Quality Specialist
Come join the Tillamook Team where our philosophy is “Do Right By Every Bite.” As an independent farmer-owned cooperative, we have been guided by good, honest values since 1909. We believe in putting quality over profit, natural over artificial, and that hard work can never be outsmarted. We’re taking a stand for real food, because everyone deserves better.
We invite members of all diverse communities to join our workforce. At Tillamook, we believe that inclusion and diversity are central to our cultural strategy. In order to achieve our growth ambition and compete and win in the marketplace, we believe we make better decisions and build stronger teams when we invite and rely on diverse perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures into our work and to fuel our innovation and growth. To us this means creating a climate of inclusion where all employees feel valued and a sense of belonging. We believe this will make us a better consumer brand and employer.
About you:
What does real food mean to you? Is your favorite dish a cheesy casserole? Perhaps a decadent and indulgent ice cream? Either way, your identification with food is important to us. People who fit well here at Tillamook have a commitment to quality in everything they do. Our team members understand our vision, contribute to our mission, thrive on innovative thinking, hard work and good, honest values.
About us:
Our team members understand our vision, contribute to our mission, thrive on innovative thinking, hard work and good, honest values. We live by these shared values: We are Good Stewards, We believe in Uncompromising Quality, We work as One Team, We Play to Win, and We Genuinely Care for each other.
What you will do:
The QA Specialist performs microbial and chemical analysis of milk and ice cream; other testing to include milk components, sensory evaluation, antibiotics, added water, sediments and drinking water. Performs data entry of information into NAV and occasional correspondence via email.
Here’s a day in the life:
May perform the following testing using wet chemistry or rapid analysis equipment depending upon the daily schedule: Microbial and chemical analysis of milk or ice cream.
Assists with descriptive sensory analysis, statistical analysis and writes technical briefs.
Enters information into specialized database i.e. LIMS, D365
Performs all other duties as assigned as needed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees at all levels of the Company.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Conducts Pre-Operational/Daily Hygiene Inspections including ATP Swabbing.
Reviews HACCP documentation, charts and production paperwork from various departments; Metal detector Logs, seal log verification, recording charts, check state seals, packaging verifications, silo temperature verifications, and more.
Performs Risk Assessment mitigation on Invasive Construction projects as needed within the facility.
Performs Glass Audits on a quarterly basis and documents findings. Follows up on corrective actions to make sure that items are corrected.
Assists with troubleshooting and addressing problems that arise throughout daily activities.
Assists with Regulatory, 3rd party and internal audits regarding Food Safety, Quality and SQF/3rd party compliance.
Develops procedures and work instructions for area of responsibility and provides training as needed.
Utilizes LIMS and/or D365 to log Quality Control tests, lookup inventory and document product/ingredient dispositions.
Must be a team player and be able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.
Must be computer literate with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. SharePoint is a plus.
Experience with specialized database i.e. LIMS and ERP systems such as D365 is preferred.
Must be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Must be able to prioritize work. Excellent time-management skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Bachelor’s degree in dairy science or related field.
3 years lab experience; will substitute for education.
Practical experience in a quality assurance position and/or microbiology-food testing laboratory.
Posses good sensory taste acuity.
Must be able to work some weekends and holidays.
Physical requirements:
Salary Information:
This is an hourly position with a starting wage of $24.82.
If applicable: A differential of $1.00 per hour applies to night shifts.
Working conditions:
Laboratory: Shared workstations including testing equipment and computer terminals. Generally quiet, temperature controlled, well lighted. May include walking on uneven, slippery surfaces and encountering forklift traffic. Requires standing majority of shift, working with chemicals, walking on uneven, slippery surfaces, stooping, bending and crouching and climbing stairs and ladders. Duties may include repetitive motion of hands and lifting up to 35 pounds. Standing 50%, Sitting 25%, Walking 10%, Lifting 10%, and Climbing 5%.
Industry leading benefit and reward programs:
We offer a best-in-class benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:
Health Coverage: Low premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement: 401(k) with 100% match on the first 6% you contribute.
Wellness Support: Up to $420 annually for fitness-related expenses.
Time Off: Competitive vacation, 10 paid holidays, birthday off, Heritage Day, and paid volunteer time.
Family Support: Pet insurance and inclusive family-forming benefits including adoption assistance.
Education: Financial assistance for online degrees, tuition reimbursement, and access to Rosetta Stone.
Extra Perks: Yum Bucks for free Tillamook products, birthday gifts, employee discounts, and more.
Join a team that values purpose, collaboration, and care—for each other and our communities. Learn more at www.tillamook.com/careers.
We are committed to creating a diverse culture and inclusive conditions where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success. We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace. EEO
TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.
