Quality Control Technician I

Select Milk Producers is one of the nations 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 whats 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, its in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing whats right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."

Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited to 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.

What Select offers you :

C omprehensive benefits package focusing on your physical, financial and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings (health, dental, vision, etc.) :

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays Off
• Uniform Program
• Shoe Allowance
• Onsite gym
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Leadership Development
• Opportunities to support our local communities
• Chance to apply best practices in sustainability and environmental initiatives
• Commitment to producing high quality nutritious products and providing nourishment around the world

What this role is all about:

We are looking for a Quality Control Technician I in La Crosse, WI.

Schedule: Monday through Friday 7 am to 3 pm

The Quality Control Technician I is responsible for ensuring all products (incoming and outgoing) meet quality standards by performing a variety of microbiological and chemical testing in a laboratory environment. This position is responsible for maintaining cleanliness standards, adhering to laboratory safety standards, assuring Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) standards are maintained, and product integrity is preserved.

Job Duties :

• Receive, sort, composite and prepare samples for laboratory testing.
• Demonstrate proficiency and accurate performance of tests related to components and physical properties of products including a nalysis of ash, moisture, scorch, density, dispersibility, titratable acidity, pH, flavor, color, allergens, fat, protein and viscosity.
• Perform various microbiological tests which include but are not limited to the analysis of standard plate count, coliform, E. coli, yeast and mold, preparation of test media, compounds and reagents for use in conducting tests.
• Review specifications on testing data and enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Assist with sampling of incoming ingredients.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Perform quarterly internal and external proficiency testing, maintaining acceptable level results.
• Ensure laboratory area and equipment is clean and sanitized standards.
• Support product safety, quality and legality.
• Regular contact with all employees in quality and regulatory & quality services.
• Proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment including protein analyzer and digester, fat shaker, texture analyzer, vacuum oven, pH meters, chloride meters, hot plates, overhead mixers, viscometer, autoclaves, dishwasher and other equipment as needed.
• Proficiency in microbiological preparation techniques including dilutions, plating and enumeration.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Safety Protocol:
• Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
• Support safety policies and programs.

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.

Education & Experience:

• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
• Associate degree in a Scientific field , required .
• Undergraduate Degree in a Scientific field preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of laboratory experience (either through school or in a work setting) preferred.

Where youll be working:

Our La Crosse, WI, plant is home to approximately 330 employees. This facility supplies the food, beverage, and nutritional industries with innovative functional ingredients and superior quality contract manufacturing services.

La Crosse, WI, is nestled between the Mississippi River and the rolling river bluffs. This town is home to a plethora of colleges, high-quality health care, community events, and cultural opportunities. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities there are many opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and boating. The town hosts multiple events annually and is famously known for their Oktoberfest celebration as well as offering a minor league baseball team. Visit the La Crosse Chamber site for more information on local events.

AA/EEO Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity