Food Safety Assistant

Nature Fresh Farms is a Leamington-based greenhouse company with facilities in Leamington, ON and Delta, OH as well as Loredo, TX. Our company and its innovative, dynamic team are expanding every day, growing new plant varieties and introducing cutting-edge ideas and practices to the fresh produce industry. However, at Nature Fresh, we don’t just grow plants – we also grow people. Our team is passionate about bringing the highest quality products to consumers, but it is also committed to creating an inspiring, diverse, and team-oriented workplace environment that everyone can enjoy. Nature Fresh Farms is a recognized leader within the greenhouse farming industry – join our team and help us continue to grow!

We are currently looking to fill a permanent full-time position for a Food Safety Assistant for our Food Safety Department at our Leamington, ON location.

The Food Safety Assistant is responsible for keeping continuous policies and standard operating procedures up to date, executing employee training, organizing audits, and ensuring that all locations are meeting Nature Fresh Food Safety standards.

Job Specific Duties

• Assisting the Food Safety Coordinator in daily tasks, maintaining the Food Safety Program, and enhancing the Food Safety Culture which may include but not limited to the following:
• Leads by example following the culture development of the Food Safety Fundamentals, the Food Safety Plan, the Quality System, the Organic Production/Handling Plan for all Nature Fresh locations.
• Aids in facilitating communication related to the continued improvement and maintenance of the systems.
• Reviews and evaluates the training of all employees concerning Food Safety, organic production/handling.
• Performs regular reviews with functional staff to evaluate requirements and proactively identifies compliance deficiencies ensuring they are resolved appropriately. Works with Management to make adjustments and corrections to ensure all locations are following the Nature Fresh set standards.
• Ensures system verifications, microbiological tests, internal audits, internal training are completed on time according to the yearly verification schedule.
• Strictly maintains confidentiality of all proprietary information and company data.
• Must comply with all Health and Safety, Food Safety, Bio Security, and Nature Fresh Policies and Procedures.
• Monitors all location internal verification activities to ensure regular timely adherence and compliance, using an automated verification program.
• Supports customer, vendor and agency audits and participates as necessary.
• Assists with Food Safety training, investigations of non-conformances, and development of SOPs.
• Minutes of meetings, filing, and maintaining data bases as required.
• Conduct product traceability and recall capabilities based on customer specifications, label approvals, and lot control using internal software programs like ERP and Power BI.
• Aids in internal quality system policies, procedures, and documents.
• Aids in and promotes Food Safety procedures in accordance to changing legislative requirements including CFIA, USDA, and third-party audits.
• Expected to take charge during Food Safety Coordinator absence.
• This job description highlights the main components but is not inclusive of other activities that may be required.

Qualifications

• 1 or more years in proven experience in the agricultural/produce industry and/or Food Safety field.
• Post-secondary education in Food Safety/Quality Assurance is preferred but not a requirement.
• Proficiency in working with computers and software programs, specifically ERP, KPI Portals and Microsoft Office more specifically Excel and Nav.
• Excellent communication abilities, active listening skills and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain respectful relationships at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Must be hands-on and process oriented, always looking to improve processes.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a team environment, some independent work.
• Multi-tasking, time management, and prioritizing are essential.
• Must be strong with follow through as many tasks could require constant follow-up.
• Spanish considered an asset.
• A valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle are required.

Working Conditions

• Works with a variety departments and employees at all levels.
• Greenhouses may be hot, wet, humid, or cold at any time. Would also work around bees, pests, and diseases in the greenhouses.
• Warehouses may be hot and humid, or temperature controlled.
• Continuation of learning and development through extra-curricular courses.
• Works Monday-Friday, Saturdays and Holidays and afterhours as needed. Flexibility with work schedule is required due to workload and company need.

Nature Fresh Farms is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from candidates, in accordance with all relevant legislation. Nature Fresh Farms provides an accessible environment in which all individuals have access in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.