Quality Assurance Officer

Summary/Objective

Responsible for implementing and assuring quality and efficient operation of the laboratory. Prepares and conducts laboratory testing on food, dairy, specialty mix, water and/or wastewater products accurately and timely. Prepares customer reports with test results and communicates with customers regarding results. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures. Implements quality control measures to ensure compliance with regulations. May have some customer contact regarding concerns and questions. Effective performance is required to maintain laboratory licensure and company image.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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  Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
  
  
  1. 
     Develops, updates and reviews SOPs according to methods, and regulations.
  2. 
     Ensures procedures are updated and handled according to policy to prevent unauthorized changes.
     1. 
        Ensure old copies are archived appropriately and changes made are tracked.
     2. 
        Ensure SOPs are appropriately reviewed and approved by necessary personnel.
        
        

• 
  Understands laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements
  
  
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  Implements quality control measures to assure the efficient operation of sample testing. Establishes training programs for lab employees and cross-trains employees as needed. Assures the timeliness and accuracy of results reported to customers.
  
  
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  Together with the Lab Manager and Lab Supervisor, analyze the quality control needs of the laboratory in terms of personnel and equipment resources. Compiles and analyzes test information to determine operating efficiency of process or equipment and to diagnose and troubleshoot problem areas.
  
  
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  Reviews laboratory data packets of lab staff for completeness and accuracy. Reviews quality control reports. May send test reports to customers and contacts customers regarding results.
  
  
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  Conducts internal audits on a regular basis to ensure that procedures, regulations, and policies are being followed appropriately. Works with Lab Supervisor, lab techs and analysts to ensure procedures are updated as necessary. Assists and provides guidance to the Manager, supervisor, lab techs, and analysts during external DNR or DATCP audits.
  1. 
     Conduct follow-up meetings with the Lab Manager, Supervisor, and the audited analyst(s) to create and follow through with a plan of action for responding to internal or external audits.
     
     
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  Develops and maintains good customer relations with prompt and accurate anticipation and handling of customer needs, inquiries, complaints, or other communications. Works to resolve customer complaints, referring appropriate questions to Laboratory Supervisor or Lab Manager.
  
  
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  Conducts assigned research activities to develop new services and investigates customer complaints on existing service. Recommends measures to improve testing procedures and use of equipment.
  
  
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  Conducts laboratory analysis and testing. Receives and appropriately logs in and labels samples. Prepares samples for testing. Researches and implements changes in test method or process as necessary or required.
  
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  Sets up, adjusts and operates laboratory equipment and instruments. Assists and trains employees in the operation of such equipment. Calibrates equipment such as scales, pipettes, etc. as necessary.
  
  
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  Utilizes computer and statistical software to input test results to develop statistical control charts for each test performed at the lab. Establishes quality control standards, proposes improvements to established standards as needed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

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  Acts as the back-up to the lab supervisor when the Lab supervisor is out. Performing back-up for the following, with input from the Lab Manager.
  
  
  1. 
     Supervising employees reporting to the Lab Supervisor.
  2. 
     Planning and directing the work of other employees; evaluating the productivity and efficiency of other employees;
  3. 
     Handling employee complaints and grievances according to policy and procedures;
  4. 
     Monitoring legal and laboratory compliance
     1. 
        Reviews work performed by employees for accuracy and thoroughness. Analyzes and resolves work conflicts and problems.
     2. 
        Organizes handling of test samples and workflow of laboratory section and employees. Specifies tests to be performed by lab staff according to individual expertise.
        
        

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  Ensures compliance with Proficiency Testing Programs required to maintain Accreditation.
  
  
  1. 
     Orders appropriate Proficiency Testing (PT) samples for accredited analyses.
  2. 
     Communicates with Lab Techs and Analysts to ensure timely analysis of PT samples.
  3. 
     Reports PT results to Proficiency Testing Agency in a timely manner.
  4. 
     Ensures corrective action is taken when failures occur and communicates failures to the appropriate analyst/tech.
     
     
• 
  Acts as the Chemical Hygiene Officer/Safety
  
  
  1. 
     Helps maintain supply of hazardous chemicals for tests conducted and ensures the appropriate handling and storage of those chemicals.
  2. 
     Ensure the organization complies with applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to health and safety and the environment.
  3. 
     Must be able to identify, assess, and resolve hazards in the workplace.
  4. 
     Maintain and Implement safety measures policies and procedures.
  5. 
     Develop and implement appropriate employee training on hazards and safety measures.
  6. 
     Help respond to complaints, conduct investigations, and recommend solutions to employees and management.
  7. 
     Coordinate with the Lab Manager, Plant Manager, and Lab Supervisor to develop and maintain a chemical hygiene plan and ensure compliance with best practices for safety.
  8. 
     Develop and oversee a hazardous waste management program for the organization according to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state regulations.
     
     
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  As needed, provide back-up in other areas when personnel are absent.
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  Maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends in industry and technology and serves as an informational resource for lab staff.

Other duties may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.

Competencies

1. Leadership.
   
   
2. 
   Strategic Thinking.
3. 
   Business Acumen.
4. 
   Problem Solving/Analysis.
5. 
   Decision Making.
6. 
   Performance Management.
7. 
   Results Driven.
8. 
   Communication Proficiency.
9. Willingness to attend professional or other trainings

Work Relationships and Scope:

Reports directly to Laboratory Manager. Works closely with the Lab Supervisor and staff utilizing individual expertise to assure accurate and timely test results. May have contact with customers regarding laboratory services. Contacts require communication skills which preserve the image and prestige of the Company.

Measures of Performance:

Quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability and thoroughness of work performed by self and lab staff; maintenance of good customers relations through on-going and repeat business; customer satisfaction with reliability of test results received; ability to gain the trust and respect of the president, vice president, other managers, and employees; effectiveness of communications and development of good working relationships with staff, co-workers and management; professionalism and personal demeanor; quality of business and personnel decisions made; maintenance of confidential business information; sets good example for other employees (attitude, approach, professionalism, team effort, commitment, loyalty to Company, etc.). Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential business information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Technical or college degree in biology, chemistry or related area. Minimum of one year, but two to five years laboratory experience preferred. Previous supervisory experience preferred. Individual must possess: excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to supervise and work effectively with laboratory personnel, delegate work; professional demeanor and appearance; customer service oriented attitude; high degree of accuracy, math skills, time management, organizational skills, be efficient, relationship building and problem-solving skills, organized and detail oriented, have extensive knowledge and understanding of laboratory equipment and procedures, have the ability to build positive work relationships with lab staff, co-workers and management; ability to interact professionally with a wide variety of people, dealing with difficult customers. Individual must be able to: use a computer, meet established deadlines for customers, develop, write and review laboratory reports, operate a calculator and various types of laboratory equipment.

Working Conditions:

Laboratory work requires long periods of standing, may include lifting heavy and hazardous materials (samples and chemicals). May lift up to 35 lbs. Work area may have poor ventilation causing odors from samples (food, feed, wastewater, sludge) and chemical fumes. Frequent mental and visual concentration for usage of CRT required. Daily deadline pressure is inherent in job.