QA Inspector I

JOB SUMMARY:
The Quality Assurance Technician is a critical part of the plant's food safety and quality system and is responsible for monitoring, documenting, and enforcing policies in addition to training key team members and taking critical corrective action when required.

The technician role is very hands-on, highly interactive in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment. The ability to quickly assess risk, lead a team to a decision point, and ensure plans are executed are critical skills required to perform this role.

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 4:00am

Hours: QA hours are flexible and dependent on coverage, with starting times ranging from as early as 4:30 am

Pre-ops are rotated among team members to ensure fairness and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform pre-operational inspection tasks as required. (Visual Inspections, ATP/APC swabbing).
• Monitor process controls (CCPs, Allergen Control, Foreign Material Control, Labeling Requirements, Package Integrity, and Product Specifications) to ensure adherence to all food safety and quality programs.
• Perform sample collection as required for microbiological or chemical testing (APC, Staph, LAB, EB, Fat, Moisture, Protein).
• Troubleshoot and take appropriate corrective action when deviations occur.
• Document, monitor, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform quality audits (AQLs) to ensure the product meets specifications.
• Investigate customer feedback and internal incidents and respond promptly.
• Monitor employees for proper work conduct including but not limited to GMPs, SOPs, and SSPs.
• Review paperwork for accuracy and compliance with all food safety and quality programs.
• Routinely interact with USDA FSIS inspection staff and plant management teams (Production, Maintenance, Shipping/Warehousing).
• Review monthly goals and continuous improvement projects with quality assurance supervisors.
• Work on agreed-upon continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Assurance Supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Basic experience with computer: Excel and data entry

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to speak English read and interpret documents such as safety rules, instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Understanding personal computer applications and tools.

FOOD SAFETY:

Take a proactive role in assuring safe, quality products are produced by immediately addressing any safety or quality concerns and this position serves as the back-up for QA Supervisor position.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must have a valid driver’s License.

OTHER SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Understanding of the Company’s philosophy and Values.

• Ability to assess risk and make decisions under pressure in a fast-paced production environment.
• Exceptional communication skills (Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus)
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and/or coworkers.
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision or in a team environment
• Critical thinking skills and
• Ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Ability to read and interpret data and related documentation.
• Basic mathematical (addition, division, multiplication, percentages) and computer skills (Email, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work on your feet in a cold wet environment.

- We're expanding our team and have multiple positions available

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