Sr. Food Safety and Quality Systems Technician

Essential Functions:

• Ensure compliance with quality parameters in the processing area in regard to company standards, customer requirements, GMP’s, HACCP, and USDA regulations
• Provide oversight of the SQF program as an SQF practitioner
• Assist in leading the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the food safety and quality system
• Take appropriate action(s) to ensure that the integrity of the SQF system is maintained
• Provide oversight of microbiological and physical testing of product, equipment swabs
• Audit and support of shell drying, feed, and Animal Welfare programs
• Compilation and analysis of data
• Communication and notification to Food Safety and Quality Manager, Director of TS, Plant Management and Customers for normal communications, problem identification, out of compliance situations and process improvements
• Participate in Vendor Certification Program
• Support of Homeland Security and biosecurity programs required
• Provide oversight of processing activities and employees in absence of Processing Manager or other responsible person
• Provide informal leadership to employees, supervisors and management in regard to quality management and initiatives

Physical Requirements

Stand, walk; use hands to handle tools, objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and talk or hear. The employee must be able to stand for long periods of time. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Quality, Food or Biological Sciences, or a related discipline is required

Certifications
• SQF and HACCP certifications

Experience
• 2-5 years of experience in Processing or Production with 1 year of supervisory experience

Type of Experience
• Experience in Food Manufacturing or Processing, medical or pharmaceutical

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Thorough knowledge of Food Quality Systems
• Strong organizational skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to train to employees
• Ability to motivate employees to work within the company parameters
• Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision
• Detail orientation
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite
• Previous Access and Power Point knowledge a plus, but must be able to learn
• Fluency in Spanish preferred, but not required
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation required

Physical Requirements
• Hands on position
• Frequent walking
• Standing for long periods
• Sitting
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Use of a telephone
• Use of personal computer including a keyboard and mouse
• Climb stairs or ladder up to 25 feet high
• Routine travel including some overnight
• Flexible working hours per company needs.

Working Conditions
• Wet, warm and cold, depending on area and season of the year
• Some chemical interaction
• Farms and mill may be dusty, hot, cold, and dirty
• Some exposure to animal agricultural environment
• Site specific coveralls, smocks are designated footwear; hearing protection, hairnets, head protection and eyewear are required