QA Lab Tech

Michael Foods Inc. hiring for QA Lab Tech jobs in Hartington, NE, US

Business Unit Description:

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description:

Wakefield is one of the largest production facilities within Michael Foods.  We serve as a flex plant and are able to produce everything from a whole pasteurized egg to liquid, dried, hardboiled and curds. 

Responsibilities:

SUMMARY: 

The purpose of this position is to ensure proper specifications are met and documented on all incoming ingredients and packaging materials and outgoing finished products.  The technicians also communicate all findings to the necessary departments. All of Michael Foods, the customers and the public will benefit from the work done by technicians who ensure safe, compliant quality products.

This position has the responsibility to comply with safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce safety as a core value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to food safety & quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

ACITIVITIES: 

• Receives and prepares raw, in-process, and finished product samples for microbiological, chemical or process analysis.
• Performs laboratory analysis per MFI standardized test methods and lab requirements to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Reviews all test results against established specifications and standards.
• Maintains accurate and legible documentation.
• Practices Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Performs equipment checks and safety monitoring.
• Assists in maintaining the lab’s quality control system.
• Maintains lab database.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area including all storage areas.
• Supports Quality and Company initiatives.
• Actively participates with departmental and cross-function teams as needed.
• Picks up samples (if needed).
• Reports results to production and sister facilities as needed per MFI procedure.
• Microbiology lab:
  • Performs bacterial identifications
  • Sterilizes microbiological wastes and biohazards
  • Prepares media as required for testing
• Chemistry/Process lab:
  • Works safely with chemicals/hazards
  • Prepares solutions (eg. Enzymes) for production
• Attends and actively participates in safety meetings/trainings.
• Assumes personal responsibility to ensure safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adheres to all safety policies and procedures and, incorporates safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Adheres to Quality work practices, follows GMP’s, maintains sanitary conditions and ensures that product quality is maintained. Reports to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
• Ensures regulatory compliance at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• One year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience in Food Science, Biological Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related field. 

EXPERIENCE:

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups, customers/vendors or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Specific skills and abilities required that are not included in other sections:

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Effectively prioritizes
• duties and display responsible behavior at work. 
• Knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles critical to food products microbiology and chemistry testing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal relations with co-workers, supervisors, etc. to exchange or convey information, ask questions, seek direction and to problem solve. Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Available to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed