QC Laboratory Technician

SUMMARY This position reports to the Quality Operations Lead. The Quality Control (QC) Lab Technician supports the facility's animal food safety, quality, and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) programs through routine monitoring, documentation review, and execution of daily laboratory activities. The role combines a strong on-floor presence --observing operations, addressing Quality questions, and reinforcing compliance --with hands-on laboratory work, including internal testing and coordinating sample submission to third-party labs. The QC Lab Technician collects, processes, and tests samples from raw materials (RAW), work-in-process (WIP), and finished products to help ensure products meet internal specifications and applicable FDA requirements for animal food manufacturing, including cGMPs.

RESPONSIBILITIES ·         Internal lab testing that includes Microbiological plating, Water Activity (aW), FTIR, Loss on Drying and other daily lab tasks. ·         Monitors and verifies documentation practices during production, including batch record completion, data integrity, and lot code accuracy; corrects errors in real time, and signs as Quality Reviewer. ·         Organizes and transfers retention samples. ·         Provides in plant/on floor support and guidance for GMP product quality assurance and compliance for Manufacturing Operations. Supply manufacturing and packaging operations Quality oversight  - supplying the WHY as well as the HOW Quality is applied.   ·         Monitors records associated with process controls and control points (e.g., metal detection, label verification, seal checks, etc.) and ensures required frequencies and documentation are met. ·         Provides feedback to manufacturing on batch report completeness and cGMPs. ·         Ensures that all activities related to manufacturing and packaging processes comply with cGMP, applicable regulations and Zoetis Global Systems and Standards. ·         Conducts pre-operational and operational sanitation inspections of production rooms and equipment; verify cleaning and sanitizing effectiveness.  ·         Participates in inspection readiness and preparation activities, including frontline and backroom support during regulatory site inspections. Assist the Quality Leadership Team, as a backup auditee for the Quality Control Laboratory, with preparation, and follow up of CAPA for internal audits and Health Authority inspections, as needed. ·         Drives continuous improvement initiatives which positively impact cycle time, productivity, efficiency, and quality of work through Lean methodology. ·         Understands and supports business needs, provide quality guidance, and facilitate resolution of quality issues in a timely manner.  ·         As food safety is of the highest priority at Buellton, team members are expected to maintain all food safety policies and procedures including: Wearing clean uniforms, hairnets and beard covers. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Clean neoprene gloves. Reporting illness to supervisor or group leader. Clean and sanitize tools and equipment. Storing tools and materials in their designated place. Exceptional organization and housekeeping practices. Vigilant food allergen practices and procedures to prevent cross contact contamination. Reporting any food safety concerns to prevent potential contamination and food safety hazards. Diligently monitoring critical control points in accordance with our food safety plans.   Supports with FSMA Documentation.   EDUCATION & eXPERIENCE ·         Required: High school diploma (or equivalent) with 5+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field (business/operations degree also considered) ·         Demonstrated knowledge of label compliance, quality and scientific principles in a Life Science environment