Quality Control Technician

Company Description

Easton & Co. is a specialty chocolate company dedicated to crafting innovative artisanal confections for national and international markets. By sourcing exceptional ingredients and aligning with customer vision, we create unique confections and drinking chocolates that deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With over 20 years of experience, we remain committed to food safety, employee empowerment, and continuous innovation as the foundation of our success.

Shift Details

• Temporary Full-Time, 6 months, May-November
• 2 shifts available: 5am-1:30pm or 11am-7:30pm
• Location: Fully on-site in Richmond, CA
• Pay Range: $24-28 per hour.

Job description:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Quality & Food Safety Inspections

• Conduct quality checks of production lines and review production paperwork to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Monitor product weights and communicate deviations to appropriate departments for corrective action.
• Conduct finished goods inspections and verify labeling and packaging accuracy.
• Perform analytical testing on raw materials and finished products for weight, color, particle size, flavor, and visual standards.
• Verify and document proper allergen cleanup during production changeovers.
• Participate in sensory evaluations as required.
• Conduct internal food safety self-inspections (GMPs, Glass/Brittle Plastic/Ceramic audits, etc.).
• Perform employee GMP and PPE visual inspections with documentation.
• Maintain the ingredient and product retention process.

2. Equipment & Documentation

• Verify calibration of measuring equipment (e.g., scales), document any deviations, and take corrective action or notify QA Manager.
• Hold non-conforming raw materials, packaging, WIP, and finished goods; ensure proper disposition procedures are followed.
• Ensure all documentation related to quality checks, equipment verification, and inspections is complete and accurate.

3. Training & Compliance

• Provide new employee training on basic food safety and GMPs .
• Demonstrate adherence to FDA regulations, GMPs, OSHA standards, SQF, HACCP, and internal compliance procedures.
• Help maintain SQF systems and support FSMA compliance efforts.
• React quickly and effectively to quality or safety issues as they arise.
• Report any potential contamination, policy violations, or suspicious activity to management immediately.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and time sensitive situations
• Ability to stand and walk throughout scheduled work shift
• Frequent bending, twisting, power-gripping, stooping required
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience working in a food manufacturing setting with progressive responsibilities
• 3 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, or a related field preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (verbal and written) preferred
• HACCP experience preferred
• HACCP/PCQI certification(s) preferred
• Experience with sanitation in a food manufacturing environment preferred
• Knowledge of SQF programs and FSMA compliance support a plus
• Proficient in basic math and Microsoft Office applications
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills and processes
• Strong problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and respectfully across all levels
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities effectively