Note: This position is located at our Searcy, Arkansas facility.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician is responsible to monitor, sample and test materials to assure that they meet company and regulatory standards. This position requires effective communication with Quality Assurance (QA) staff and plant management and staff.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitor, sample and test, and record results for fluid (milk, cream, drinks), frozen (ice cream, yogurt), and ingredients (raw/incoming, in-process, pasteurized, and finished product) to assure compliance to standards. This includes all microbiological, physical, and chemical testing. Report all non-conforming test results to QA Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Sample and maintain Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) and other regulatory sample records and sample pickups as necessary.
• Generate milk and mix formulation sheets and coordinate sampling and testing of the same for the Pasteurizer Operator and Mix Blend Operator. Prepare standards and monitor on-line operation and communicate information as necessary.
• Collect samples, record temperatures, taste, and record test panel results for fluid quality shelf life.
• Monitor, sample, and test, inoculate, break and cool, and record data to ensure proper yogurt production.
• Taste raw ingredient, in process, and finished product samples for expected flavor characteristics. Report off-flavor immediately to QA Management or Plant Management.
• Monitor Associates to assure that duties are performed in compliance with all corporate and regulatory, quality, allergen, food safety, GMP, GLP, and safety requirements; including the use of all personal protective equipment and devices as required. If issues found, work with Associates to retrain / correct. Report trends, issues, etc… to QA as required.
• Pull sanitary start-up samples for all frozen production.
• Perform daily QA audit of plant processes including, but not limited to, tank temperatures, HTST control checks, recording and tracking raw fluid and pasteurized mix inventories, and weight control checks. Monitor plant sanitizer solution strength.
• Conduct quality checks for volume, container dimension, and weight checks on fluid items and IC items to assure compliance to specifications. Work with Fluid Department, IC Department, and associated packaging suppliers to maintain the quality of our products.
• Maintain proper documentation of lab test results in lab data management system and on necessary paperwork, as required.
• Assist with R&D program, including maintenance of formulating and assisting in start-up of new products and processes.
• Perform simple maintenance and calibration of lab equipment. Report maintenance issues, as required to QA Supervisor and QA Manager.
• Calibrate tank thermometers and coordinate servicing with maintenance, as required.
• Maintain QA KPI board updates as required and support LEAN team initiatives.
• Available for varied scheduled work hours, including weekends, as required by departmental needs.
• Perform all duties within established Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices, and personal safety guidelines.
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements. Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000 Systems. Is accountable to the Turkey Hill Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• Demonstrates knowledge of continuous improvement and lean methodology.
• Works effectively with department and cross-functional teams to define and implement process improvements that provide value to the customer.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Position Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Laboratory Experience and/or actively pursuing a degree in a science related discipline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Desired Previous Job Experience

• 1-3 years of related experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science related field – with preference for Food Science, Dairy Science, or Microbiology
• Excellent computer skills including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Placement Services, and Professional Recruiters

Turkey Hill, LLC has an internal Staffing Department. Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Turkey Hill employees directly in an attempt to present candidates.

Turkey Hill will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Turkey Hill, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Turkey Hill mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Turkey Hill employees, or to Turkey Hill’s resume database will be considered Turkey Hill property. Turkey Hill will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Turkey Hill will consider any candidate for whom a Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Recruiter free of any charges or fees.

Turkey Hill will not pay a fee to any Recruiter that does not have a signed Turkey Hill contract in place specific to the position for which the resume was submitted.

Recruiting vendor agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Turkey Hill’s Human Resources Manager or his or her designee. No other Turkey Hill employee is authorized to bind Turkey Hill to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Recruiters. By submitting a candidate to Turkey Hill, recruiters agree to be bound and comply with this policy.