QA Tech-WA-Level 1

Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., is dedicated to providing people and their pets with delicious food choices for every taste and budget. The company's portfolio includes beloved brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats™, PEBBLES™, Grape-Nuts™, Malt-O-Meal™ cereal, Peter Pan™ peanut butter, Rachael Ray® Nutrish™, Kibbles 'n Bits™, and 9Lives™ pet food, as well as private label solutions in pet food, cereal, nut butters, and granola.

The Blaine, Washington plant produces almond and cashew butter, with annual production of approximately 8 million pounds. The site supports a small team of manufacturing and support employees and plays an important role in supplying specialty nut butter products. Blaine is located on the 49th parallel, immediately between Vancouver, BC (35 miles north) and Bellingham, WA, and serves as the primary northern terminus of Interstate 5, about 110 miles north of Seattle.

About the role

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for examination of product to ensure quality standards and procedures are met and aligned with legislation and customer specifications. This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strict adherence to quality policies, and identification of defects or production errors to prevent non-compliant materials from entering the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Perform equipment calibration
• Perform swab tests and collect microbial test samples
• Retain samples for quality assurance
• Conduct pre-op checks and routine line checks (labels, packaging, raw materials, coding, sealing, metal detection)
• Perform lab tests
• Review and verify operator check sheets for accuracy
• Maintain record filing
• Cover duties of other QA technicians in their absence
• Monitor implementation of GMP and quality-related SOPs at the production floor level; assist with staff training
• Segregate problematic product
• Assist in customer complaint investigations
• Report any food safety, quality issues, or GMP non-conformance
• Monitor and restock QA supply levels
• Demonstrate reliability, time management, and consistent performance
• Perform other functions or activities as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• 2 years’ experience working in a similar role in a food manufacturing setting (preferred)
• Basic knowledge of GMP and microbiology (an asset)
• Detail-oriented, quick learner with good judgment and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to accommodate rotating shifts, including weekends, per the production schedule
• Organized problem-solver with effective prioritization skills
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Basic computer skills (Windows MS Office)
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing; a second language is an asset

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of chemicals and cleaning agents with appropriate PPE
• Frequent walking and standing for up to 12 hours
• Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.
• Occasional bending, twisting, and kneeling

Pay

$19.50 to $21.00 per hour.