Essential Job Functions/Duties:

1. Performs microbiological and other quality assurance tests.
2. Assures accuracy of testing with quality assurance lab checks and known standard comparisons.
3. Promotes (GMP) good manufacturing practices and HACCP compliance.
4. Assists QA technician in contacting, performing test for and reporting of results to outside lab clients and USDA (towards gaining USDA Recognized Status).
5. Widely uses SPC method in evaluation of results.
6. Performs tests according to standards, which include but not limit to pathogen identification, bacterial quantification, sample collection, fat rancidity tests and shelf-life studies.
7. Assists lab technician and QA Manager in developing microbiological standards and determine causes and corrective actions for deviations from standards.
8. Performs all supervisory duties including assisting the QA Manager in recruiting, hiring, educating, motivating, and evaluating QA technicians.

Secondary Functions/Duties:

1. Assists in response to customer complaints regarding microbiological weaknesses.
2. Assists lab manager in developing an efficient lab budge.
3. Substitutes for absences of technicians when necessary in order to complete priority projects.
4. Assist technicians in assorted projects beyond routine tests, including but not limited to: research product development, consultation visits to plant facilities, continuing education courses, and plans personnel education programs, performing special tests/reports, and attending meetings.
5. Other duties as assigned.
6. Learns Policies and procedures, prerequisite programs, SSOP plan, Animal health and welfare program, basic export requirements, federal regulations regarding sanitation, HACCP, cooling, chilling, freezing requirements, labeling requirements.

Supervision:

Assigns and directs work of QA technicians. Training and development of QA techs; reviews performance. Receives infrequent instructions and works independently. Refers non-routine situations to manager.

Qualifications/Experience/License:

1. One to three years’ experience in microbiology lab preferred .
2. Quality assurance experience in poultry processing plant preferred.
3. Must demonstrate successful supervisory skills, writing skills, creative and effective problem solving skills, basic knowledge of computers and related software.

Educational Requirements:

BS degree in Biological Sciences, Food Technology, Poultry Sciences or closely related field or equivalent experience.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Must be able to lift 40 pounds, work under pressure, stand and walk for long periods of time. 
2. Must be able to make an independent judgment in routine tests.
3. Tests often require exposure to cold and damp environments.