What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Technician position at Idaho Milk Products?
Department
Lab
Location:
Ice Cream Plant
City
Jerome
State/Territory
Idaho
Reports To
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Employment Status
Full time
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Shifts
Swing Shift
# of openings:
1
Shift
We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.
Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and consistency of all ice cream products produced at the plant. This position supports the Quality Department by performing environmental monitoring, water testing, production-area oversight, and routine plant audits. This position assists with data collection and reporting, maintains equipment calibrations, and conducts laboratory and production testing. Additional responsibilities include weekly supply inventory, timely communication of any out-of-specification results to the Quality Manager and Production team, and assisting with training efforts related to Quality, GMP, and HACCP for new hires and plant personnel. Additional duties may be assigned based on business needs.
Essential Functions, Duties And Performance Responsibilities
Lab
Location:
Ice Cream Plant
City
Jerome
State/Territory
Idaho
Reports To
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Employment Status
Full time
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Shifts
Swing Shift
# of openings:
1
Shift
- 8-Hour Swing Shift, 2:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Subject to change according to business needs.
We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.
Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and consistency of all ice cream products produced at the plant. This position supports the Quality Department by performing environmental monitoring, water testing, production-area oversight, and routine plant audits. This position assists with data collection and reporting, maintains equipment calibrations, and conducts laboratory and production testing. Additional responsibilities include weekly supply inventory, timely communication of any out-of-specification results to the Quality Manager and Production team, and assisting with training efforts related to Quality, GMP, and HACCP for new hires and plant personnel. Additional duties may be assigned based on business needs.
Essential Functions, Duties And Performance Responsibilities
- Follow established GLPs, SOPs, SSOPs, laboratory methods, and work instructions.
- Adhere to all plant GMP requirements.
- Conduct assigned audits throughout the facility.
- Support and maintain the Corrective Action Program.
- Support the Environmental Monitoring Program through scheduled testing and documentation.
- Perform weekly inventory counts for laboratory and QA supplies.
- Maintain clean, organized work areas and properly care for laboratory equipment.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform routine testing and maintain equipment calibration schedules.
- Conduct accurate, timely product testing to support efficient production flow.
- Manage and track product sample inventory.
- Deliver high-quality testing that contributes to timely reports (RTFT, consumer complaints, etc.).
- Maintain production and laboratory records in compliance with regulatory and plant standards.
- Uphold confidentiality and security of all information within the Quality Department.
- Follow all plant safety policies, practices, and procedures.
- Contribute ideas to improve workplace safety.
- Comply with OSHA and plant safety regulations.
- Immediately communicate any safety concerns to management.
- Report to work on time and participate in all required meetings and training sessions.
- Use lab meetings as a forum to share feedback and suggestions.
- Participate in performance evaluations.
- Required: High school diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.
- 1–2 years of experience in quality assurance or a similar role preferred.
- Dairy or food manufacturing laboratory experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to read and follow basic operating instructions.
- Strong ability to interpret, understand, and communicate testing results.
- Highly self‑motivated; able to work independently and handle multiple priorities.
- Proven reliability and strong sense of responsibility.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of plant staff.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Team‑oriented with a positive work approach.
- Solid problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, timely documentation.
- Willingness to learn new concepts and adapt to change.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Valid state driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and an acceptable driving record in accordance with company insurance guidelines.
- Ability to travel between locations as needed during the work week.
- Environmental exposure to warehouses stored at ambient (60-70° F), refrigerated (35° F), and frozen (minus 20° F) temperatures, as well as potential exposure to temperatures at or above 120° F.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for short distances on a regular basis.
- Subject to up to at least 92db’s
- Lifting: up to 20 lbs. occasionally
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, on a regular basis
- Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction
- Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist occasionally
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities that must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly