Quality Assurance

Red River Commodities is looking for a Quality Assurance Technician for our Human Food Processing Division located in Fargo, ND

The Quality Assurance Technician will test and inspect products at various stages of the production process to ensure quality standards are met. This position is a vital piece to our processing and quality certifications and is required to compile and evaluate statistical data to determine if standards are being maintained and meet company requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned by manager as needed Selects products and ingredients for testing from specific stages of production process Test products and ingredients for varying qualities such as chemical, physical and sensory characteristics. Interprets data that was gathered against formulas, standards and other specifications to determine quality and reliability standards Records test data while applying statistical quality control procedures Evaluates data and communication results with production to identify the product is within control limits, is encroaching control limits or is trending negatively or outside of the specifications. Determines inferior product and place appropriate product holds until product can be retested. Maintains current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring. To regularly perform supplier audits to ensure proper documentation from field to processing, and to the customers we sell to. To provide customer support by mediating as necessary in customer complaints, comments and questions. Ability to interpret questionnaire answers, to determine whether the product meet our specification for acceptance. Assists departments with the coordination of audit information, and recommends appropriate data-gathering mechanisms, procedures, etc. Maintains current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring. Keeps management team abreast of significant issues or developments identified during quality assurance activities and actions being taken to improve the situation. Support supplier evaluation program by communicating and soliciting information from suppliers as requested Maintains a working knowledge of government and industry quality assurance codes and standards, responsible for feed/food safety issues. Scan and e-file documents, organize and file hard copies, and proof read documents from supplier and to customers.

Education and/or Experience: Associates degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

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. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as dilutions, averages, running averages, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry, and interpret bar graphs Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, lab equipment manuals, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Knowledge of Database software; Internet software and Manufacturing software, to include but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook. A solid understanding of FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules and regulations. Understanding chosen feed plant inspection expectations standards. General knowledge of HACCP and Allergen Risk Management. General understanding of MSDS, PPE and Chemical Hazards. General understanding of SDS, PPE and Chemical Hazards. Understanding of dilution and ppm standards for chemical usage in feed Production areas. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manor by gathering and analyzing information and develops alternative solutions using this information. Contributes to building a positive team spirit, by exhibiting objectivity and openness to others’ views. Includes appropriate people in decision-making process, is willing to make final decisions and can support and explain reasoning for the decisions. Works with integrity and ethically and is consistently at work and on time. 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; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Shift Hours: Morning Shift: 6 am - 3:30 pm Monday - Friday Salary/Pay: DOE/shift offers a shift differential of $1.00 between 6 pm and 6 am