Quality Technician Job Opening Near Kalona, Iowa

Join our fast-growing family of companies as a Quality Technician! Open Gates Group is an entrepreneurial family of companies located near Kalona, Iowa that support the growth of local, organic dairy products. Our products are minimally processed and come straight from Midwest family farms surrounding our creamery. We are currently seeking a Quality Technician to join our team.

Quality Technician
The Quality Technician is responsible for coordinating and facilitating quality standards for the organization. This position works collaboratively with Open Gates Production teams to ensure production goals are met while maintaining quality compliance.

What you get...
  • Opportunities to learn to apply your skills in different industries.
  • Super fun and supportive team members who always have your back.
  • Managers who respect you and listen to your ideas.
  • Career boost by being responsible for many different areas.
  • Great pay and benefits.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, STD & LTD after 60 days of employment.
  • Matching 401k after 6 months.
  • Benefit Bonus/Stipend Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), & Birthday PTO.
  • Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), & Birthday PTO.
  • Opportunity for advancement.
  • Discounted employee purchases.
  • Unique, entrepreneurial culture!
What you will get to do...
  • Work collaboratively with the Quality team to conduct bacteriological, chemical, and physical testing on raw and finished goods at Kalona Creamery.
  • Prepare product samples for external lab testing
  • Work collaboratively with production members and the Quality team to create and train on new SOPs and SSOPs.
  • Obtain HACCP and PCQI certifications within the first 60 days.
  • Performs and oversees the internal audit program at Kalona Creamery and Kalona Farms.
  • Review and verify production paperwork at Kalona Creamery.
  • Complete the daily product release log.

  • Work collaboratively with OG team members to troubleshoot quality issues and/or process improvement activities.

  • Enforce quality standards, GMP’s, SOP’s and Food Safety plans.
  • Aide in new hire training for GMPs and chemical safety.
  • Assist in creating training videos for production processes.
  • Inform Quality Manager and Plant Manager of all quality results and issues.
  • Actively participate in initiatives and investigations to improve products and processes related to quality, food safety and consistency.
  • Other duties as requested.
What you will need...
  • High School or Associates Degree in a science related technical field preferred.
  • 1-3 years working experience in laboratory environments and knowledge of GMP and Quality systems preferred.
  • Attention to detail and analytical skills.
  • Team-oriented with a focus on working in a collaborative environment.
  • Self-starter and able to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and knowledge of basic math.
  • Able to handle and communicate quality-related issues with a sense of urgency.
  • Passion and alignment with our mission, vision, values & operating principles.
  • Passion for working in a values based company in alignment with a learning organization.
  • Willing to embrace personal and professional development while staying on top of industry trends.
Print Job Description
Who you'll work with...

Emily Bates is kind, considerate, and respectful - and extremely flexible as priorities and conditions change. Emily is supportive of her fellow team members and shows nothing but respect and encouragement. She is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and help out production, logistics or any department that is in need during the week and even on Saturdays and Sundays. Emily is positive and optimistic in all that she does.. 

Sarah helps literally everyone. She’s always a smile to look forward too in the morning! She goes above and beyond all of the time! I cannot express how much I admire her work ethic. She is dependable and smart and always makes me feel better just by smiling at me. She is a problem solver and a great worker.

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