1St Shift - Quality Assurance Technician

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

At Balchem we are committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science-based solutions to the nutrition, health, and food markets. Our Lincoln, Nebraska location specializes in the production and packaging of high-quality cereal with options that are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician performs quality assurance duties as needed to support plant operations. Examines Company facilities to ensure standards are maintained and product integrity is preserved. Monitors cleaning and sanitation procedures and performs product testing. Directly reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor for proper direction, interpretation, and evaluation. Maintains and guarantees SensoryEffects® Cereal Systems quality and safety standards. This is a 3rd shift role from 11pm-7am.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with Production Manager to monitor and document the safety and quality of raw and finished products; report any deviation from quality of service that may become a potential liability
• Provide proper forms and control samples to shift leaders and operators as needed for production
• Assist and monitor cleaning and sanitation procedures; assist with research and development (R&D) projects
• Perform QA testing during the course of production, including, but not limited to, moisture, sensory, and granulation analysis; resolve all quality problems
• Monitor timeliness and completeness of QA procedures and documentation, i.e., equipment line clean-outs, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) duties, Critical Control Point/Control Point (CCP/CP) procedures, etc.
• Ensure all paperwork is complete in an accurate and timely manner; ensure the documentation complies with Company standards
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Adhere to all Company policies and procedures, i.e. personnel, safety, and equipment maintenance and upkeep
• Become proficient in areas of production and safety policies and procedures (accident/injury reporting, blood borne pathogens, confined spaces, emergency evacuation, equipment operation/maintenance, hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tag out, personal protective equipment, etc.)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science is desirable
• Two to four years of experience in a production facility in quality control is highly desirable
• Individual must be equipped with strong motivation, organization, time management, documentation, and communication skills (both orally and written)
• Must have excellent attention to detail and have the ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Demonstration of strong work ethics (punctual, dependable, and trustworthy)
• Ability to utilize common sense and skills in completing responsibilities and operating equipment conforming to company production, personnel, and safety procedures
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos
• Ability to write correspondence and effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization
• Must be able to communicate and handle conflict in a professional manner
• Ability to give and welcome feedback and contribute to building a positive team spirit

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Individual will continually be required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, to talk and hear, and to utilize specific vision abilities including but not limited to close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• Regularly required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, using proper ergonomic principles, taste, smell, and lift up to 25 pounds
• Individual will operate equipment, including but not limited to computers, drafting equipment and instruments involving scientific meters and measuring devices
• The ability to distinguish colors is required
• Balchem Corporation requires anyone working in the plant or entering the plant to adhere to the personal protective equipment policies and procedures
• All personal protective equipment furnished must be worn by all employees when required or needed to perform proper and safe working conditions
• Individual may rarely be exposed to wet or humid conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, work in extreme heat (non-weather), work in high noise levels and vibration
• Individual may also be periodically working in high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather conditions, and extreme cold (non-weather)

WHAT WE OFFER

• Medical/Dental/Vision Plan Insurance after 1st month
• 401(k) with 6% employer match after 60 days
• Paid Time Off
• Uniforms and safety shoes provided
• Tuition Reimbursement after 2 years (work-related)
• Free Cereal

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.