Quality Assurance Technician

Position Summary:

The purpose of this position is to monitor, review, examine, and conduct testing to ensure that all aspects of manufacturing at the Omega Protein, Inc. facility is performed in accordance to written policies and procedures; and is in compliance with all applicable Federal (NOAA, FDA, USDA), State, local, international, and third-party regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory analytical such as Color, IV, Moisture, % FFA, Impurities, AV, PV, FAC of in-plant and finished products.
• Participate as team member for customer, regulatory and third party audits.
• Responsible for analytical accuracy based on internal and external proficiencies.
• Validate, Inventory and organize test lab reagent inventory and waste.
• Communicates results to operating groups, ensures timely feedback and provides technical support to operate processes at target. 
• Maintain laboratory equipment calibrations, certifications and maintenance. Cleanliness is important. 
• Maintain scientific proficiency certifications.
• Maintain inventory accountability for all laboratory chemicals, including proper waste disposal.
• Actively participate in quality investigations, out of specification results, deviations, and complaints.
•  Analyzes QA data to measure, assess, and improve product quality performance.
• Assist the Quality Manager and Research & Development team with special projects as needed. 

• Execute all chemical use, material testing, and documentation thereof using Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP), respectively.

Requirements:

The minimum education and background experience needed for this position are:

• High School Diploma with scientific coursework, BA/BS degree in technical or science related field preferred.
• 2 – 4 years’ experience in a laboratory setting, Quality Control laboratory preferred.
• 0 – 2 years’ experience in regulated environment (FDA, USDA, EPA).
• HACCP and/or PCQI Certifications desired, will provide training if needed. 
• Experience in following written procedures, protocols, and manuals.
• Desired experience in Food or Dietary Supplement industry.
• Strong analytical abilities and documentation practices.
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer skills.
• Proficiency in English in both written and oral presentations.
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision.

The physical needs of this position are:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities including deciphering color, adjusting focus, and ascertaining appearance nuances up close.
• Ability to be on your feet for a large part of your day.