Food Safety & Quality Assurance Technician

Description

Hourly, Non-Exempt

$23/hour

Eligible for raise pending performance after 90 days

Benefits eligible at the first of the month after hire

Hours: 5:30am - 3:00pm, Monday - Friday, some Saturdays pending production needs

Role

The purpose of the QA Technician position is to monitor food safety for all Grand Prairie Foods' products and facilities.

Responsibilities 

• Management of daily Quality Assurance and Food Safety Activities in all plant areas including but not limited to:
  • Monitor temperature checks and related HACCP duties including record-keeping and pre-shipment reviews.
  • Measure and record product parameters according to specifications.
  • Supervise adherence to GMPs.
  • Perform product sampling and evaluations.
• Perform daily inspections of product quality including but not limited to the following:
  • Inspect product labeling
  • Perform organoleptic testing (as needed)
• Place any products or facilities that are outside of the company’s required specifications on hold and advise supervisor of the issue
• Work together with senior leads and production supervisors to ensure products are within specifications on a timely basis
• Verify that the plant is clean, and meeting guidelines outlined in Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures by performing pre-operational inspections, swabbing equipment and environment with ATP and/or Listeria swabs (1st shift preop only)
• Conduct monthly audits of facility GMPs, Glass and Brittle Plastic and similar programs according to Policy Manual
• Work closely with USDA and/or FDA to ensure compliance with all federal regulations
• Assist with the implementation of SQF (Safe Quality Food) as needed
• Support the Research and Development team with new and/or improved product samples/processes
• Assist with worker safety and training procedures at GPF
• If necessary, notify Supervisors, QA Specialist, Director of Quality & Technical Services, VP of Operations, and Maintenance if a problem occurs

Requirements

  

Education & Training Requirements 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food or Meat Science or related field preferred
• Familiar with HACCP, GMPs, and SQF/GFSI concepts

Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of food industry experience with food safety/quality knowledge 
• Excellent planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to use, read, and calibrate various analytical tools (scales, thermometers, O2 meters, etc.)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push, and pull items weighing 50 pounds or less for up to 10 hours per day
• Exposure to variation in temperature 
• Working with uncooked, cooked, frozen products or a combination of any product or raw materials

Expectations

•  Able to manage working in a diverse environment
•  Conflict management
• Ability to communicate effectively
•  Follow detailed instructions
•  Critical thinking and decision making
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills 
• Must have basic math skills
• Hearing and visual skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Successfully complete SQF Practitioner training
•  Maintain Grand Prairie’s Core Values in all customer and employee interactions