Quality Technician - Temporary

Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods, LLC, is a leading innovator, marketer, and producer of quality branded and custom dog and cat foods. We are currently seeking 2 temporary Quality Technicians at our Irwindale facility.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective:
This position assures the production of safe products that meet all microbiological and prerequisite requirements defined in the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) manual and assures products meet the customer’s needs as defined in product and processing specifications. Works closely with operations team members to accomplish all objectives. Participates in troubleshooting and root cause analysis to efficiently correct out-of-conformance situations. This position is responsible for inspecting and communicating the compliance of products, practices, and methods to established quality standards.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Perform physical and chemical analysis of raw ingredients, in-process and finished products, and packaging materials.
• Perform mycotoxin testing on both raw material and finished product and record results.
• Collect Microbiological Samples per protocol.
• Perform daily direct observation of CCP temperature and metal detector checks on a daily basis and document on the CCP Temp log or Metal Detector Hourly Log. If deviations are found, notify QA Manager immediately.

• Sets up daily panels for product and packaging quality and compiles technical data.
• Documents the Microbiological hold management systems to assure retention and tracking.
• Documents the Hold Management system for substandard finished products, packaging, raw ingredients, and in-process products.
• Responsible for site Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) with “safety first” in mind.

• Inspect raw materials, and finished products and compare them against product specifications. If deviations are found, notify the appropriate department, and communicate with the QA Manager.

• Strictly follow sampling and inspection procedures for new and current products as per described in SOP or Training.
• Periodically review operations such as facilities, equipment, methods, practices and controls, and records to assure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Communicate observations made during audits/reviews to the management, and/or other site personnel as appropriate. Provide follow-up input and audits to ensure corrective actions are implemented and effective.
• Responsible for the retention of samples of raw materials and third-party finished goods.
• Maintain document control and calibration records, collect water samples for potability testing, and support Change Control Functions.
• Relieve other technicians during lunch, breaks, and vacation; available during weekends and off-shift hours on an as-needed basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:
• Works well independently and with others.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills in order to interact well with other departments, co-workers, and contractors.
• Must possess good written and verbal skills to be concise and comprehensive.
• Ability to read, write and clearly communicate in English.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Must be able to visualize and investigate alternatives to processes and procedures.
• Must be able to make sound decisions based on information and logic in a timely assertive and tactful manner.
• Must exercise resourcefulness in the application of scientific methodologies.
• Must be capable of thinking logically to analyze and interpret results.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) to create documents, spreadsheets and communicate utilizing the computer.
• Knowledge of HACCP, SQF, CCP, SOP, and SSOP.
• Due to the nature of work, effective planning is a critical factor in achieving desired results within established timeframes.
• Must possess personal integrity and practice discretion.
• Must be agile as the position requires long periods on your feet, standing, bending, stooping, and walking.

Education and Experience
• High School graduate and/or enrolled in a Food science program or related field.
• Prefer 1+ years of related experience.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Normal laboratory and manufacturing conditions require safety gear and temperature conditions may vary from cool to very warm. There can be exposure to potentially toxic substances and unpleasant fumes or odors.
• Works under regular office, laboratory, and manufacturing conditions.
• Be able to work various hours as needed (1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift).

Company's website:
www.breederschoice.com