Food Safety Quality Assurance Technician

Reports to: Food Safety Quality Assurance Team Lead

Summary

Duties include but are not limited to assisting and reporting to the QA lead and management in ensuring first article inspections (startup) for each line are performed adequately and in a timely manner, observing production runs and interceding when a deviation occurs, enforcing plant GMPs, conducting raw material, in-process ingredient, and finished product quality checks, reporting deviations to management, ensuring Analytical Chemistry Laboratory complies with Good Laboratory Practices, documenting findings, and taking actions as required.

Essential Duties & Job Responsibilities

• Oversee line startup meets all product specifications and parameters of the line startup after the rooms and equipment have been released from Pre-ops.
• Assist in first level troubleshoot of all in-line detection, including Metal Detector, X-Ray and Checkweigher.
• Escalate to relevant personnel in a timely manner if in-line detection systems are not operating properly
• Serve as main backup for coverage during line startup for QA technician absences
• Serve as backup for QA Receiving and QA Shipping in case of absences
• Ensure analytical chemistry laboratory supplies are replenished and laboratory complies with Good Laboratory Practices
• Collaborate with QA lead and management to resolve all reported deviations from Good Manufacturing
• Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, and specification requirements.
• Report all deviations from Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, and specification requirements immediately to the supervisor/manager
• Follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, and safety rules (including Personal Protective Equipment -PPE); enforce all of these practices, standards, and rules with all employees
• Conduct GMP inspections in all areas and ensure adherence to Food Safety, Quality, and Cleanliness is maintained
• Report all deviations from product specifications and parameters immediately to Quality Management
• Report unsafe work conditions to management in real-time
• Report any deficiencies that may pose a food safety threat to management as soon as they are observed
• Create and place hold tags with physical count and detailed report of the incident
• Calibrate thermometers, scales, and other lab equipment
• Perform and sign off on pre-operational inspection for line clearance
• Ensure formulas are present for all product runs
• Ensure & review that all formulas are followed on the production floor.
• Inspect raw material coming into production for quality and spec adherence
• Report to work on time as scheduled and to/from lunch and breaks
• Must be able to take on other responsibilities that are not part of their regular tasks in the event it is deemed necessary.
• QA Technician is backed up by QA Team Lead or QA Supervisor.

Food Safety and Culture Expectations

• Adheres to all Food Safety/Quality SOPs
• Communicates and assists in resolving any known or suspected Food Safety/ Quality issues to management or direct supervisor.
• Attends Food Safety/Quality training sessions as required

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• 1-2 years in Quality Control in a food manufacturing facility
• High school diploma or equivalent
• A degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or Chemistry preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, access, and e-mail
• Must have the ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English, bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Demonstrate knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices policies and procedures as well as GLPs and GDPs
• HACCP and PCQI certified preferred
• Able to perform mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, ratios, and percentages
• Able to follow written or verbal instructions
• Demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills
• Must efficiently utilize time and be able to work with minimal supervision
• Detail-oriented
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Must be able to prioritize and handle multiple projects at the same time
• Able to work independently or in a team environment
• Able to work flexible hours and weekends

Physical Demands/work environment

• Prolonged Standing/Walking
• Climbing, Crawling, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting (50 lbs.)
• Finger-Hand Manipulation (e.g. 10-key, typing)
• Able to distinguish colors
• Able to withstand strong odors from the foods being processed
• Able to work in a high-paced, hot, and cold environment for long and/or short periods

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Travel Requirements: None

Driving Requirements: None

Pre-Employment

Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen as a condition of any offer of employment to ensure compliance with Drug-Free Workplace policies.

Haliburton proudly supports diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.