + Perform equipment and environmental inspections as required to maintain facility sanitation programs Quality Program Responsibilities: + Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for plant and laboratory operation. + Aseptically complete environmental surveillance sampling for Salmonella and Listeria per Corporate QA programs. Manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management. + Complete air and water monitoring sampling and manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management. + Organize and perform data entry into computer systems + Support the facility's Food Safety Plan and Food Defense Plan + Perform limited maintenance as defined per the MSS or as required, including but not limited to inspection, cleaning, and entering maintenance work requests into the SAP system + Assist in the training and development of new lab technicians + Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly at designated intervals + Maintain safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and common areas + Anticipate problems, implement solutions, and look for continuous improvement/process improvement opportunities + Safeguard and protect all company assets and proprietary information + Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives. Make decisions in a timely manner + Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with peers and employees from all other departments + Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive + Follow all Dairy Farmers of America procedures and practices: Safety, Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) + Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements + Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment + Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity + Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Food Safety, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF) + 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** **Minimum Requirements:** **_Education and Experience_** + High School Diploma or equivalent + Two year applied science degree in food science, dairy science, or applied discipline preferred + 1 year food or pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance or laboratory experience preferred **_Knowledge, Skills and Abilities_** + Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically SAP + Skill in proficient computer usage + Able to perform basic quality testing as necessary, including but not limited to, TA, pH, sensory testing, salt %, and fat % + Able to understand all plant processes to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise + Able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once + Able to use and understand mathematical calculations + Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing + Able to be proactive in seeking solutions + Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork + Able to follow directions and meet deadlines + Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems + Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures + Able to interpret and apply company policies + Able to adapt and manage to change effectively + Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision + Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities + Able to use direct reading instruments and devices in which interpretation is not required + Able to carry out instructions and effectively manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines + Able to lift at least 50 lbs. + Must be able to read, write, and speak English An Equal Opportunity Employer **Pay Range** $24.36/hour