Quality Control (QC) Lab Technician

Pacific Coast Producers (PCP), a growing agricultural cooperative with food production facilities across the West Coast, is seeking an experienced and innovative Quality Control (QC) Technician to join its team at its Production Facility in The Dalles, OR. PCP is dedicated to investing in its people and fostering a culture of service.

We have two production facilities located in The Dalles, Oregon, specifically dedicated to processing cherries. The facilities are equipped with advanced sorting, pitting, and processing equipment, enabling us to efficiently process large volumes of cherries while maintaining strict quality standards. Our facilities are an important part of the Pacific Northwest's agricultural industry and play a key role in the production of high-quality cherry products for consumers around the world.

Pay Rate: $19.21 per hour. Weekend and overtime hours required when needed. Full-Time.

Join our legacy of talented people working together to provide the highest level of customer service. PCP employees receive terrific benefit plans such as affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement savings plans, including a defined-benefit pension plan is also provided to eligible employees.

The Quality Control Technician will be responsible for grading all products packed at the Riverside Facility. The position will also be responsible for performing routine sampling and lab testing.

Primary job duties:

• Collect samples from products during processing and grade them according to specific product specifications.
• Continuously monitor product quality and communicate grades to the production team promptly. Initiate Quality HOLD on products that do not meet required standards.
• Diligently record all relevant data, maintaining accuracy and adherence to evolving grading and record-keeping methodologies. Ensuring all packed products meet or surpass our and our customers’ quality standards is a critical responsibility.
• Conduct laboratory tests on products as per the schedule to ensure compliance with quality benchmarks.
• Keep detailed records and maintain effective communication with management to report testing results and any quality concerns.
• Ensure your work area is clean, organized, and free from hazards, contributing to a safe working environment.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all test results, whether conducted in-house or by third parties.
• Comply with all safety and quality protocols of Pacific Coast Producers. Every employee is expected to act in the best interest of maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality, including reporting any food safety issues or concerns to Production, Plant, or QA Managers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in grading and evaluating products according to industry standards.
• Demonstrable basic knowledge in the use of pH meters, titration techniques, and adherence to lab safety practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrate good leadership skills and an ability to work effectively with others.
• Proficiency with general computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong decision-making abilities, including the capacity to identify deviations from product specifications, with keen color vision and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient in mathematics, as evidenced by passing a basic math assessment.
• In-depth understanding of product specifications and the ability to navigate various process schedules, ensuring accurate laboratory testing outcomes.
• Proven ability to adhere to all established good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and safety protocols, contributing to a safe and efficient work environment.
• Must be able to carry/lift up to 50 pounds.

Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity includes sitting, walking, using a keyboard, touching, hearing, and speaking. Moderate physical activity includes standing, stooping, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds.

About Pacific Coast Producers

Pacific Coast Producers, a cooperative owned by more than 165 family farmers who cultivate and transport diverse produce like tomatoes, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and others, was founded in 1971. The company operates processing and packaging facilities in California and Oregon and has a workforce of over 3,000 employees. PCP is committed to delivering top-quality products to customers in all channels of trade, such as foodservice distributors and grocery retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

The Dalles is a charming city located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing, as well as a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural events.

AA/EEO Policy Statement

Pacific Coast Producers is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.