Quality Assurance Technician I (61005)

Quality Assurance Technician 1 (QA Tech I) 

Location: Hood River, OR 

Reports to: Quality Assurance Supervisor 

Summary 

Food safety and quality are the highest priorities for our company. The Quality Assurance Technician 1 plays an essential role in the monitoring and verification of our food safety and quality systems. Through daily process checks as well as short- and long-term projects, the QA Tech I will monitor and verify critical food safety steps and process parameters during production, so that our customers can always enjoy our product with full confidence and comply with food and trade legislation. A successful QA tech follows quality and production SOPs consistently, has an inquisitive mode of thinking, seeks new knowledge, communicates concerns and ideas proactively and communicates effectively with all levels of staff verbally and in writing. 

Essential Functions 

• Verifying critical process checks and labeling appropriately. 

• Inspecting and swabbing production equipment for cleanliness, damage, allergens, and/or microorganisms. 

• Assisting in the pest management program, monitors plant and exterior for pests. 

• Collecting packages for inspections and analyses. 

• Organizing and filing records for quality assurance, compliance, and HACCP activities. 

• Monitoring quality assurance consumables inventory 

• Verifying accuracy of weighing equipment. 

• Monitoring metal detectors, pasteurizers, ovens, and other critical process equipment. 

• Verifying accuracy of finished product codes and shelf dates against requirements. 

• Assisting QA Tech II with assigned activities. 

Competencies 

• Good follow through. Owns a task from start to finish 

• Excels in working independently, as well as with teams and other work groups 

• Technically minded. Speaks and writes well. 

• Works well under pressure. 

• Maintains professionalism and upholds food safety and quality policies at all times. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position has no supervisory responsibility. 

Work Environment 

This job spends approximately 75% on production floor environment with approximately 25% in office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and works extensively within enterprise management software. This position is regularly required to enter both the lab and/or production floor and must follow personnel procedures pertaining to dress and code of conduct in those areas. Moderate traffic of powered material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet-jacks. Environment requires ear protection and good situational awareness. Plant environment and process equipment heavily uses steam, hot water, chemicals, conveyors, motorized blades. 

Physical Demands 

The employee is regularly required to stand or walk for majority of shift in a manufacturing setting. While performing some of the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel or crouch. Other physical duties such as pushing, pulling, and lifting. Occasionally required to safely lift and/or tilt up to 50 lbs. Working within freezers and coolers for extended periods is common. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Typical days of work are Monday through Thursday 4:30am - 3:00pm. Occasional long days and weekends may be required. 

Travel 

No travel is required.  

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in food science or related field or equivalent years of work experience.  

• Basic math (arithmetic, averages, percentages)

• Conversant and literate in English. 

• Basic-level computer skills using Microsoft Windows and Office. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice. 

Work Authorization 

Must be eligible to work in the United States of America. 

Equal Employment Opportunity  

We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of our customers and the communities we operate in to attract and retain the best talent, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, paternity or caring responsibilities, or any other basis protected by law.  

Salary : $21 - $23