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 theorganization. This position works collaboratively with internal teams to ensure quality compliance at all Open Gates facilities..

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.
  • Enforce quality standards, GMP’s, SOP’s and Food Safety plans.
  • Manage and document bacteria trends.
  • Participate in Food Defense/Food Security internal audit.
  • Participate in Internal Production Audits.
  • Manage internal auditing programs by maintaining spreadsheets and working with internal teams.
  • Administer internal environmental food safety programs.
  • Manage and maintain calibration programs.
  • Manage and maintain charm swabbing, sanitation, and temperature.
  • Complete daily product release logs, verification sheets and checks.
  • Manage supplier approval program.
  • Serve as a backup to the SQF Practitioner.
  • Serve as a backup for administering Federal Milk Market Administrator (FMMA) product samples.
  • Serve as a backup for administering Certificates of Analysis (COA).
  • Serve as a backup for ordering inventory and lab supplies.
  • Assist in production plant Quality training.
  • Work collaboratively with OG team members to troubleshoot Quality issues and/or process improvement activities.
  • Inform Quality Director and Plant Operations Director of all Quality results and issues.
  • Other duties as requested.
What you will need...
  • Associates Degree in a science related technical field preferred.
  • 1-3 years experience in a food manufacturing environment with knowledge of GMP and Quality systems preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain PCQI and HACCP certifications.
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
  • Team-oriented with a focus on working in a collaborative environment.
  • Working knowledge of spreadsheets and Google Suite.
  • Must be a 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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