Performs analysis on in-process and finished products and R&D samples to ensure specifications are met. Makes accept/reject decision on incoming raw materials and pre-shipment samples based on pre-established criteria. Places defective product on hold in accordance with procedures. Resolves and reports defect issues. Interacts with other departments to communicate testing results.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

KY Buckner

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Quality Technician III

Job Description:

US Non-Union Template:

Schedule: Mon-Fri (Sat OT), 2p-1030p

Work Location: 1 Quality Place, Buckner, KY 40010

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $22.50-$29 Per Hour

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

Analysis and testing on in-process and finished products to ensure all quality and food safety Critical Control Points are met as defined by the applicable PJJ/Salsa, Traditional and Spoonables HACCP/Food Safety plans. Performs and documents processing line audits and product evaluations for PPJ/Salsa, Traditional and Spoonables products, as assigned.  Tests include, but are not limited to: pH, water activity, viscosity, density, brix, product acidity, product sensory evaluation, packaging evaluation and CCP monitoring activity verifications.Performs and document verification activities of product foreign material detection devices to ensure equipment functionality.Performs and document verification activities of pasteurizer water chemical concentrations in the PJJ/Salsa processing areas.Assist in the identification and resolution of quality and food safety related non-conformances, including hold and release program activities.Ensure employees are following all quality, food safety, GMP programs and procedures.Review all production documents and investigate or correct for any missing or erroneous information.Assist in the collection and management of retain samples.Assist internal and external personnel on documentation requests, audits and inspections.Perform sanitation effectiveness verification activities that may include pre-operational inspections, environmental monitoring sampling and hygienic restoration activities.Assist with the coordination of environmental monitoring program including the preparation and sampling of environmental swabs, water and air testing.Assist in the investigation of non-conformances related to sanitation effectiveness.Actively participates in verification and validation activities of the food safety plans and is an active member of the plant’s food safety team.Assist in the investigation of consumer complaints.Work closely with operations, warehouse, sanitation, maintenance departments for all quality needs.Performs lab and workstation housekeeping tasks.Performs annual mock recall and traceability exercises as assignedProduct shelf life reporting and shelf life extensionsPerforms certificate of analysis verification for all incoming ingredientsAssists receiving team with investigating defective loads and administering corrective action as neededCreates and sends finished product COA upon customer requestUpdates schedule A and B per Kosher requirementsPerforms defect form submissions for all supplier related incidentsProficient in TracegainsProficient in SAPSafely and accurately perform all duties as required for this position to ensure the safety and quality of our products.Completes HACCP, Better Process Controls, PCQI, BRC implementation.Executes environmental monitoring program by scheduling swab sites for QA team membersAssists Quality Supervisor with scheduling and lab coverage to include the duties of QA Tech I & IIPrepares paperwork packets for production team members and reviews completed paperwork for finished product release.Executes laboratory proficiency testing plan to ensure sample testing methods are validated accordinglyPrepares sensory cuttings and performs organoleptic evaluations on finished productMonitors laboratory supply inventory levels and works with QA Team Leader/Maintenance Planner to keep required laboratory supplies in stockMonitors lab equipment maintenance and calibrationServes as a working team lead and a backup for QA Supervisor as scheduled.Fulfills customer sample requests as neededProvides guidance to QA Technicians and production team members on process deviations and out of specification results.All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Critical Skill Requirements:

High School diploma requiredAA or BS   in Biology, Chemistry or Food Science preferred2-3 years of experience in a quality related fieldStrong attention to detailAbility to multitask

Physical Demands:

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Must be able to perform the following:  standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning and stooping.Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time. Good physical condition with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.

Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements:

Must wear all required personal protection equipment associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel.Maintain clean and safe working environment and follow all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.Inform Management of any food safety or quality issues or of any processes which become noncompliant with specified requirements.

Food Safety:

Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required.Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.Controls further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.