Quality Assurance Foreperson
: Job Details :

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation's largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 12 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Fair Oaks Farms, Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 1,000 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business and at the heart of our family of companies, is you. We strive to go above and beyond what's expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it's in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what's right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard. Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer an attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. We are proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:The Quality Assurance Foreperson is responsible for analytical and microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products. Always adheres to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), safety regulations, as well as Company rules. In the absence of the FSQA Supervisor, the FSQA Foreperson(s) will manage duties and responsibilities.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Communicates with plant management. Operate all testing equipment including, but not limited to spectrometer, FTIR analyzer, moisture analyzers, pH meter, burets, beta & aflatoxin analyzers, chlorine analyzer, pipettors, and various laboratory testing equipment. All equipment is to be operated in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner. Perform daily quality audits and checks on plant floor as assigned. Fill out required worksheets and logs, either electronically or paper form in an accurate manner. Maintain all results and report in a confidential manner in accordance with the Company Letter of Confidentiality. Responsible for cleaning and sterilizing lab equipment and maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area. Must stock laboratories with necessary supplies. Responsible for quality related tasks such as certificates of analysis. Communication of results to the proper individuals in a timely, confidential, and professional manner. Preparation of all solutions and media required in the performance of all laboratory tests. Recognize and notify appropriate supervisors of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological testing. Aid in training of new Quality Assurance personnel. Assist in the calibrations, troubleshooting, and functionality of lab equipment. Be proficient in the performance of the following: Inhibitory test Total solids/Moisture Analysis. Inventory sample analysis Powder test for scorched particle, and moisture. Whey Protein Nitrogen Index test (WPNI) Bacteria test (Aerobic Plate Count, Coli, and Yeast & Mold). Collection of proper series samples using aseptic techniques as required. Compositing samples for third party testing. Proper identification of outgoing samples for third party testing. Report immediately to supervisor of any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning the equipment. Follow all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules. May participate as members of the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team. Aid in execution of plant environmental monitoring program. Perform other duties as assigned by management.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment. Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation. Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear. Leadership, team development, coaching, and/or teaching experience. Advanced computational skills and advanced math reasoning required. Must be able to operate the equipment effectively after the appropriate break-in period.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license by the state regulatory agency. Must be able to be licensed as Certified Industry Supervisor in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (current edition) and state regulatory agency.