QA Tech

POSITION SUMMARY:

To perform routine checks on In-process and Finished product to ensure safety and quality of products leaving facility. This position has no direct reports. (Vernon facility)

In the QA Technician's absence, another QA Technician will be appointed to assume the duties in so far as support of food safety and quality systems. For matters involving matters outside the authority of the QA Technician, the QA Assistant Manager or QA Manager will coordinate appropriate action.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform and accurately document quality/food safety/process control observations and tests as specified for each item. • Obtain samples required for visual evaluation (positive release) or microbiological testing as per specified requirements. • Obtain samples for retains and bake-offs. • Perform bake-offs. • Perform and document daily Pre-Op Line Sanitation Verifications with Production and Sanitation Managers/Supervisors. • Perform and document any "allergen reduction" and ATP Pre-Op Line Sanitation Verifications with Production and Sanitation Managers/Supervisors. • Verify and document all labeling and code marking of packaging at each start-up, changeover, and at specified intervals during production runs. • Perform and document CCP and CQP checks and Cross Checks at specified frequency. Obtain specified CCP and CQP verification daily. • Place all out of specification or contaminated product on Hold, according to Hold Standard Operating Procedures and verify quantities. • Report all out of specification data immediately to appropriate supervisory or managerial parties and obtain notification signatures. • Reports any food safety or quality problems to appropriate personnel with authority to initiate action. • Perform and document Sanitation Verifications with Maintenance and Sanitation staff in the event of equipment breakdown or repair. • Conduct GMP Compliance Audits and submit documentation on findings. • Assist in Peer Cross Training when applicable. • Maintain General Lab housekeeping. • Follows all OSHA safety rules, GMPs, and all food safety laws and regulations. • Data entry and scanning of documents. • Other duties as assigned and needed.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform this job successfully, QA Technician, must be self-motivated, able to problem solve, detail-oriented, and able to stay on task. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Excellent organization and time management skills. • Must be a self-starter and be able to accomplish a versatile and evolving workload. • Excellent in all forms of communication. • Innovative, problem solver, flexible, and able to juggle multiple priorities. • Self-motivated, with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and adapt well to change.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education and training: High School diploma or GED.

Job-related experience: In-house training for specific test procedures, sampling routines, and recordkeeping.

Managerial experience: N/A

Technical knowledge and skills: Read and write English. Basic arithmetic computation. Requires ability to learn to use lab equipment such as balance, buret, PH meter, refractometer, NIR & water activity, moisture analyzer, and colorimeter. Computer literate in Word and Excel. Ability to work in lab, office, and hot and/or cold environments in lab. Ability to lift 25 lbs. Ability to stand and walk to perform all testing and monitoring. Communication clarity when conveying written and oral information onto forms and orally to staff.