QC Lab Technician

About the role

Pacific Coast Producers, a growing agricultural cooperative with food production facilities across the West Coast, is seeking a Quality Control Laboratory Technician to join our team at our Salem facility. 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 and employs between 70-100 employees.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory tests on brined maraschino cherries, syrups and brine samples. Tests include pH, SO2, brix, preservatives, and microbiological analyses.
• Maintain accurate records of all tests and report deviations from specifications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies and work area in a clean, organized and hazard-free manner.
• Frequent use of computers and programs to look up, enter, monitor, analyze and evaluate data and specifications.
• Monitor appropriate fruit and syrup quality to meet specifications.
• Sign off/verify various QC documents as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized and hazard-free work area.
• Responsible for Food Safety and HACCP program testing and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• - Perform routine laboratory tests on brined maraschino cherries, syrups and brine samples. Tests include pH, SO2, brix, preservatives, and microbiological analyses.
• - Maintain accurate records of all tests and report deviations from specifications.
• - Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies and work area in a clean, organized and hazard-free manner.
• - Frequent use of computers and programs to look up, enter, monitor, analyze and evaluate data and specifications.
• - Monitor appropriate fruit and syrup quality to meet specifications.
• - Sign off/verify various QC documents as needed.
• - Maintain a clean, organized and hazard-free work area.
• - Responsible for Food Safety and HACCP program testing and documentation.
• - Perform other duties as assigned.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• - High school diploma or GED.
• - Excellent math skills (must be able to calculate percentages, averages, basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• - Complete QC lab test with a minimum score of 80% and demonstrate efficient use of computers and programs.
• - Advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite; Must be proficient in data entry & 10-key.
• - Provide attention to detail in the performance of daily duties.
• - Ability to follow instructions, work within time constraints, and work in a team environment.
• - Demonstrate high degree of understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and safety rules.
• - High degree of cleanliness and personal hygiene.
• - Must possess and maintain a good attendance and performance record. Able to work varied shifts, including weekends.
• - Demonstrate strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• - Utilize communication skills to interact with colleagues and internal customers.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent physical activity includes walking, standing, twisting, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, touching, reaching, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing, color identification, and close vision.
• Moderate physical activity includes bending, stooping, sitting, finger dexterity, and climbing stairs.

About PCP

Established in 1971, Pacific Coast Producers is a cooperative owned by over 165 family farmers that grow and deliver various produce, including tomatoes, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and more, to production facilities in California and Oregon for processing and packaging. With over 3,000 dedicated employees, PCP strives to produce the finest quality products for customers across all channels of trade, including grocery retailers and foodservice distributors throughout the United States and Canada.

Our facility is located in Salem, OR which is a thriving city in the heart of Willamette Valley, offering a vibrant downtown, strong sense of community, and access to outdoor recreation. As the capital of Oregon, it's only a 45-minute drive from Portland, making it a great location for those seeking urban amenities and a smaller community feel.

Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer

Pacific Coast Producers is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.