Quality Assurance Technician 1

Location – Onsite This is an onsite role that works at the Chaseburg Creamery in Chaseburg, WI. The shift/hours are 2nd Shift 3pm-11pm Sunday through Thursday with Saturday Rotation Employee Type – Hourly Bonus – This position is eligible for a 3% annual incentive bonus based on cooperative and individual performance. Safety Sensitive – Yes Summary of Role The Quality Assurance Technician I – Chaseburg executes, performs, records, logs, monitors, and follows quality and food safety processes within plant and laboratory operations. This role supports the implementation of food safety and quality systems through routine testing, process checks, documentation, and monitoring activities. The position contributes to regulatory, certification, and corporate compliance by ensuring accurate execution of procedures and maintaining reliable records. The role works closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, and Laboratory teams to support product integrity, compliance, and consistent execution of quality requirements within the Chaseburg facility. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Food Safety, Quality & Compliance Support – 30% o Execute and follow food safety procedures including HACCP/HARPC, PRPs, Food Defense, and traceability requirements o Perform routine monitoring of food safety checks and record results accurately o Maintain compliance with established SOPs and work instructions o Assist and support food safety program activities as directed o Assist with audit preparation activities, including gathering documentation o Participate in audit walkthroughs as directed o Ensure records and work areas are audit-ready o Follow instructions to support compliance with regulatory and certification requirements Process Verification, Production Support & Product Control – 30% o Perform production process verification checks including labeling, coding, and packaging o Complete production paperwork verification activities to ensure accuracy and GMP/Traceability compliance o Monitor process control points and record required data o Assist in identifying and communicating deviations to QA leadership o Support corrective action activities as directed o Support hold and release processes through documentation and system updates o Monitor inventory status and assist with recordkeeping for product movement o Follow procedures to support recall readiness activities Sampling, Testing, Laboratory Operations & Environmental Monitoring - 30% o Perform microbiological and analytical testing of product, ingredient, and environmental samples o Record and log testing results accurately in laboratory systems or logbooks o Follow laboratory procedures for sample handling, preparation, and testing o Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory work areas o Assist in equipment operation, calibration checks, and routine maintenance tasks o Perform environmental monitoring sample collection and logging o Assist with sanitation verification activities, including ATP and hygiene checks o Monitor sanitation records and report any inconsistencies o Support plant hygiene and GMP compliance activities Documentation, Systems & Data Management – 10% o Record, log, and maintain quality documentation in accordance with SOPs o Log deviations, quality events, and test results into appropriate systems o Maintain accurate and complete records for audit and compliance purposes o Ensure documentation is organized and retrievable o Execute quality system processes including documentation, data entry, and record maintenance o Follow procedures for SAP, LIMS, or other system entries as assigned o Ensure accuracy and completeness of data entry o Maintain adherence to document control and system procedures o Assist in collecting information related to customer complaints or quality events o Record and document quality-related findings o Support QA team in preparing documentation for review and response Additional Duties and Responsibilities Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement o Assist and support Operations, QA, and Laboratory teams o Participate in routine production and quality meetings as needed o Communicate issues or observations to QA leadership o Contribute to team tasks and daily operations o Participate in and implement continuous improvement activities as assigned o Follow updated procedures and training instructions o Provide feedback on procedures and workflows when requested o Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Knowledge, Skills and Competencies o Basic knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP/HARPC, CCPs, GMPs) o Understanding of quality assurance processes and laboratory testing o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills o Ability to work in a manufacturing and laboratory environment o Strong attention to detail and organizational skills o Ability to execute tasks consistently and follow established processes o Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs o Excellent verbal and written communication skills o Dairy experience preferred Qualifications o Bachelor’s degree in STEM Field Preferred o 0-3 years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or laboratory operations Experience in laboratory or food safety environments a plus Base hourly wage range: $26.34- $31.93 per hour The typical hourly wage for a new hire with little or no experience is $26.34. This position also receives a $2.00 per hour shift premium between the hours of 6pm and 12am, a $3.00 per hour shift premium between the hours of 12am and 6am or this position receives a $2.00 per hour shift premium on Saturdays and Sundays. This hourly wage range is exclusive of fringe benefits. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary bonuses. If you are hired at CROPP, your final base hourly wage compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role should expect to be at the lower end of the hourly wage range and hiring at the maximum of the hourly wage range is not typical. Benefits We believe when our people are strong, our mission is strong. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive and holistic Total Rewards package meant to strengthen employees’ and their family's total wellbeing. Here are some of the great benefits offered: Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf)Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.Time Off – 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date. Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday to use at will. 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave – For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption.Vision & Dental Insurance – Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho.401k – We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee’s contribution, and then 50% for 3.1%-5.0% of employee contributions.Free services at five local Neighborhood Family Clinics.Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education.Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee. Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee.Employee Assistance Program - Free and Confidential for employees, spouses, and dependents.Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching.Financial advisors and seminarsAnnual $360 Lifestyle Spending Account