QA Technician, 3rd Shift (D921) - Wellness Pet Company

*This position is 3rd Shift: 10 PM - 6:30 AM*

Job title: QA Technician

Location:Decatur, AR – Manufacturing Plant

About Wellness Pet Company

The Wellness Pet Company crafts and produces premium natural pet food, treats, and dental chews. We believe that natural, premium nutrition focused on proven health outcomes is the foundation of creating a mutual wellbeing for pets and their families. As a community of people, Wellies are positively obsessed about how to win for pets and their parents. We believe in the difference we make every single day, and we know that when we work collaboratively, Wellies are unstoppable -- Not only in providing the best nutrition to pets, but in building a better tomorrow for pets, their parents, and the world.

When you join Wellness Pet, you join a team whose aligned values and purpose create a unique and exciting place to work every day. Join us on our adventure to fulfill a life of wellbeing together with pets and their parents.

Our Decatur manufacturing facility is committed to nutritional innovation, product quality, and safety. To ensure our product quality, we control the entire manufacturing process in Decatur, from consistent quality checks on all raw materials coming into the plant, to the shipment of our finished product to customers. Our employees take pride in the natural products we produce for the pets who depend on us. We offer our employees a positive, friendly work environment where you can grow your skills, competitive pay, and excellent benefits – Come for a walk with us today!

Position Summary: The QA Technician is responsible for maintaining GFSI-standard, prerequisite programs, food safety programs and quality standards. Will assist in maintaining written Food Safety programs. Ensures completeness and accuracy of relevant operational documentation. Coordinates and works with all other departments while keeping Food Safety, Quality, Customer Service and Profitability in mind at all times. QA Technicians regularly work 40 hours per week with overtime as business needs require.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide routine verification of in-process testing performed by production operators (NIR- moisture, fat, protein; Aw- water activity, density, dimensions).
• Work with Processing Technicians and Shift Managers when product is outside specifications, (via routine verification and direct observations), completing support documentation including identification of any impacted product.
• Perform routine in-process direct observation and /or verification of PC (preventive control) to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.
• Perform routine direct observation and /or verification of all other in-process checks to ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory and quality requirements.
• Perform routine environmental swabbing and pre-operational inspections as defined in the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP).
• Perform routine GMP inspections.
• Perform laboratory tests for raw materials and finished products as per documented programs.
• Perform standard data analysis and provide information to relevant management.
• Maintain the sample library by properly organizing and storing samples in accordance with procedures.
• Submit samples to third party labs for routine and additional testing or confirmation of test results received.
• Review of relevant analytical and pre-shipment documentation and perform product release of finished product as required.
• All other duties as assigned

Workplace Safety:

• Completes safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory safety trainings and adheres to all safety policies
• Required to report all safety issues, near misses, and injuries

Quality & Food Safety:

• Completes quality & food safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements
• Preserves the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined. Takes actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies
• Required to report food safety and quality system failures and take actions necessary to preserve the BRC system.

Position Requirements:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate using the English language.
• Ability to work in an environment which includes frequent exposure to elements such as odor, noise, heat, cold, dust and chemicals.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Effective influence and persuasion skills.
• Demonstrated time management and prioritization skills.
• Knowledge and application of food manufacturing policies and procedures desired
• Ability to recognize and innovate better ways to accomplish manufacturing objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail Oriented and work well independently and with a team.
• Basic computers skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Must be able to perform physical demands of the position including lifting up to 50 pounds, stand, walk, push/pull up to 50 pounds, reach overhead, bend to the floor and stand for extended period of time, climb ladders and walk on grated/elevated catwalks
• Ability to read and understand process operating procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or Meat Science or equivalent experience.
• Quality Assurance experience in pet food or human food manufacturing preferred.
• Prior experience in a production environment, preferably food or beverage manufacturing.

The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.

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