Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Juice Quality Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Juice Quality Technician is the frontline guardian of product integrity and safety within a beverage production facility. This role is fundamentally responsible for performing a variety of scientific tests and inspections to ensure that all juice products meet stringent company, regulatory, and customer specifications. By meticulously monitoring every stage of the production process, from incoming ingredients to the final packaged product, the technician ensures that every bottle is safe, delicious, and consistent. This position is critical for upholding brand reputation, maintaining consumer trust, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards like HACCP and GMP.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Laboratory Assistant
Production Line Operator
Quality Control Inspector (General Manufacturing)

Advancement To:

Senior Quality Technician
Quality Control Supervisor
Food Safety Specialist / QA Manager

Lateral Moves:

R&D Technician
Production Supervisor
Sanitation Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive physical and chemical analyses on raw ingredients, in-process samples, and finished juice products, including Brix, pH, acidity (titratable acidity), and color.
Perform routine sensory evaluations (taste, smell, appearance) of products to ensure they meet established flavor profiles and consumer expectations.
Monitor and verify critical control points (CCPs) as outlined in the facility's HACCP plan to mitigate food safety risks throughout the production process.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment such as refractometers, pH meters, titrators, and spectrophotometers to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Accurately document all quality control data, test results, and observations in laboratory notebooks, spreadsheets, or a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Collect and prepare samples for microbiological testing, either for an in-house lab or for submission to a third-party laboratory, to screen for pathogens and spoilage organisms.
Inspect incoming raw materials and packaging components against specifications, completing Certificates of Analysis (COA) verification and releasing approved materials for production.
Place non-conforming products, ingredients, or materials on hold, document the deviation, and assist in the investigation to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions.
Perform pre-operational inspections and ATP swabbing of production lines and equipment to verify sanitation effectiveness before startup.
Review and verify production batch records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Monitor and enforce GMPs, sanitation procedures, and other quality and food safety policies on the production floor, providing guidance and coaching to operations personnel.
Manage the collection, labeling, and storage of retain samples from each production batch for future reference, shelf-life studies, and complaint investigations.
Conduct quality checks on finished product packaging, including verifying label accuracy, date codes, fill weights, cap torque, and seal integrity.
Assist in the investigation of customer complaints by retrieving and analyzing retain samples and reviewing corresponding production and quality records.
Participate in internal and external audits (e.g., SQF, BRC, FDA) by providing documentation, answering questions, and demonstrating quality control procedures.

Secondary Functions

Support the Research & Development team by preparing benchtop samples and conducting testing for new product formulations or process improvements.
Assist in training production employees on quality standards, food safety practices, and proper sampling techniques to foster a company-wide culture of quality.
Contribute to the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality control forms to ensure they are current, clear, and effective.
Monitor environmental conditions within the plant, such as temperature and humidity in storage areas, to ensure product stability and safety.
Participate in continuous improvement projects aimed at reducing waste, enhancing product consistency, and increasing efficiency in the quality lab and on the production floor.
Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents, and initiate purchase orders to ensure the lab is always well-stocked and operational.
Compile data for and generate daily, weekly, or monthly quality reports for management review to highlight trends, issues, and key performance indicators.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting standard laboratory equipment (pH meter, refractometer, titrator).
Strong understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP principles in a food environment.
Experience with food safety and quality schemes such as SQF, BRC, or ISO 22000.
Competency in performing basic chemical titrations and other wet chemistry techniques.
Data entry proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for recording and analyzing data.
Knowledge of basic microbiology principles and aseptic sampling techniques.
Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is a strong asset.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in testing and documentation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting findings and collaborating effectively with other departments.
Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced setting.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify issues, assist in root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as a productive member of a team.
High level of integrity and professional ethics, with a strong commitment to upholding quality and safety standards without compromise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, coupled with relevant work experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Biology
Chemistry
Microbiology or a related scientific discipline.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of quality control experience in a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in a beverage, dairy, or liquid processing facility is highly desirable.