Plant Quality Technician (SugarCreek)

DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Conduct different types of quality/safety tests and checks to determine quality of raw materials, products currently being processed and finished products. Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food products, documenting all results accurately and timely and reporting any deviations to Plant Management.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform pre-operational sanitation review of the food processing environment and equipment.
• Sample environmental surfaces, finished product and ingredients for microbiological and chemistry attributes that are designed to monitor for acceptable hygienic conditions and chemical characteristics.
• Collect packages and perform tests associated with the specified acceptable quality limits (AQLs), such as weight, temperature, verification of package code dates and magnet checks.
• Print labels on the label machine if required.
• Place product on hold when it does not meet AQLs.
• Report all product standard deviations to Production Supervisor to initiate immediate correction protocol.
• Inform the Plant FSQA Manager and Plant FSQA Supervisor of any food safety/quality issues or concerns.
• Verify the acceptability of ingredients and packaging materials based on internal specification for the product.
• Document and maintain concise and accurate records for Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures and regulations.
• Support all safety, food quality and sanitation initiatives and policies.
• Follow Sugar Creek Packing Co. safety rules and procedures.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in a quality assurance role in a food manufacturing setting preferred.

Certification Requirements: None required.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Know the standards and requirements of GMPs, HACCP, the Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Able to use computers and tablets with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Know how to perform sanitation reviews of equipment.
• Able to use basic equipment in a food manufacturing facility and simple tools, including scale, caliper, magnet, thermometer, sieve shaker machine, salometer, and Mocon O2 analyzer.
• Able to use critical thinking to identify strengths and weaknesses, inductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning.
• Able to communicate effectively and efficiently using both verbal and written skills, especially with Management.
• Possess a positive attitude.
• Able to accept constructive criticism and make adjustments as requested.
• Possess a great work ethic and desire to learn.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

No unusual physical requirements. Physical requirements are consistent with quality assurance technician positions, including mostly sitting with some standing/walking required. Other light physical activity like using stairs or occasionally moving items weighing less than 15lbs may be required as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Some travel to other locations may be required.

Little work is performed in a comfortable, indoor, office-like facility. Most work is performed in an indoor, manufacturing facility with close proximity to heavy and hazardous machinery. Safety wear is required, including hard hat, hairnet, hearing protection, safety glasses, steel toe boots, coats and other necessary equipment. Very little work is performed outside of the manufacturing facility.