Senior Technician PA

Work Schedule: 3rd Shift 

Hours: 7:00PM - 5:30AM; with ability to work overtime, different days/shifts for coverage, extra days, and holidays as needed. 

Job Function:

Plans and schedules testing activities, collects samples and performs quality tests on raw bulk ingredients, purchased products and processed milk, cream and other finished products.  Informs on-sight Supervisor, QA Manager, and Plant Manager of any variations from quality standards and ensures that the nonconformance has been corrected.  Ensures all receiving materials, in-process product and outbound product adheres quality standards.  

Job Responsibilities:

1.    Completes laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Dairy Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.

2.    Pulls, logs and completes finished product and processing sample testing for all specification requirements on each product at the established sampling frequency.  Physical, biological, chemical and organoleptic testing includes but is not limited to: butterfat and solids (Babcock, Lactoscope and CEM), cryoscope, temperature, acidity, homogenization efficiency, DMC, gram stains, agar/petrifilm plating, rapid-methods bioluminescence (EPIC), weights, code date verification, seal checks, pH, brix, coffee feathering, whipping, peroxide residuals, flavor, odor, appearance and shelf life analysis.

3.    Uses experience to make determinations as to the suitability of raw materials and finished products elevating to Quality management where necessary.  Troubleshoots basic analytical equipment issues.

4.    Maintains certification by state for Beta-Lactam antibiotic testing to the Industry Supervisor level.  Sets up negative and positive control points for Charm SLBL.

5.    Maintains runs and notates daily butterfat and solids standards on analysis equipment.  Performs calibration of testing equipment where necessary.

6.    Maintains calibration of thermometers, pipettes and scales per regulatory requirements to ensure accuracy of ongoing checks.  Maintains accurate temperature records for refrigerators, freezers and incubators.

7.    Measures and maintains records of vitamin usage.

8.    Sets up cryoscope baseline measurements for lactose reduced products.

9.    Completes tank inventory recording butterfat, solids, acidity and DMC at the specific frequency per management.

10. Verifies non-conforming product (raw or finished), properly windows and tags affected product, issues hold reports and samples at time of hold from affected units where applicable.  Coordinates resampling of hold product and completion of product disposition.

11. Verifies that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up by thorough inspection and proper ATP swabbing. Maintains detailed records.

12. Maintains laboratory supply inventory notifying Laboratory Foreman upon need.

13. Audits CIP chemical concentrations for the various CIP systems to ensure compliance to company specifications.

14. Conducts environmental testing throughout facility including but not limited to: ATP swabbing, Listeria genus swabbing, air quality monitoring, water sampling, captive water sampling, etc. 

15. Collects and ships requested product samples for R&D or customers/sales.

16. Ensures all laboratory documentation (forms, SOPs, etc.) is current and properly completed by lab personnel. 

17. Trains Quality technicians and ensures that performance of testing meets all regulatory and internal specifications.

18. Maintains shelf life/retain bossies in a clean, orderly manner.

19. Maintains laboratory in a clean and organized manner per Master Cleaning Schedule which includes removal of trash, consolidation and organization of supplies, cleaning counters, windows and testing equipment, mopping floors, etc.

20. Any and all duties as directed by QA supervision and/or management.

Job Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s in Science preferred; Associates of Science and/or 75+ credit hours towards the attainment of a bachelor’s in science required.


2. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in food manufacturing.


3. Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation.


4. Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.)


5. Ability to work well with people.


6. Ability to maintain internal certifications by completing test-specific proficiency testing.


7. Possess excellent communication skills.


8. Ability to multi-task.


9. Ability to work independently.

SQF Requirements/ Responsibilities:

1. Maintain food safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner. 


2. Monitor incoming goods.


3. Monitor incoming services.


4. Monitor finished products.


5. Participate in the Corrective Action program.


6. Participate in the Hold and Release program.


7. Complete equipment calibrations per schedule.


8. Conduct inspections of equipment and facility.


9. Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.