Quality/Safety/Environment Technician

Arcata CA

Description

Summary: The Quality Safety Environment (QSE) Technician participates, contributes, and enforces the food safety and quality management system at Cypress Grove. The QSE Technician performs quality control testing and quality assurance procedures from the arrival of raw ingredients to the end-of-life retention samples, as well as supports continuous improvement efforts of the company. The QSE Technician supports and interacts with all departments and divisions of Cypress Grove. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday from 6:00am-2:30pm. Must be flexible to work overtime as needed. Essential Duties The essential duties include, but are not limited to the following: Quality Assurance & Food Safety Program Support 75% Following standard operating procedures, perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw materials, in-process, and finished product. Testing to include but not limited to antibiotic screening, chemical titrations, temperature readings, moisture analysis, environmental monitoring, equipment swab testing, and quality defect testing. Operation and calibration of equipment which includes scales, thermometers, moisture analyzer, incubators, antibiotic reader. Collect retention samples and follow the schedule for testing and storage. Record results in a timely manner, immediately inform management of any deviations. Ensure that all products not meeting specified attributes are segregated and held for further review and disposition. Conduct investigations and perform corrections. Establish corrective actions and conduct follow-up to ensure effectiveness. Maintain internal document control management system and training system for food safety and quality programs. Performs SOP revisions. Review production, sanitation, and supplier records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance in a timely manner. Audits and assures employee compliance to GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). Keeps work area clean at all times and good housekeeping practices. Ensures adequate inventory of reagents and other materials. Collect data, research technical procedures and professional journals to analyze and interpret data to draw valid conclusions. Make recommendations to improve product quality and food safety performance based on findings. Coordinate relationships with inspectors and regulatory organizations as needed, acting as secondary Cypress Grove liaison for compliance issues. Interdepartmental Partnerships 25% Support the development and implementation of demonstrative training/coaching to be held on the creamery floor or in the work area. Assist employees to maintain compliance with food safety requirements and adherence to GMPs. Spend sufficient time on the floor (minimum of 8 hours per week) in order to spot production process issues, making recommendations for resolution or improvement. Escort non-CG personnel who need to work on-site in the creamery. Personnel may include but is not limited to: Pest control, maintenance, vendor representatives, state & federal inspectors, and/or special visitors. Expectations All Cypress Grove employees are required to perform their duties with the following expectations in mind: Professionalism, adaptability, and dependability. Work together toward common goals and act as a catalyst for improvement. Perform all work in compliance with safety and quality guidelines. Take responsibility for learning the skills necessary to proficiently perform the job requirements. Communicate any lack of understanding or confusion to address training needs. Communicate effectively and positively with supervisors and coworkers. Work efficiently and independently to fulfill team expectations. Work Environment The Cypress Grove production environment will vary. The environment will be hotter or colder, wetter, and more humid than is typical in an average working environment. Grovers will regularly and daily work near and with industrial strength cleaning chemicals and equipment. Proper protective gear is provided and must be worn at all times. SDS sheets are available. Physical Demands The demands described here are representative of those typically encountered in this role. Remain stationary for long periods of time and move about on wet concrete floors. Remain stationary for long periods of time at a workstation desk, operating a computer keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment. Position self to properly complete the task at hand. This may involve turning all or parts of the body, or bending downward in order to place or reach an object at a lower level. Extend above the shoulder in order to place or retrieve objects. Ability to grasp, raise, lower and/or move objects of various sizes and weights: Individually regularly manipulate objects weighing up to 20lbs With assistance regularly manipulate objects weighing from 21lbs to 30lbs Occasionally with assistance manipulate objects weighing from 31lbs to 50lbs. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, or similar field, or equivalent experience. Excellent organization, attention to detail, and communication skills, both written and verbal. Solid level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel and Word. Prefer prior experience in food plant operations, QC/QA, or laboratory. Prefer experience in training or teaching. HACCP certification preferred – not required. Apply Here: