Quality Assurance Technician
Shift: This role will require flexibility, as it includes varying shifts such as day, mid, night, and weekends
Performs laboratory tests or other laboratory work using conventional and computerized machines and work aids. Performs laboratory work and tests according to prescribed standards. Determines chemical and physical characteristics or composition. Sets up, adjusts, and operates laboratory equipment and instruments. Associates Degree and/or experience required.
- The QA Tech is responsible for efficiently and accurately performing tasks related to the testing of product, setting of samples.
- Familiarity with all applicable equipment and provide quality inspections on all related items.
- Perform of microbiological and chemical testing of finished products, raw materials and associated items as required.
- Involvement in product weight control, antibiotic testing, lab equipment maintenance and calibration and lab sanitation.
- Maintain communication with other departments and employees as to notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict production.
- Obtain and maintain State certification for antibiotic testing within company guidelines.
- Responsible for adhering to food safety and quality system requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer and SQF requirements
- Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOP’s.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area.
- Follow all required work safe practices. This would include wearing of all required PPE in designated areas.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2-3 years related experience in micro lab in lieu of degree
- Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
- Experience within the food and beverage industry preferred.
- Has the ability to flavor milk based, sugar based, and caffeine based products.
- Must be able to stand, walk, kneel and bend for virtually the entire shift.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally including overhead.
- Must be able to work in a wet environment. Exposure to chemicals. May have exposure to eggs, strawberries, milk products and nuts.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends and holidays.
- Be able to effectively work in a team environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to pass all pre-employment screens (including drug, background and criminal checks). Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in related field or 2-3 years related microbiology lab experience (Associate degree or equivalent experience acceptable)
- Perform microbiological and chemical testing of finished products and raw materials
- Obtain and maintain State certification for antibiotic testing per company guidelines
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment operation, maintenance and calibration
- Adhere to food safety and quality system requirements including SQF and SOPs; follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Ability to flavor milk-based, sugar-based, and caffeine-based products
- Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide using whole numbers, fractions and decimals
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel and bend for the majority of the shift; lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
- Willingness to work flexible hours including varying shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays
- Ability to work in wet environments with chemical and allergen exposure (eggs, milk, nuts, strawberries)
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to work in a team in a fast-paced environment
- Pass pre-employment screening (drug test, background and criminal checks)
- Experience within the food and beverage industry
What We Do
Drink Local With Prairie Farms Dairy Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful dairy cooperatives operating in the Midwest and the South. Elements of the cooperative include over 500 farm families, 7,000 associates, 48 manufacturing plants, 100+ distribution facilities, and annual sales of over $4.6 billion. Prairie Farms is a nationally recognized leader in the dairy industry known for milk flavor innovations and producing award-winning milk, cheese, ice cream, and cultured dairy products. With headquarters in Edwardsville, Ill., the Prairie Farms distribution footprint covers over 30 percent of the United States; products are available in grocery chains, mass merchandiser stores, club stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, drug stores, schools, foodservice outlets, and warehouse distribution centers. Prairie Farms has proudly adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, affirming to our customers, our consumers and the global marketplace Prairie Farms' pledge to responsible dairy production as we nourish the communities we serve. For more information about the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, go to: http://commitment.usdairy.com. Learn more about our dairy farmers and cooperative by visiting www.prairiefarms.com. And don't forget to visit our coupon page https://www.prairiefarms.com/coupons for savings on many of award-winning dairy products!









