QA Tech

Department: Quality Assurance

Job Title: QA Technician

Shift: 2nd Shift

Food Safety Role & Responsibility:

As an individual, the incumbent must understand the Food Safety Statement, complete the required training, perform work assignments in accordance with training and display an acceptable level of competency with all Quality Assurance/Safety/Security policies and training requirements. Areas of food safety training will include, but are not limited to, GMP, HACCP, Food Safety and Quality Statement, FSSC 22000/Global Food Safety Policy/Food Safety Goals, Visitor/Food/Site Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Some additional items will include: GLP's, Equipment Calibration, Hold/Release, Allergens, and CCP Monitoring.

The individual must also request additional and/or refresher training if he or she feels that it is needed to effectively perform requirements in specific areas of responsibility.

Summary:

This is a fast-paced position heavily involved with the mathematical and technical areas. The QA Technician serves as an important supporting member of the Production Team.

Job Function Statements - Essential Functions:

• Responsible for routine sampling and testing of Fresh Express product at various stages of production.
• Responsible for recognizing, identifying, communicating and documenting out-of-spec samples.
• Responsible for ensuring that adjustments are made to ensure compliance to specifications, and for rechecking following adjustments to ensure that product is of the highest quality.
• Responsible for following and helping to enforce GMP rules.
• Performs microbiological analysis of product (using petrifilm), according to company and customer specs.
• Performs microbiological analysis of environmental samples, according to company and customer specs.
• Conducts follow-ups on out of spec test results.
• Performs computer data entry.
• Responsible for routine sampling and testing of raw material products, to recognize, identify, and document out-of-spec products.
• Responsible for effectively communicating inspection information to Production management and Quality team members, as well as business management and Corporate Quality when needed.
• Responsible for conducting and documenting truck inspections for food safety aspects.
• Responsible for ensuring product traceability through product code verification on raw materials.
• Inspects all inbound shipments of raw materials for compliance to Fresh Express quality standards.
• Supports the QA department by performing any other additional tasks in QA laboratory.
• Responsible for performing duties listed below:
• raw material quality and ATU evaluation
• wash water chemistry testing
• pH testing
• water & air temperature monitoring
• metal detector verification
• percent oxygen testing
• cut quality and blend ratio evaluation
• total volume testing
• package weight monitoring
• seal integrity (leakers testing)
• finished package temperature monitoring
• code date verification
• equipment calibrations
• CQI and shelf-life sample collection
• documentation of all results and actions
• Perform other duties as required or assigned
• When in the plant the employee is required to wear, hardhat, hearing protection and slip resistant and safety toed shoes.
• Chemical resistant gloves and eye protection are required when working with chemicals.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications/Skills

• Possess basic science and technical aptitude.
• Possess basic computer skills (Excel, Outlook and Word).
• Possess the ability to read and interpret documents (in English) such as safety rules, product specifications, etc.
• Possess the ability to write routine reports and e-mail correspondence (in English).
• Be capable of working in a cold (32 to 36 degrees F), noisy and wet environment for an entire shift.
• Be capable of working overtime, including weekends and holidays as required.
• Be capable of working hours and shifts dictated by production schedule.
• Be capable of meeting all attendance requirements.
• Be capable of meeting all required testing frequencies (detailed, fast-paced work).
• Be capable of standing, on cement, for long periods of time.
• Be capable of operating measuring instruments, such as the weight scale and thermometer.
• Be capable of performing basic math calculations and use a calculator.

Other Desired Qualifications/Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge in Word and Excel

Experience:

• QA Experience in food processing

Education/Training:

• High school diploma (or equivalent)

Other Information:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.