FSQA Technician

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

A Food Safety Quality Assurance Technician ensures that products meet company and customer specifications by monitoring critical control points and assuring products are within company and regulatory standards for quality and food safety. Position is responsible for supporting various programs such as SQF, HACCP, etc. This is accomplished primarily through on-the-floor process and product auditing.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

The FSQA Technician identifies and assists in the elimination of product concerns; maintains accurate, detailed laboratory and compliance records; makes decisions and provides guidance regarding food safety as well as product quality; supports initiatives to drive and monitor continuous improvement; and supports programs including:

Food Safety

Ensure Compliance to the following:

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Environmental Sampling.
• Other relevant Food Safety Procedures (i.e., allergen program).
• Safe Quality Foods (SQF).

Quality and Regulatory

• Monitor ingredient storage in warehouse for proper rotation & usage of materials.
• Capable of performing Trace/Recall on all materials for potential recall.
• Verification of adherence to product and material specifications.
• Verification of manufacturing activities.
• Incoming inspection of materials sourced.
• Collection of samples to support programs including microbial monitoring, product analysis and product audit.
• Auditing (temperature checks, O2 checks, net weight checks, etc.).
• Monitor all prerequisite programs in regards to SQF.
• Assist in data collection of SPC System to provide reduction/elimination of variation within processes.
• Cross-training in other QA functions as needed.
• Collect data for capability studies for the plant.
• Develop capabilities in the shelf life and product evaluation programs.
• Review and approval of incoming packaging materials.
• Actively participate on Safety and Lean teams as needed.
• Performs pre-operational and operational inspection of equipment as described in the SSOP program.
• Pre-shipment review of all operations in area of responsibility.
• Conduct detailed product audits as assigned to assure conformance of product and package details to specifications.
• Conduct daily product panels and document results.
• Appropriately isolate non-conforming product.

Research and Development

• New Product Qualifications and assist in processing finished product specs & photo standards.
• Product Improvement.

A trained designee will be appointed by plant management to cover for absences or vacancies.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required; Associate’s degree in microbiology, food science or related field preferred.
• In lieu of degree, two years of related experience/training in food manufacturing required.
• Ability to complete micro testing of finished product, ingredients and environmental samples.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique preferred.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficient knowledge of SQF preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) required.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve.
• Solid organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment while performing job. (i.e. safety glasses, ear plugs, bump cap, hair net, steel toe rubber boots, autoclave gloves, goggles).
• May be required to work in hot (up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit) for intervals of 45 minutes.
• May be required to work in cold and/or wet environments of a minimum of 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Must be able to constantly stand, stoop, walk, bend, push or pull for duration of shift, which may last up to 12 hours.
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
• May work in Production or Warehouse storage areas.
• May be required to climb ladders/stairs.
• Must have the visual acuity to perform possible pre-op duties and/or read paperwork and labels.