Quality Assurance Technician Internship

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation's largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 22 wholly owned subsidiaries, 8 processing plants, and 9 joint ventures including Fair Oaks Farms, Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions and Select Services. With over 1,100 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impact all aspects of the dairy farm business and at the heart of our family of companies, is you.
"We strive to go above and beyond what's expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it's in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what's right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."
Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer an attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. We are proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.
SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:
The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for analytical and microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products. Always adheres to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety regulations, as well as company rules.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Operate all testing equipment including, but not limited to spectrometer, FTIR analyzer, moisture analyzers, pH meter, burets, beta & aflatoxin analyzers, chlorine analyzer, pipettors, and various laboratory testing equipment.
• All equipment is to be operated in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner.
• Perform daily quality audits and checks on plant floor as assigned.
• Fill out required worksheets and logs, either electronically or paper form in an accurate manner.
• Maintain all results and report in a confidential manner in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
• Must keep laboratories stocked with necessary supplies.
• Responsible for quality related tasks such as certificates of analysis.
• Communication of results to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, and professional manner.
• Preparation of all solutions and media required in the performance of all laboratory tests.
• Recognize and notify FSQA Supervisor, FS Coordinator, FSQA Manager, and appropriate production supervisors of any unusual results or product defects.
• Perform the necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological testing.
• Aid in training of new Quality Assurance personnel.
• Assist in the calibrations, troubleshooting, and functionality of lab equipment.
• Be proficient in the performance of the following:
• Inhibitory test.
• Total solids/Moisture Analysis.
• Inventory sample analysis.
• Powder test for scorched particle, and moisture.
• Whey Protein Nitrogen Index test (WPNI).
• Bacteria test (Aerobic Plate Count, Coli, and Yeast & Mold).
• Obtain proper series samples as required.
• Compositing samples for third party testing.
• Proper identification of outgoing samples for third party testing.
• Report immediately to supervision any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning the equipment.
• Follow all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules.
• Aid in execution of plant environmental monitoring program.
• Assist in the investigation of plant incidents and out of specification products.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
• Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation. Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
• Must be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license by the state regulatory agency.
• Must be able to be licensed as Certified Industry Supervisor in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (current edition) and state regulatory agency.