Food Safety Technician

This position is responsible for working both independently and in a team environment to ensure the Food Safety standards are maintained throughout the process of producing pet food while ensuring adherence to the Environmental Monitoring Program (ie microbial testing) and Integrated Pest Management Program throughout the facility.

Typical schedule-Monday through Friday, 9 : 00 am-5 : 00 pm

Willingness to work off shift hours (nights, weekends, overtime) and flow to the work as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain oversight & upkeep of the Environmental Monitoring Program.
• Perform microbial sampling throughout the facility.
• Coordinate with outside laboratories for micro sample processing.
• Train individuals on pre-operational inspection and SSOPs.
• Work with other departments on proper sanitation techniques and maintaining operational sanitation to reduce micro activity.
• Analyze and escalates finished product and micro sampling results (root cause analysis) while assisting with identifying areas needing additional sanitation.
• Evaluates finished product export testing and escalates nonconformance.
• Perform investigative sampling to identify hot spots and sources of micro activity.
• Assist with sanitation, swabbing, and documentation of adverse events.
• Monitor micro lab supplies and inventory.
• Assist in developing, writing, and maintaining food safety procedures and sanitation SOPs.
• Assist with plant inspections and internal audits and enter work requests as needed.
• Obtain further food safety education as required.
• Provide training and instruction in food safety methods and equipment.
• Manage the execution and documentation of corrective and preventive actions relative to sanitation, pest control and microbial data from the production environment and finished products.
• Train individuals on pre-operational inspection and SSOPs.
• Complete chemical titrations and correct any deviations.
• Work with third-party chemical vendor to assess sanitation concerns and business needs.
• Identify gaps within the pest management program and works with third-party vendor to implement solutions.
• Conduct monthly and annual assessments of the glass and brittle plastic register.
• Demonstrate understanding for policies and be comfortable in executing action plans that support established policies.
• Provide back-up support and coverage as needed for the Senior QA Specialist and the Assistant QA Manager.
• Assist and complete additional tasks as directed by the QA Manager and Assistant QA Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and responsibility 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 duties and functions of the position.

• Must be able to successfully handle and manage stress.
• Accustomed to and able to work in a high-volume, fast-pace, complex and busy environment.
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to act. A can-do mindset and attitude is a must.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to work additional hours when workload, deadlines, production requirements, shift coverage or overtime demand it of the role.
• Consummate team player attitude of sharing and helping others. Must be able to interact positively, professionally and in cooperation with others.
• Be able to multi-task complete multiple samples or tasks at one time, in a very fast paced environment.
• Be able to learn or know laboratory terminology and techniques.
• Manufacturing, food safety or quality experience are required.
• Laboratory experience is required.
• Must have basic computer skills and have experience with Microsoft Office software (word, excel, outlook, PowerPoint).
• Be disciplined enough to work independently when the situation calls for it and stay on task.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Understand basic factory operations to produce pet food.
• Trouble shooting skills
• Strong Computer Skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong reading, writing and arithmetic skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment while staying calm, collected and focused on the tasks at hand.
• Knowledge of proper lifting techniques. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong diagnostic skills for performing Root Cause Analysis.
• Demonstrate ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge and experience with aseptic sampling and micro plating techniques is preferred.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

• High-school degree or equivalent is required.
• A degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, Food Science or the equivalent work experience is preferred.
• Prior experience working in a laboratory environment is preferred.
• Prior experience of Integrated Pest management is preferred.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment is required.
• Prior experience using aseptic techniques is preferred.
• At least 1 year of operational experience within plant required (internal only)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, GMP's and general instructions. Good communication skills are required.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out both oral and written instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and duties of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and lift. The employee is required to stand, walk up stairs and walk at minimum 70% of the time.
• The employee must be able to work 8.5 hour shifts, with the flexibility to work additional planned or unplanned hours, as business needs.
• The employees must occasionally lift / push / pull or carry up to fifty (50) pounds, and should be able to lift 30-35 pounds on a frequent basis.
• The employee must be able to squat or kneel and to bend on a frequent basis.
• The employee must be able to work in a cold (40-50 degree) environment.
• The employee must be able to tolerate exposure to flour and yeast materials.
• The employee must be able to climb steps on a frequent basis.

SAFE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Employee must have the ability to perform the essential job functions identified above consistent with safety standards and practices with or without a reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

The following questions are asked of all internal candidates. Your answers will not exclude you from applying. All internal candidates are required to discuss their interest in a new position with their manager prior to applying.