The purpose of this position is to ensure through process performance audits that all raw materials, packaging, and finished products comply with all applicable regulations and meet or exceed the customer’s expectations and to take action when predefined standards are not met.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide food safety and quality support to all facets of the facility. Provide oversight of processes, verify compliance to company standards and policies, and communicate when there are deviations from standards or processes.
• Perform routine audits of the facility partnering with growing, harvesting, packaging, and maintenance, with best practice implementation and troubleshooting when problems arise.
• Makes food safety and quality decisions and escalate issues that may impact operations.
• Approve or reject raw materials and finished goods with respect to quality standards and log findings in electronic record keeping system.
• Select finished product samples and check them using appropriate methods.
• Monitor the use of equipment to ensure it is safe and operating correctly and perform routine calibration checks.
• Record lot codes of packaging materials put into use.
• Perform housekeeping in production space to ensure appropriate staging and use of materials by production workers.
• Inspect product during production when an additional operational control point is required.
• Inspect activities of the entire production cycle to ensure they comply with safety and procedural standards.
• Enforce adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and manufacturing documentation.
• Identify risks and communicate gaps for quality and GMP processes/systems. Requires a working general knowledge of standard compliance and quality system functions.
• Follow written procedures for the clear and accurate documentation of equipment operation and process instructions, and of process data.
• Practice safe work habits and adhere to safety procedures and guidelines.
• Identify and communicate non-routine cleaning needs to the Sanitation Lead Person.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager
• Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
• May make decisions and perform the job responsibilities of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Lead Person in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• High School Diploma or GED.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• Associate degree in Agriculture, Horticulture or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Prior experience in regulated industry in healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceutical, or consumer packaged goods (food) is highly desired.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) experience is highly desired.
• Strong experience with product sampling and inspection.
• Ability to follow written procedures and monitor others for adherence to written procedures.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks and problem solve effectively.
• Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft® Office Suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word).
• Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 50 lbs. with extreme care and caution when working with plants and product.
• Ability to meet physical demands including reaching, climbing, bending, walking, standing, and performing repetitive work.
• Comfortable working in conditions that include cold, height, heat, and high intensity lighting.
• Bilingual English and Spanish highly preferred.