Quality Specialist

About You

What does real food mean to you? Is your favorite dish a cheesy casserole or a decadent ice cream? People who fit well here at Tillamook have a commitment to quality in everything they do. Our team members understand our vision, contribute to our mission, thrive on innovative thinking, hard work, and good, honest values.

Our team members embody our vision: we are Good Stewards, believe in Uncompromising Quality, work as One Team, Play to Win, and genuinely care for each other.

As a QA Specialist you will perform microbial and chemical analysis of milk and ice cream, including testing milk components, sensory evaluation, antibiotics, added water, sediments, and drinking water. You will also enter data into NAV and occasionally correspond via email.

• Perform testing using wet chemistry or rapid analysis equipment, focusing on microbial and chemical analysis of milk or ice cream.
• Assist with descriptive sensory analysis, statistical analysis, and write technical briefs.
• Enter information into specialized databases such as LIMS and D365.
• Handle all other duties as assigned.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees at all levels of the company.
• Communicate effectively.
• Conduct pre‑operational/daily hygiene inspections, including ATP swabbing.
• Review HACCP documentation, charts, production paperwork, metal detector logs, seal verifications, recording charts, state seal checks, packaging verifications, silo temperature verifications, and more.
• Perform risk‑assessment mitigation on invasive construction projects as needed within the facility.
• Conduct quarterly glass audits, document findings, and follow up on corrective actions.
• Assist with troubleshooting and addressing problems that arise throughout daily activities.
• Assist with regulatory, third‑party, and internal audits regarding food safety, quality, and SQF/third‑party compliance.
• Develop procedures and work instructions within your area of responsibility and provide training as needed.
• Utilize LIMS and/or D365 to log quality‑control tests, lookup inventory, and document product/ingredient dispositions.
• Be a team player who can interact with staff at all levels.
• Be computer literate with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook;
  SharePoint knowledge is a plus.
• Have experience with specialized databases such as LIMS and ERP systems such as D365 (preferred).
• Work under pressure, meet deadlines, and remain flexible while handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Prioritize work, manage time effectively, and work independently with little supervision.

• Bachelor’s degree in dairy science or a related field.
• Three years of lab experience (can substitute for education).
• Practical experience in a quality‑assurance position and/or a microbiology‑food testing laboratory.
• Good sensory taste acuity.
• Ability to work some weekends and holidays.

• Sitting, standing, and walking.
• Lifting up to 35 pounds.
• Vision for machine or computer operations.
• Hearing.
• Ability to climb stairs.

This is an hourly position with a starting wage of $24.82. A differential of $1.00 per hour applies to night shifts (if applicable).

Lab environment with shared workstations, testing equipment, and computer terminals. Generally quiet, temperature‑controlled, and well‑lighted. May include walking on uneven or slippery surfaces, encountering forklift traffic, stooping, bending, crouching, climbing stairs and ladders. Duties involve repetitive hand motion and lifting up to 35 pounds. Standing 50%, sitting 25%, walking 10%, lifting 10%, climbing 5%.

• Health Coverage: low premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement: 401(k) with 100% match on the first 6% you contribute.
• Wellness Support: up to $420 annually for fitness‑related expenses.
• Time Off: competitive vacation, 10 paid holidays, birthday off, Heritage Day, and paid volunteer time.
• Family Support: pet insurance and inclusive family‑forming benefits, including adoption assistance.
• Education:
  
  financial assistance for online degrees, tuition reimbursement, and access to Rosetta Stone.
• Extra Perks: food discounts, birthday gifts, and more.

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug‑Free Workplace. TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including pregnancy), protected veteran status, membership or non‑membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.