Summary

Under the general direction of and reporting to the Food Safety Specialist & Quality Manager, the Quality Assurance Lab Technician is responsible for assuring that safe and quality foods are produced by performing all quality control Lab tests and tasks in accordance with Stella & Chewy’s Quality Assurance Standards. QA Lab Tech is responsible for conducting and recording Lab testing and results trending, and maintaining an accurate log of daily activities. The QA Lab Tech must also work with other departments and management on quality issues, and be knowledgeable on Stella & Chewy’s products, texture, taste, color, and ingredients. Scheduled days will be Monday - Friday with occasional overtime on weekends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Collect samples for micro testing.
• Maintain laboratory conditions to aseptic technique standards.
• Collect LRN swabs, maintain inventory of lab supplies to ensure seamless testing performance and optimal inventory levels.
• Conduct APC, ATP, LRN and other lab testing as assigned by Food Safety Specialist, QA Supervisor and QA Manager
• Test Moisture samples using the Meat Analyzer and manage data to support business needs.
• Conduct Water Activity Testing, track and trend results.
• Learn basic Quality Technician functions and occasionally act as a potential coverage as necessary.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Food Safety Specialist and / or the Quality Manager.
• Abiding by all safety rules and safety regulations as set by Stella & Chewy’s.
• Following all aspects of the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) program
• Knowing where the MSDS is located and how to read them.
• Knowing what safety equipment is needed to perform a specific job task.
• Knowledge of what chemicals are used to clean with.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires a reliable source of transportation. Requires the ability to operate various office equipment to include a computer and copier. Requires the ability to operate various software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets (Excel) and database. Requires the ability to use lab equipment. Requires the ability to stay late if needed. Requires the availability to work weekdays and weekends if necessary.

Education and/or Experience

Requires education generally equivalent to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a science-based major.

6-12 months of experience in quality control in a food processing environment.

Specific knowledge and Skills

Ability to write reports and to effectively present information to managers and other employees of the organization.

Ability to apply mathematical concepts.

Must be able to complete all reporting using the software applications Microsoft Excel and Word.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions regarding product quality.

Must have well-developed interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects or controls; lift up to 30 lbs. and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.