Pork Quality Research Technician

Pork Quality Research Technician

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university and 1+ year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be proficient with a computer and have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and OneDrive.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills in order to manage multiple projects at one time.
• Candidate must be a stickler for details, have the ability to remain flexible and must be a team player. Must have excellent work ethic and be willing to work in a variety of plant environments.

Responsibilities

• Collecting carcass and meat quality data. Data collection will include, but not be limited to: (1) kill floor data, including individual identification, hot carcass weight and carcass composition predictors, and (2) cut floor data, including boneless loin weight and meat quality and belly weight and (3) meat quality characteristics such as color, firmness, marbling, weight, and other quality factors.
• Collection fat samples and processing fat samples collected at all harvest locations for the purpose of evaluating the quality of fat for specific vendors and research animals.
• Perform evaluations of research product for the purpose of evaluating purge, retail loss, color, firmness, marbling, objective color, intra-muscular fat, firmness, cooking loss, and tenderness.
• Coordinating data collection with appropriate plant and farm personnel by scheduling groups of pigs from the farms to the plant and following them through to collect information.
• Assist as needed on daily tasks including but not limited to evaluation of the quality characteristics of carcasses and product from suppliers of animals to the.
• Data entry and checking data for accuracy using Microsoft Excel.
• Data sharing and checking data for accuracy using OneDrive.
• Submitting completed data through electronic reports and writing any summary notes.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are maintained including but not limited to the Pork Quality Research Lab and offices.
• Attend the Monthly Pork Quality Team call. Review items from the plant’s perspective, address any action items assigned, and provide reporting as directed by supervision.
• Attend company/industry events and training sessions to further education, growth, relationships, and provide voice for company on Pork Quality topics. Maintain continual education growth to allow for increasing responsibility if it arises.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meat or livestock judging team experience strongly preferred.