Quality Assurance Technician II

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician II performs routine daily tasks that ensure the products manufactured meet food safety, regulatory and quality requirements. Various tests are performed, and results are recorded and reported daily. This position offers a wide variety of interactions with all members of the plant team and exposure to the entire manufacturing process. Quality Technician II will be responsible for maintaining USDA requirements and Food Safety requirements.

Essential Functions

• Conduct daily inspections including pre-operative and Food Safety - ensuring sanitary conditions of the line before start-up. Document and communicate results to Lead Quality Tech.

• Conduct daily operating Inspections to ensure compliance with GMP's and USDA requirements.

• Conduct CCP/CQP checks including hourly metal detector test, temperature verifications, and code date verifications.

• Ensure ATP swab tests are performed daily and weekly on the line; conduct the test when necessary.

• Monitor HACCP Critical Control Point.

• Perform in-bound raw and packaging material checks to ensure customer requirements are met.

• Calibrate Lab Scale, pH meter, salt analyzer.

• Conduct Organic start-up tests including assurance that documentation of no unauthorized cleaner was used, line was triple rinsed and pH 7 on the line.

• Perform Food Safety & Quality Audits - including production room/storage temperature checks, daily operational inspections.

• Change thermometer recorder charts as needed.

• Keep stock of Laboratory and Production supplies as directed and inform supervisor of supply issues.

• Liaison with USDA.

• Implement Code Date Sheets requirements to verify correct expiration/code information on finished product.

• Report and Follow-Up on Food Safety and Food Quality concerns. Stop line for any major findings.

• Lead pizza line coverage checks.

• Notifies Supervisor of all down times.

• Follows and enforces all Food Safety PPE/GMP requirements and reports any concerns.

• Conducts other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

• First line of defense for reporting food safety/food quality issues. Immediately report and provide corrective action for any findings. Collaborate with the proper department to solve issues in real time.

• Maintains good documentation.

• Conducts in-depth observations and monthly audits including Glass and Brittle Plastic audits.

• Performs inventory adjustments as needed for lot code clarifications in our ERP system.

• Able to place products on hold both physically and systematically in our ERP system.

• Performs verification of disposed materials per RFI disposal process.

• Responsible for Daily SL extension requests, release and holds (need training)

• Primary support for Active Release review and approval

• Primary support for inbound and outbound documentation review

• Support Shipping/receiving internal audits

• Primary support for COA management, follow up and approvals

• Support OOS and DA form creation, follow up and program maintenance

• Support, review and accountable for product and ingredient hold reconciliation

• Back up for NSTL Technician

• Support QA technicians on the plant floor as needed

• Assists during customer complaint investigations; document retrieval, retain retrieval, and sensory/cooking verifications.

• Creates foreign material reports for any internal foreign material findings. Conducts investigation of root cause of the material.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Minimum 1 years' experience in a food manufacturing environment within a QA capacity

• Be able to read, write and speak English

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework completed in food science, microbiology or related degree

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written required.

• Strong organizational skills required.

• Ability to interact and to manage conflict in stressful situations while maintaining composure and perspective.

• The ability to identify, define, and solve problems.

• Strong initiative and the ability to work with others to achieve desired results.

• A sense of accountability for results.

• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work cooperatively and maintain a professional working relationship with employees.

• Ability to read and understand formula sheets.

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and power industrial trucks. The employee is frequently exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pay and Benefits

The following information is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Compensation is based on experience, geographic locations, and other legally permitted factors. The starting hourly rate is $24.00. This position may also be eligible for overtime pay.

Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax spending accounts; 401K with company match; paid time off; short-term and long-term disability; and life insurance.

Disclosures

This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended only to be a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type.

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.