Quality Specialist

About the Role

Come join the Tillamook Team where our philosophy is “Do Right By Every Bite.” As an independent farmer-owned cooperative, we have been guided by good, honest values since 1909. We believe in putting quality over profit, natural over artificial, and that hard work can never be outsmarted. We’re taking a stand for real food, because everyone deserves better. We invite members of all diverse communities to join our workforce.

About You

What does real food mean to you? Is your favorite dish a cheesy casserole? Perhaps a decadent and indulgent ice cream? Either way, your identification with food is important to us. People who fit well here at Tillamook have a commitment to quality in everything they do. Our team members understand our vision, contribute to our mission, thrive on innovative thinking, hard work, and good, honest values.

About Us

Our team members understand our vision, contribute to our mission, thrive on innovative thinking, hard work, and good, honest values. We live by these shared values: We are Good Stewards, We believe in Uncompromising Quality, We work as One Team, We Play to Win, and We Genuinely Care for each other.

Responsibilities

• Performs microbial and chemical analysis of milk and ice cream.
• Conducts other testing including milk components, sensory evaluation, antibiotics, added water, sediments, and drinking water.
• Performs data entry of information into NAV and occasional correspondence via email.
• Assists with descriptive sensory analysis, statistical analysis, and writes technical briefs.
• Enters information into specialized databases (LIMS, D365).
• Conducts Pre-Operational/Daily Hygiene Inspections including ATP Swabbing.
• Reviews HACCP documentation, charts, and production paperwork from various departments.
• Performs Risk Assessment mitigation on Invasive Construction projects as needed within the facility.
• Performs Glass Audits on a quarterly basis and documents findings.
• Assists with troubleshooting and addressing problems that arise throughout daily activities.
• Assists with Regulatory, 3rd party, and internal audits regarding Food Safety, Quality, and SQF/3rd party compliance.
• Develops procedures and work instructions for the area of responsibility and provides training as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in dairy science or related field.
• 3 years of lab experience; will substitute for education.
• Practical experience in a quality assurance position and/or microbiology-food testing laboratory.
• Possess good sensory taste acuity.
• Ability to work some weekends and holidays.

Skills

• Must be a team player and able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.
• Must be computer literate with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. SharePoint is a plus.
• Experience with specialized databases (LIMS) and ERP systems such as D365 is preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and/or walking.
• Lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Vision for machine or computer operations.
• Hearing.
• Ability to climb stairs.

Working Conditions

Laboratory: Shared workstations including testing equipment and computer terminals. Generally quiet, temperature-controlled, well-lit. May include walking on uneven, slippery surfaces and encountering forklift traffic. Requires standing for the majority of the shift, working with chemicals, walking on uneven, slippery surfaces, stooping, bending, crouching, and climbing stairs and ladders. Duties may include repetitive motion of hands and lifting up to 35 pounds. Standing 50%, Sitting 25%, Walking 10%, Lifting 10%, and Climbing 5%.

Pay

This is an hourly position with a starting wage of $24.82. A differential of $1.00 per hour applies to night shifts.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Low premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement: 401(k) with 100% match on the first 6% you contribute.
• Wellness Support: Up to $420 annually for fitness-related expenses.
• Time Off: Competitive vacation, 10 paid holidays, birthday off, Heritage Day, and paid volunteer time.
• Family Support: Pet insurance and inclusive family-forming benefits including adoption assistance.
• Education: Financial assistance for online degrees, tuition reimbursement, and access to Rosetta Stone.
• Extra Perks: Yum Bucks for free Tillamook products, birthday gifts, employee discounts, and more.

Join a team that values purpose, collaboration, and care—for each other and our communities. Learn more at www.tillamook.com/careers.