QC Lab Lead

Pacific Coast Producers, a growing agricultural cooperative with food production facilities across the West Coast, is seeking a talented and experienced Quality Control Lab Lead to join our team at our Production Facility in The Dalles, OR. PCP is investing in its people and advancing a culture of service, where each employee can do their best to make affordable, high-quality food for customers across North America. Our Salem facility produces maraschino cherries and other cherry products in various styles, colors, and flavors.

Hours of Operation: Full time/ 40 hours per week with some weekend and overtime hours required when needed, possible day or swing shift position. This position is part of a seniority based Collective Bargaining Unit (CBA) and requires work on various shifts.

Join our legacy of talented people working together to provide the highest level of customer service. PCP employees receive terrific benefit plans such as affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement savings plans, including a defined-benefit pension plan is also provided to eligible employees.

Pay: $27.26 / hour

Overview

The QC Lab Lead will be responsible for overseeing lab staff duties and Quality Control (QC) record keeping. Direct, train and monitor graders, lab techs and pit checkers in all areas of production.

Primary Duties

• Maintain current knowledge of grades and specifications of all areas of production.
• Check, evaluate, review, maintain and update accurate QC documentation, forms, logs and procedures.
• Proficient in grading with the ability to direct, train and monitor QC graders & lab techs.
• Perform routine laboratory tests, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Frequent use of computers and programs to lookup, enter, monitor, analyze and evaluate data. Create reports and documentation.
• Enter QC data into computer in a timely manner.
• Perform, direct and evaluate microbiological testing.
• Oversee sample request ordering, preparations, labeling, entry and shipping.
• Maintain a clean, organized and hazard free work area.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the QA Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality on results obtained from in house or third-party testing.
• Pacific Coast Producers. is a food processing facility, and it is the responsibility of every employee to perform all job duties and other activities in a manner that upholds the safety and quality of the facilities and products produced. In addition, it is the responsibility of each employee to report all food safety issues or concerns to a Production Manager, Plant Manager or QA Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in physical science; or 2 years of lab experience in lieu of degree.
• Proficient in Excel, Microsoft Word, Outlook and general computer skills
• Strong arithmetic skills (must be able to calculate percentages, ppm, averages, basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• Must have laboratory skills (measuring pH, titrating, solutions preparation, laboratory cleaning, and laboratory safety).
• High degree of cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to work well with and motivate others and be a self-starter.
• Must be able to work within deadlines and time restraints.
• Exercise care and attention in the performing of daily duties as reports are relied on as the accurate record of product quality.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Must be able to read and write English.
• Demonstrates ability to follow all good manufacturing practices and safety rules.
• Must have and maintain a good attendance record and performance record.
• Be able to become PCQI certified.

Physical Requirements
Frequent physical activity includes walking, bending, standing, twisting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs., touching, reaching, gripping, finger dexterity, and hearing. Moderate physical activity may include stooping, color identification, close vision, and depth perception. Under strenuous conditions, employees are still expected to perform their job requirements in a safe manner.

Environmental Factors
Working conditions include exposure to plant temperature extremes, dampness, humidity, fumes, and high noise levels. Work requires wearing proper protective equipment. Incumbent may work in a crowded area.

Note – Employees are expected to comply with all applicable Company rules and policies, as well as the guidelines that apply to their specific position. It is the responsibility of every employee to perform all job duties and other activities in compliance with customer, 3rd party, regulatory, and company food safety and quality initiatives and standards. In addition, it is the responsibility of each employee to report all food and employee safety issues or concerns to management.