Quality Control Associate

Overview/Function

Overview/Function: The Quality Control Associate (swing role) supports our lab and syrup room operations, performing microbiological testing, conducting sensory evaluations, and aiding syrup room batchers and quality lab technicians during normal operations. The role also holds back-up responsibilities for lab technicians or syrup batchers in their absence.

• Conduct microbiological testing to ensure product safety and quality.
• Perform sensory evaluations to assess product attributes and consistency.
• Support batchers in the syrup room by monitoring processes and ensuring quality standards are met.
• Assist lab technicians with laboratory QC testing and analysis.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of incoming, in-process, and finished materials using standardized procedures (including, but not limited to, visual, pH, Titratable Acidity, Brix, Organoleptic, Carbon Dioxide, Density, Total Dissolved Solids, Microbiological Sampling, and testing).
• Provide back-up coverage for lab technicians and syrup batchers ensuring continuity of operations.
• Perform standardized quality samplings and audits during production runs; organize collected data into electronic logbooks/databases and report variances and non-conformities to plant management.
• Document test results, inspections, and evaluations accurately.
• Coordinate the preparation of syrup batches with the needs of the production lines.
• Understand and follow mixing, piping and valve systems processes.
• Clean and sanitize tanks, pumps, hoses, and equipment.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and implement quality improvements.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance quality control skills and knowledge.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the lab and syrup room.
• Follow all ISO Management System Processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience &

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of two years of work experience in production and/or manufacturing environment, OR direct quality lab technician experience is required.
• Previous food-grade manufacturing background and keen understanding of food safety regulations is desired. Previous food and beverage manufacturing and equipment experience is also highly desired.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy are required. The ability to follow procedures, understand, interpret, and effectively communicate technical data are essential.
• Working knowledge in Industrial Microbiology is preferred.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials.
• Must be an excellent team-player with good interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with multiple departments and maintain interdepartmental relationships.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory skills in a safe manner.
• Highly motivated self-starter, with the ability to work with minimal oversight.
• Strong computer comprehension capabilities, including Word, Excel, and various quality system applications.
• Prior forklift experience is preferred.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to varying situations and to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Regular, consistent attendance is an essential job function.

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear.
• This position spends the majority of their time standing/walking throughout the production floor and in the lab, in a fast-paced environment with loud noises, moving equipment, vibrations, vapors, and a wet environment.
• The role frequently lifts and/or moves items up to 70 pounds (moving equipment and tools will be provided to reduce strains and injury).
  • Lift 50 pounds up to shoulder height occasionally.
  • Lift up to 30 pounds above the head occasionally.
  • Carry up to 20 pounds up six stairs occasionally.
  • Push carts with 55 gallon drums up an incline using 100 pounds of force occasionally.
  • Carry up to 70 pounds up six stairs occasionally.
  • Tip and pour from a 70-pound container at shoulder height occasionally.
• Reaching, pushing, and pulling objects, occasionally using up to 20 pounds of force.
• Climb stairs frequently in a wet environment.
• Occasionally…