QA Lab Tech - Ross Plant

Anticipated Wage: $20.85-$26.45/hr

SUMMARY:

Perform quality tests and analysis on products produced by utilizing lab equipment and customer specifications, and by communicating with co-workers and supervisors. To ensure that lab duties are accomplished, support implementation of continuous improvement activities, and provide training support for production, supply usage, and quality specifications; input data into system, and Maintain accurate, detailed and complete documentation to ensure finished product integrity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

All of the following are to be performed while adhering to Tree Top operational policies, safety rules, procedures and good manufacturing practices.

It is the responsibility of every employee at Tree Top Inc. to report food safety and food quality problems or risks to personnel with the authority to initiate action against these said possible risks. The Organization chart indicated key personnel with the authority to take action.

This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of all responsibilities and tasks.

1. Communicate Effectively
   • Share quality assurance information with production employees and Supervisor's as necessary
   • Notify shift Supervisor and QA Manager of foreign material and process problems as required in a timely manner. Participate in root cause and corrective action
   • Communicate with mechanics, Team Leads and co-workers when necessary
   • Communicate with Research and Development on special projects and report findings to appropriate personnel
   • Inform Q.A. Manager of any problems, deviations, corrective actions

1. Assure Quality Standard for Final Grade
   • Review product specification sheet prior to each run and at the start of each shift
   • Calibrate equipment as required, and log the information
   • Check and print the specification sheets for the day
   • Perform Sulfite and granulation tests to meet specifications
   • Analyze composite sample for specification attributes
   • Record all results to grade sheet
   • Check product for defects (taste test)
   • Inform Supervisor and Team Lead of status
   • Monitor scales, metal detector, and magnets
   • Fill out hold tickets as needed
   • Check each pallet label to verify that item numbers, case numbers, and case weights are correct
   • Save three samples of product (or more if needed) per line, per shift, for vacuum oven testing
   • Collect samples for micro analysis
   • Input data into computer
   • Applications and usage of the Crunch Meter

1. Assure Quality Standard for Drum Room
   • Calibrate thermometers and other equipment as required, and log the information
   • Check granulation, moisture, temperature, sieve, and Sulfite additives to ensure specifications are met
   • Monitor metal detectors, magnets, scales, and temperature of product to assure proper operation
   • Save one sample per pallet per shift, for vacuum oven testing
   • Save "retain" samples,
   • Check product for defects (taste test)
   • Ensure that bags are sealed correctly
   • Verify that label item numbers, case numbers, and case weights are correct
   • Fill out hold tickets and foreign material reports as needed
   • Collect samples for micro analysis

1. Assure Quality Standards for Grind line/Moisture
   • Assure Quality standards for Moistures
   • Perform analytical analysis: Preservative testing, Water Activity, Vacuum Oven
   • Record usage (pallet number and cases per item)
   • Adjust inventory off in system
   • Recognize quality issues
   • Notify Supervisor of non-conforming issues
   • Notify Maintenance of quality issues.
   • verify correct size of cut
   • Input data into system
   • Blend inventory to meet specification

1. Investigate Out of Specification Product
   • Place product on hold for foreign material or non-conforming product
   • Investigate cause with Supervisor(s) and Maintenance (Food Safety Team)
   • Grade for product attributes
   • Notify Supervisor and Team Lead of products' adherence to specifications

1. Complete Paperwork Accurately
   • Paperwork must be clean and neat (no white-out or write-over permitted)
   • Grade Sheet
   • Metal Detector and Magnet Reports
   • Pallet Tickets and Hold Tickets
   • Foreign Material Reports
   • Vacuum Oven Report
   • Calibration Logbook
   • Log all of the day's activities and problems
   • Monitor all supplies and notify QA Manager to order as needed (Chemicals, bags, pens, etc.)
   • File all paperwork daily
   • Properly disposition product appropriately on the HOLD logbook

1. Operate Computer
   • Operate computer to perform data entry, which includes Microsoft Office, Movex, Intelex, etc.

1. Maintain GMPs
   • Clean lab equipment after use
   • Maintain a clean work area; keep floors swept, squeegeed, mopped, etc. in proper place; empty trash containers as needed
   • Wipe counters
   • Ensure cleaning procedures are followed in proper sequence
   • Adhere to GMP standards throughout the entire plant
   • Adhere to chemical safety hygiene plant

1. Ensure Food Safety by Following Food Safety Plan
   • Maintain personal cleanliness, wash hands frequently, wear hairnet, wear sanitary gloves
   • Follow proper chemical storage protocol
   • Avoid cross-contamination
   • Follow color code policy
   • Follow proper procedures, practices, training
   • Verify correct ingredients are being used
   • Be familiar with all HACCP, PFD's and Food Safety Plans
   • Know all critical control points in all processes; i.e.: metal detection, pasteurization
   • Oversee the lab operation on your shift

1. Lock-Out Tag-Out
   • Make sure to have a complete and clear understanding of all Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures
   • Use proper Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures at all times (washing/cleaning machinery, etc.)
2. Train Other Quality Assurance Technicians
   • Instruct in use of all instruments, equipment, and chemicals
   • Teach techniques and procedures using proper methods
   • Report any problems to QA Manager/Supervisor
   • Provide instruction and follow-up in data entry

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and speak effectively with co-workers, managers, supervisors, and operators.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to lead, coach, and direct crew to meet process and production objectives. Communicate effectively to accomplish on-the-job training programs. Lead by example. Follow the basic principles of leadership:
• Focus on the situation, issue, or behavior, not the person
• Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others
• Maintain constructive relationships with employees, peers, and managers
• Take initiative to make things better
• Lead by example

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell product.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read and write reports, distance vision to observe work area, color vision to grade and maintain specifications, peripheral vision to walk to necessary areas of the plant, depth perception to maintain quality of product to specifications, and the ability to adjust focus to maintain quality of product to specifications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually high.

DISCLAIMER:

Full Benefit details for this position can be found on our website: https://www.treetop.com/careers/benefits/

The above job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. A full job description is available at the time of interview.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this job with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the department/division to accommodate the limitation. Tree Top does not employ individuals under the age of 18.

Tree Top is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation to participate in our application process, please contact Human Resources at: hr@treetop.com or 509-697-7251.