Quality Technician (12 Hour Days- Rotating Weekends)

job purpose:

Entry level position that provides key support for the Quality department including water testing, raw milk testing, raw and pasteurized load out testing, finished product testing, microbiological testing, chemical titrations, and work-in-process testing. Employee is responsible for generating daily reports, data entry and collection, project assistance, filing, assist in conduct of special studies, calibrations, data collection, and communicating with other departments.

responsibilities:

• Ability to operate lab testing instrumentation correctly and in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner. Testing includes but is not limited to moisture/solids, protein, fat and pH. Technician will be responsible for understanding Foss analytical equipment, pH meter and other laboratory instrumentation as needed.
• Perform daily quality line sampling, evaluations and testing on plant floor as assigned.
• Preparation of all solutions and media required in the performance of laboratory tests.
• Required to perform sensory evaluations on all finished products.
• Fill out and maintain accurate laboratory records and results in the laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Recognize and notify Quality Assurance Manager and appropriate operations supervisors of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary re-checks as required.
• Conduct raw milk testing/screening as required by fairlife and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), ensuring milk meets all quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Maintain required certifications are required by the PMO.
• Ensure verification of approved incoming raw milk producers.
• Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area at all times. Must keep area stocked with sufficient supplies to perform job responsibilities.
• Communication of results to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, and professional manner.
• Report immediately to supervisor or manager of any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning the plant equipment or lab instrumentation.
• Follow all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and GLPs rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

skills/qualifications required:

• College degree is highly preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of (1) year experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• College level verbal and written communication skills. Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 40-45 hours/sitting/standing/walking/lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Assist can be provided.

food safety responsibilities:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in 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.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of food safety and quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and well-being resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlifes nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Coopersville, MI

reports to: Quality Supervisor

travel requirements: None

This position is eligible for bonus.