Quality Technician

Job Title:

Quality Technician Department:

Quality Assurance /

Food Safety Reports To:

Quality Assurance Manager or Quality Supervisor Position Summary The Quality Technician is responsible for performing daily quality control testing, monitoring plant processes, and verifying compliance with all regulatory and company standards to ensure the safety, consistency, and quality of all dairy products produced — including milk, yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream bases. This position works closely with production, sanitation, and maintenance teams to support continuous quality improvement, food safety, and compliance with all state and federal regulations (PMO, FDA, USDA, and SQF). Key Responsibilities 1. Product & Process Testing Perform routine analytical and microbiological testing on raw milk, in-process, and finished products including: Butterfat, solids, protein, and pH Temperature and pasteurization verification Antibiotic and adulteration screening (e.g., Delvotest, Charm test) Standard plate count, coliform, yeast, and mold testing Calibrate, operate, and maintain lab instruments (e.g., Babcock, Milkoscan, pH meter, incubators, thermometers). Verify HTST charts, flow diversion valve function, and recording accuracy. 2. Process Monitoring & Compliance Conduct and record sanitation, GMP, and pre-operational inspections before production. Monitor pasteurization records to ensure time/temperature requirements meet PMO standards. Verify CIP and sanitation records for completeness and chemical concentrations. Collect environmental swabs per the facility's environmental monitoring program (EMP) and report any positives or deviations. Observe production processes to ensure adherence to SOPs and food safety requirements. 3. Documentation & Recordkeeping Maintain accurate, legible records of all testing and inspections. File and review pasteurization charts, batch sheets, and laboratory data daily. Ensure all documentation meets FDA, PMO, and SQF requirements for traceability. Report out-of-spec results or deviations to QA Management and assist with corrective actions. 4. Food Safety & Continuous Improvement Support plant HACCP, Food Defense, and SQF programs through verification and data collection. Participate in root cause analysis for non-conforming product, customer complaints, or audit findings. Assist in internal audits, product holds, and release processes. Provide feedback to production teams on process control and improvement opportunities. 5. Regulatory & Customer Compliance Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety laws and standards (PMO, FDA CFR 21 Part 110/117, and state regulations). Support customer quality audits and documentation requests. Verify packaging and labeling compliance for finished goods prior to shipment. Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience in dairy manufacturing). 1-3 years of quality or lab experience in dairy, beverage, or food manufacturing environment preferred. Knowledge of PMO, HACCP, GMP, and sanitation principles. Familiarity with laboratory methods, data recording, and food safety systems. Ability to work accurately, independently, and under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with digital data logging systems a plus. Work Schedule Full-time position. Shifts may include early mornings, afternoons, weekends, or holidays depending on production and testing schedules. Physical & Environmental Conditions Work performed in lab and production environments (refrigerated areas 35-45°F). Standing for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 40 lbs. Exposure to dairy ingredients, cleaning chemicals, and humid conditions. Performance Expectations 100% accuracy in testing and documentation. Timely and complete verification of all regulatory records. Prompt escalation of any non-conformance, contamination, or quality issue. Support positive communication and collaboration with production and QA teams. Compensation and Benefits Competitive hourly wage or salary depending on experience. Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person