Highlights
The Quality Assurance Technician I - CALF executes, performs, records, logs, monitors, and follows quality and food safety processes across conversion, labeling, and finishing operations. The role also provides back‑up support to Distribution Center (DC) laboratory programs, assisting with sample handling, documentation, and basic testing activities as needed.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | cashton, WI |
| Industry | Food and Beverage Production |
| Salary | $26.34–$31.93 Per Hour |
| Company Size | 500 to 999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1988 |
| Website | https://www.organicvalley.coop/ |
Description
Quality Assurance Technician I
Location - Onsite
This is an onsite role that works at the Cashton Conversion & Labeling Facility (CALF) in Cashton, WI. The shift/hours are 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Employee Type - Hourly
Bonus - This position is eligible for a 3% annual incentive bonus based on cooperative and individual performance.
Safety Sensitive - Yes
Summary of Role
The Quality Assurance Technician I - CALF executes, performs, records, logs, monitors, and follows quality and food safety processes across conversion, labeling, and finishing operations.
This role supports the implementation of food safety and quality systems through routine process checks, documentation, monitoring, and verification activities. The position contributes to regulatory and corporate compliance by ensuring consistent execution of procedures and maintaining accurate quality records.
The role also provides back‑up support to Distribution Center (DC) laboratory programs, assisting with sample handling, documentation, and basic testing activities as needed. The position works closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, and Distribution Center teams to support product integrity, labeling accuracy, and compliance throughout CALF operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance Support - 30%
o Execute and follow food safety programs including HACCP/HARPC, PRPs, Food Defense, and traceability requirements
o Perform monitoring activities for food safety controls and record results accurately
o Maintain compliance with SOPs and work instructions
o Assist and support food safety program execution as directed
o Assist with audit preparation and documentation gathering
o Participate in audits as directed
o Ensure work areas and records are audit-ready
o Follow instructions to support compliance activities
Conversion, Labeling, Traceability & Inventory Control - 30%
o Perform verification checks for labeling, packaging, and product handling processes
o Complete production paperwork reviews to ensure accuracy and completeness
o Monitor labeling accuracy, coding, and product identification
o Record and communicate deviations or inconsistencies to QA personnel
o Assist in correction activities under direction
o Support hold and release processes through recordkeeping and system updates
o Monitor inventory status and maintain accurate records
o Follow procedures supporting recall readiness and product control
Documentation, Systems & Data Management 30%
o Record, log, and maintain quality documentation in accordance with procedures
o Log deviations, holds, and quality events in designated systems
o Ensure records are accurate, complete, and retrievable
o Follow document control requirements and filing standards
o Execute quality system tasks, including data entry and record maintenance
o Follow procedures for system use (SAP, WMS, or other systems as assigned)
o Ensure accuracy of system entries and documentation
o Maintain compliance with system requirements and SOPs
Sampling, Testing, Environmental Monitoring & Quality Verification 10%
o Assist with sample collection, labeling, and handling for product and environmental testing
o Perform basic testing tasks as trained and directed
o Record and log test results accurately
o Maintain sample documentation and chain-of-custody records
o Perform environmental and hygiene monitoring sample collection and logging
o Assist with sanitation verification activities, including ATP and hygiene checks
o Monitor sanitation records for completeness
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
o Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
o Assist and support Operations, QA, and DC teams in daily activities
o Participate in routine meetings as needed
o Communicate quality concerns or observations to QA leadership
o Contribute to team-based execution of quality tasks
o Participate in implementation of continuous improvement activities as assigned
o Follow updated procedures and training requirements
o Provide feedback on workflows when requested
o Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
o Knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP/HARPC, CCPs, GMPs)
o Understanding of quality assurance processes and laboratory testing
o Ability to interpret data and support decision-making
o Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
o Ability to analyze, validate, and coordinate work across functions
o Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs
o Strong analytical problem solving and performance management capabilities
o Excellent verbal and written communication skills
o Strong research skills
o Dairy/plant experience preferred
Qualifications
o Bachelor's degree in STEM Field Preferred
o 0-3 years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or laboratory operations
o Experience in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or distribution environments preferred
Base hourly wage range: $26.34 - $31.93 per hour
The typical hourly wage for a new hire with little or no experience is $26.34. This position also receives a $2.00 per hour shift premium between the hours of 6pm and 12am, a $3.00 per hour shift premium between the hours of 12am and 6am or this position receives a $2.00 per hour shift premium on Saturdays and Sundays. This hourly wage range is exclusive of fringe benefits. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary bonuses. If you are hired at CROPP, your final base hourly wage compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role should expect to be at the lower end of the hourly wage range and hiring at the maximum of the hourly wage range is not typical.
Benefits
We believe when our people are strong, our mission is strong. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive and holistic Total Rewards package meant to strengthen employees' and their family''s total wellbeing. Here are some of the great benefits offered:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf)
- Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- Time Off - 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date. Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday to use at will.
- 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave - For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption.
- Vision & Dental Insurance - Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho.
- 401k - We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee's contribution, and then 50% for 3.1%-5.0% of employee contributions.
- Free services at five local Neighborhood Family Clinics.
- Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education.
- Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee. Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee.
- Employee Assistance Program - Free and Confidential for employees, spouses, and dependents.
- Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching.
- Financial advisors and seminars
- Annual $360 Lifestyle Spending Account
About Company
Over the past three decades, we've created some beloved brands (Organic Valley and Organic Prairie), but in body, we are a pioneering cooperative (CROPP Cooperative) owned and guided by family farmers-almost 2,000 of them in 36 states, Canada, Australia and England, to be exact. Our professional staff counts about 950 souls, many of them based at one of our facilities in three small towns located in the stunning Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin. Here's where we churn butter, wrap cheese, ship products, create fun marketing campaigns, care for our customers, and serve our organic farmer-owners. We're busy folks, and there's no slowdown in sight.
Our two main office buildings are complete with organic cafés and fitness facilities and a full schedule of physical and mental wellness opportunities because we believe everyone deserves good food and a balanced life. Every day is casual Friday because we believe our people are at their best when they're comfortable. (In fact, shoes are optional.) We actively collect and act on business and culture ideas from all employees because as a cooperative, we believe none of us are as smart as all of us. (A saying heard frequently from our CEO.) Between all this and many other qualities that we don't have room to list here, it's no surprise Outdoor Magazine placed us in the 100 Best Places to Work in the USA.