Quality Assurance Technician

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Support and execute the Company's Food Safety programs at the facility in conjunction with Operations, Maintenance, Sanitation, and all other plant functional areas to ensure food safety, legality, and quality.

· Ensure compliance to Regulatory Requirements (CFIA, USDA, FDA), food safety programs (HACCP), and finished product specifications.

· Perform and/or assist in daily quality and food safety related decision making based on established processes to ensure products meet quality and food safety standards.

· Perform startup/ shut down procedures as per QA protocol and process. This may include equipment start-up/shut down, laboratory disinfection/cleaning, incubator/ refrigerator checks, pH, documentation reviews and approvals.

· Assist with environmental monitoring program for all relevant parts of equipment and areas of the facility (TPC, Listeria, ATP). Ensure results are populated/updated in Environmental Monitoring System.

· Assist with analysis of sanitation/environmental data to determine root cause of deficiencies and provide sanitation and operations team feedback on performance and necessary improvements.

· Actively performs on-site quality checks on the production floor in all areas

· Product holds on floor, product sample collections (daily product cuttings) and quarantine management requirements as required.

· Reports non-compliances and takes corrective actions to assure compliance to all quality & food safety requirements daily.

· Perform sample receipt functions as per laboratory protocols. This may include assigning identification/reports aseptic sampling.

· Prepare solutions, reagents and /or growth mediums as outlined per Laboratory Technical Procedure and /or work instructions. Position may require handling of hazardous chemical/materials.

· Prepare and conduct microbiological/chemical analyses. Enter test results/ data into the laboratory database. Enter data onto laboratory forms.

· Maintaining an attitude of continuous process improvement and training of employees at hourly and salary levels

· Provides technical expertise to the Manufacturing Operations regarding product quality, food safety, and good manufacturing practices

· Developing a constructive work environment through excellent interpersonal, team building skills, open communications, encouraging input and constructive performance management.

· Follow all occupational health and safety and good laboratory practices.

· Participate in proficiency programs, projects and internal or external audits when required.

· Participate in projects and meetings with the goal of improving food safety ad food quality.

SKILLS REQUIRED

· Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to provide technical support to operations personnel.

· Time management: Efficient organization of daily routine responsibilities and additional projects.

· Problem solving: Ability to recognize and resolve non-compliance issues.

· Knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)

· Knowledge of HACCP, CFIA Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, BRCGS Standards

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND / WORK EXPERIENCE

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Experience in Quality Assurance, Technical and Operations.

· 2+ years work experience in the food Industry required.

Knowledge and understanding of Quality Assurance principles, food science and meat processing; preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hamilton, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• What are your salary expectations? (This question is required)

Experience:

• Food industry: 3 years (required)
• Quality Assurance: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person