Plant Quality Technician - job 1 of 2

As a Plant Quality Technician at Niagara, you will be responsible for ensuring that all food safety and quality standards are adhered to throughout the facility. Your duties will include calibrating lab and line equipment, conducting quality tests on in-process and finished products, and actively participating in plant teams like HACCP and safety initiatives. You will play a crucial role in identifying deficiencies, performing microbial contamination tests, and documenting testing results to ensure product quality.

To qualify for the Plant Quality Technician position at Niagara, you will need at least a high school diploma, although an Associate's degree is preferred. Prior experience in a similar manufacturing environment is beneficial. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule, and effectively communicate in English. Preferred qualifications include two years of relevant experience.

Safety is the number one priority at Niagara, especially for Plant Quality Technicians. The company emphasizes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) policies, which include wearing company-issued safety gear in production areas. There are also protocols in place to keep team members alert for safety issues, ensuring a proactive approach to workplace safety in all plant operations.

A Plant Quality Technician at Niagara can expect to work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, this role provides the opportunity to develop relationships with colleagues while contributing meaningfully to quality assurance. The fast-paced nature of bottling operations offers an engaging challenge, and Niagara supports its employees with comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities.

At Niagara, the pay range for a Plant Quality Technician typically falls between $22.95 and $30.41 per hour. Compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications, and you can expect competitive benefits alongside your hourly pay. This ensures a supportive and rewarding workplace for everyone on the team.

Food safety is paramount for a Plant Quality Technician because it ensures that every product meets the highest quality standards and is safe for consumers. In your response, highlight your understanding of food safety protocols, experience with testing methods, and your commitment to adhering to quality guidelines, showcasing how your focus on safety aligns with Niagara's mission.

When addressing your experience with calibration, it's essential to mention specific tools or equipment you've calibrated and the procedures you've followed to ensure accurate results. Provide examples of how you maintained quality standards and improved processes, demonstrating your technical skills that are crucial for the Plant Quality Technician role at Niagara.

In such a scenario, your response should emphasize your procedural approach: identify and isolate the product, investigate the cause of the non-conformance, document your findings, and communicate with your team and management. Emphasizing your proactive problem-solving skills and commitment to quality will illustrate your fit for the Plant Quality Technician position.

When faced with pressure, it's important to detail a specific situation where you managed tight deadlines or high-stakes quality checks. Discuss your strategies for remaining focused, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating with team members to effectively achieve goals, showing how you thrive in the fast-paced environment at Niagara.

In your answer, show that you've done your homework on Niagara's commitment to quality and safety. Mention specific processes, such as HACCP and GMP policies, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to these standards as a Plant Quality Technician. This illustrates your knowledge of the company’s values and operations.

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks; for instance, by assessing urgency and importance based on production goals and quality standards. Share a personal example of how you efficiently managed your workload while ensuring adherence to quality protocols to demonstrate your organizational skills tailored for the Plant Quality Technician role.

Share your passion for maintaining high standards and ensuring consumer safety. Discuss how this passion drives you to excel as a Plant Quality Technician at Niagara, emphasizing your commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork as key motivating factors in your career.

Effective communication is key in quality management. Talk about your commitment to clear, timely communication with team members, sharing quality results, and collaborating on improvements. Highlight your experience with reporting systems or meetings that promote transparency and resolution of quality issues.

Outline the specific testing tools, lab equipment, and software you've worked with in past roles. Discuss how these technologies enable you to adhere to quality standards efficiently, emphasizing your readiness to work with Niagara's existing systems as a Plant Quality Technician.

Yes, I am familiar with HACCP principles, which focus on identifying and controlling potential hazards in the production process. Explain how you would apply these principles by participating in hazard analyses and monitoring critical control points, ensuring compliance with safety standards crucial for the Plant Quality Technician position at Niagara.