Description

Under the direction of the Quality Assurance Supervisor, the Moisture Lab Technician is responsible for conducting cheese samples and testing for accurate moisture levels using new rapid methods and standard conventional methods. This position fosters an environment of trust and open communication. Assuring safety, quality and performance objectives are a foundational expectation for this role.

Shift Hours: 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM

$1/hr shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management deem necessary.

1. Develop and execute the company’s business strategies to achieve the goals of the President / CEO

2. Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards including but not limited to: Human Resources, Good Manufacturing Processes, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, Safe Quality Food, and the United States Department of Agriculture 

3. With the aim of achieving high performance, build a positive, team-oriented work culture and environment where continuous improvement, innovative and positive thinking, teamwork, positive behaviors, safety and security are natural outcomes.

4. Develop required skills and knowledge to a level of depth appropriate to keep production as highly functional as needed to meet organizational goals and objectives.

5. Maintain a sanitary workspace according to the company’s Good Manufacturing Practices.

6. Properly record production data as needed.

7. Conduct cheese sampling and test the moisture of every cooked batch of cheese.

8. Use FOSS analyzer for rapid measurement of cheese moisture and other analytical values.

9. Use Vacuum Oven and other conventional methods to determine properties and analytical values of cheese.

10. Assist in building product moisture data to support understanding of standard deviation within rapid measurement and within conventional method as well as difference between results from both methods. Daily FOSS data assembly into Daily report for Chemistry Lab and ongoing moisture data analysis. 

11. Understand test variation and basic statistical analysis. 

12. Proficient with computers, Excel spreadsheet formulas and Microsoft Access databases. 

13. Keep legible and accurate written records of moisture and chemistry tests.

14. Interact positively within structured and consistent lab work routines.

15. Offer ideas on test methods and/or lab routine improvements where possible.

16. Keep records of Quality and Lab samples.

17. Communicate effectively within lab environment and Quality Department overall.

18. Export and convert FOSS moisture data to master database.

19. Assist in work-up of weekly Quality Department chemistry reporting on as needed basis.

20. Take sterile samples as needed and prepare samples for microbiological analysis.

21. May be required to do process line checks and take grading table samples of raw materials.

22. Work cohesively with cooker operators to assure moistures are within acceptable ranges and learn formula adjustments.

23. Must have the ability to lift weights up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis.

24. Support retention sample and shelf-life programs on as needed basis.

25. Any additional assignments or special projects as requested by Quality Assurance Supervisor, which may include pre-assembly of daily Certificate of Analysis data.

26. Assist with completion of daily holds and assist with tracking management system.

27. Perform routine inspections to verify quality or food safety compliance.

28. Follow all current company policies and procedures.

29. Other duties as appropriate or assigned.