Job Summary
The duties and responsibilities of the Quality Technician will be as follows. The position reports directly to the Quality Assurance Manager, with day-to-day coordination and support provided by the Quality Assurance Associate.
1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all requirements within the SQF program that pertain to the processes performed by the Quality Assurance Team.
2. Maintain understanding of all laboratory procedures and applicable regulations for example Organic Code, Codex Alimentarius, Safe Food for Canadians Act, FSMA and applicable CFR21 regulations.
3. Demonstrate understanding of HACCP principles and support monitoring and verification activities associated with Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Preventive Controls.
4. Possess strong critical thinking skills to analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and make informed decisions to support laboratory and operational goals.
5. Conduct raw material analysis, including sorting and visual inspection of fruit, tracking of analytical parameters and supplier issues, brix, pH, microbiology, acidity, turbidity and pesticide analysis, etc.
6. Select representative samples from large shipments, requiring heavy lifting and, at times, assisting with unloading and on-the-spot inspection of incoming shipments to ensure compliance with quality standards.
7. Be prepared and comfortable with heavy lifting and physically demanding, hands-on work as part of daily responsibilities.
8. Inform and communicate with the Quality Assurance Manager of inbound ingredients outside of specification. In collaboration with Senior Management, determine course of action for materials received outside of allowable specifications.
9. Perform finished product analysis; Brix, pH, Bostwick, viscosity, microbiology, etc. Inform and communicate with the Quality Assurance Manager regarding out of specification product. In collaboration with Senior Management, determine course of action for finished product outside of allowable specifications.
10. Demonstrate expertise in applying microbiological principles and aseptic techniques to ensure food safety and quality in all laboratory activities.
11. Conduct microbiological testing and analysis of raw materials and finished goods to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and food safety requirements.
12. Perform in-process control monitoring such as micro swabbing of equipment, air quality monitoring, compressed air monitoring, water quality monitoring for micro contamination, foreign material monitoring, equipment calibration and troubleshooting.
13. Assist with the pest control program including bi-weekly onsite pest control visits with 3rd party operator, ensuring that pest control logs and tracking and trending of pest findings are accurately completed.
14. Perform cleaning and sanitation tasks as required to maintain a safe, hygienic, and compliant work environment.
15. Good Laboratory Practices – maintain an orderly and clean workspace. Ensure adequate laboratory supplies are readily available, prepare standards, perform calibration of laboratory equipment and ensure equipment is kept in a good state of repair.
16. Develop and assist with managing Quality Assurance SOPs. Review existing SOPs on an annual basis and ensure that documentation of process is complete and in accordance with requirements of SQF program and best practices for laboratory functions.
17. Maintain accurate records of all analyses, data entry, tracking and trending all results to determine process effectiveness and optimization.
18. Maintain organization and filing management of all Quality Control documentation. Ensure appropriate documentation of all communications regarding Quality issues.
19. Identify non-conformities, determine appropriate corrective and preventive actions. Assist with quality investigations.
20. Demonstrate flexibility with work hours, including evenings and weekends, to perform microbiological testing, analyze raw materials, or carry out other essential duties as required to meet operational and production needs.
21. Thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changes in duties and tasks on short notice to meet operational needs.
22. Build and maintain good working relationships with Operations and Maintenance personnel to promote openness and GMP compliance.
23. Collaborate effectively in a team environment, utilizing strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and handle confrontations professionally to achieve shared goals.
24. Comply with the company Health and Safety practices and procedures ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees.
25. Consistently arrive at work with a positive attitude, ready to learn, and demonstrate a willingness to grow and embrace new challenges.
26. Other duties may be assigned to the Employee as required.
2.0 EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
1. Minimum 1 year of experience in food manufacturing, QA, or a laboratory environment preferred.
2. High school diploma required; post-secondary in a related field is an asset.
3. Basic knowledge of GMPs, sanitation, and food safety (HACCP/SQF).
4. Experience with basic lab analysis of raw material/finished product (pH, Brix, sampling) is an asset.
5. Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
6. Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and cross-team communication.
7. Basic computer skills and willingness to learn (Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Word).
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
