Quality Assurance Operator
Pay Rate: $19.00 per hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Schedule Flexibility: Weekend work and extended hours may be required based on business needs.
Required PPE: Steel-toed shoes  

Position Summary
The Quality Assurance (QA) Operator is responsible for performing quality inspections, process monitoring, and testing throughout the production process. This position ensures compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, food security, and quality policies and procedures.

The QA Operator will document test results, verify that products and processes meet established specifications, and place products on hold when necessary. This role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with production and management teams.

Essential Responsibilities
Milk Receiving
Complete required paperwork and documentation.
Collect and test samples.
Check product temperature.
Perform butterfat, acidity, and pH testing.
Conduct organoleptic evaluations.

Ingredient and Kettle Checks
Complete required paperwork.
Check product temperature.
Perform salt, Brix, pH, and viscosity testing.
Complete RS View kettle release procedures.
Conduct organoleptic evaluations.
Verify that ingredients and kettle products meet specifications before release.

Filler Operations
Complete required paperwork.
Check product temperature.
Verify metal detector and X-ray performance.
Perform seal, code, and weight checks.
Collect and properly maintain retain samples.

Packing Operations
Complete required paperwork.
Check product temperature.
Verify product codes and labels.
Evaluate packaging integrity and appearance.
Conduct organoleptic evaluations.

Microbiology and Laboratory Testing
Collect water and Listeria samples.
Plate and incubate microbiological samples, including samples from:
Milk
Eggs
Shelf-life testing
Environmental monitoring
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment according to established procedures.

Pre-Operation Inspection
Complete required pre-operation paperwork.
Perform ATP and allergen swabbing.
Conduct magnet and cooler checks.
Verify sanitizer concentration.
Confirm that equipment and production areas meet food safety and sanitation requirements before production begins.

Quality and Food Safety Responsibilities
Determine whether products or materials should be placed on hold.
Use sound judgment to determine whether in-process products meet specifications and may be pumped or released.
Identify and report quality, food safety, GMP, or security concerns.
Instruct employees regarding GMP and food safety violations and notify the appropriate leadership when corrective action is needed.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records.
Follow all company policies, food safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications and Skills
Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate with associates, leads, supervisors, and production management.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to understand and apply science-based information.
Ability to perform high school-level mathematics, including algebra.
Strong observation, documentation, and decision-making skills.
Willingness to work extended shifts, weekends, or adjusted hours as business needs require.
Ability to follow written procedures and work independently with minimal supervision.

Equipment Used
Laboratory testing equipment
Testing and sampling equipment
Kettle enabling system
Other quality assurance and production-monitoring equipment

Physical and Work Environment Requirements
Stand for the majority of the shift.
Work in a production environment with typical operational noise throughout the shift.
Climb to heights of up to 8 feet on a daily basis.
Work in hot and cold temperatures throughout the shift.
Wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes.

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