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Form of workABOUT UDA:
UDA is a local, family-owned, dairy cooperative committed to serve the needs of our members, community, and customers by providing high quality milk and dairy products. As the only milk marketing co-op in the state, UDA oversees the production, processing, and marketing of Arizona's finest milk products from farm to Retail in 48 hours or less. From sweet cream and butter to non-fat dry milk, UDA provides milk products to manufactures and supermarket chains throughout the Grand Canyon State.
Our motto at UDA is “United in Excellence.” The dairy industry's success isn't built on one dairy or brand, its built on the community as a whole - this includes our amazing employees. When you join UDA, you're not just joining a business, you're joining a family. Since 1960 UDA has been headquartered, operated, and managed in Arizona. We strive to provide our employees with rewarding career opportunities aimed at long-term stability, growth, and advancement. We put our heart and soul into our products and value our team who show up, every day and do the work.
JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Field Quality Assurance Technician will oversee the testing, quality, and safety of milk produced at member dairy facilities.
FIELD QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Apply microbiological techniques to prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms and pathogens according to acceptable methods
• Perform chemical titration testing for alkaline, chlorine, acid, and pH levels
• Observe milking procedures and conduct root cause analysis to identify and understand quality defects and failures
• Perform animal welfare audits and report any concerns, violations, or issues to producers
• Conduct facility, tools, and equipment inspections and perform bacteriological environmental tests throughout milk production areas
• Regularly inspect chemical inventory, temperature, equipment, and fluid levels
• Oversee the monitoring of chemical pumps, line washes, tank washes, fluids, and water temperature for effective control of CIP’s
• Log, report, and take corrective action for all food safety and quality deficiencies
• Conduct investigations and generate incident reports regarding food safety and quality
• Keep detailed, accurate and legible records input data into document management systems
• Oversee the transportation of milk and water samples for in-lab analysis
• Collaborate with management to audit, monitor, and manage dairy operations to ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP and SQF standards
• Oversee quality surveillance of manufacturing areas within HACCP compliance
• Always maintain food safety and quality standards, resolving and/or reporting compliance issues immediately.
FIELD QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Proficient understanding of pathogens that could impact food safety and quality on a molecular level
• Strong knowledge of drug residue testing and aflatoxin measurements
• Basic understanding of dairy animal anatomy, milk cycles, wellness, and herd health
• Ability to work in various outdoor environments alongside livestock
• Strong understanding of microbiology and food quality standards
• Strong knowledge of good manufacturing practices and HACCP
• Team-player mentality with the ability to self-manage and prioritize time, tasks, and projects
• Detailed oriented with the ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple projects
• Proficient computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and document control systems
• Strong communication skills with the ability to discuss and generate business reports, business correspondence, and procedure documents
• Ability to use basic hand tools, meters, pH meters, or related items
• Ability to conduct basic troubleshooting on chemical pumps and production equipment
Experience:
• 2+ years’ experience in microbiology or food quality position
• At least 1 year experience in milk processing, dairy foods testing, or dairy farm testing
• Must have clean driving record with the ability to operate a GPS-monitored company vehicle
Education/Certifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Microbiology, or applicable science discipline, preferred
• Ability to obtain State of Arizona Milk Handler’s License within 90 days of hire date
• Valid State of Arizona drivers license
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Requires ability to walk and stand for 10 or more hours at a time
• Requires ability to stoop, bend, reach, lift and carry items up to 55lbs
• Requires ability to push, pull and roll 55+ gallon chemical drums occasional, with assistance
• Requires ability to climb ladders and stairs of various heights occasionally including floors of 100ft or more, with appropriate fall protection PPE
• Requires ability to visually observe the condition of surroundings.
• Requires ability to work in varying extreme hot, cold, and wet temperatures and conditions
• Requires ability to hear and speak, occasionally in high time weighted average environments with elevated decibel readings (using appropriate hearing protection)
• Requires ability to work in confined spaces
• Requires ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals
• Requires ability to safely operate a company vehicle
BENEFITS:
- Medical, Dental & Vision plans
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health & Wellness Programs
- Paid Time Off
- Shift Pay Differential
- Education Assistance
- On-site Fitness Center
- On-Site Health Clinic
The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list; employees may be subject to additional, or altered, tasks and the scope of the role may change as necessitated by business demands. UDA will not consider any application submissions from unauthorized third-parties, consulting, or external staffing firms and will not be held subject, or liable, to any terms, fees, or penalties associated with a submission.
UDA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
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