Quality Assurance Tech 3rd- Food Processing

Essential Duties:

1. Responsible for pre-operational sanitation inspection of production areas of the plants. Determine sanitation effectiveness, requiring re-cleaning when necessary.
2. Verify all scales to ensure accuracy; send to maintenance for repairs, if necessary. Test thermometers for accurate readings.
3. Record ingredient lot numbers and weight used in daily production. Monitor and verify that product formulations are made according to specifications.
4. Perform various CCP verifications and/or AQL tests: freezer and product temperatures, footbaths, hand rinses, leaker check, etc. Document findings and report any issues to Production Supervisor or appropriate personnel.
5. Responsible for verifying employees’ adherence to GMP’s, hygiene, SOP & SSOP policies.
6. Verify and keep records of all metal detection devices to ensure proper functioning throughout the day. Investigate metal contamination of products and report to appropriate personnel.
7. Collect and test random samples of ingredients, finished product, and surface swabs for microbiological analysis.
8. Verify and document all product labels, codes, code dating, declaration, and net weights.
9. Inspect incoming ingredients to ensure adherence to company specifications: lab sampling, color, bar codes, legibility, weight tests, quantity, brand, truck cleanliness, etc.
10. Inspect returned/rejected products. Notify QA Supervisor and/or Manager of returned product for further instructions on whether product should be put back into inventory, reworked, or condemned.
11. Responsible for preparing food for evaluations.
12. Complete and distribute required documents, make copies, and file originals. Record test results, manually and/or electronically, and review records for completeness and accuracy.
13. Perform related duties as required.

Job Specifications: Requires knowledge of food manufacturing processes, preferably in the poultry industry; knowledge of USDA guidelines, HACCP regulations, GMPs, SSOPs, SOPs, OSHA requirements, HazMat, FSIS, and company policies.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge or ability to acquire knowledge of the poultry or food industry.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize workload and set priorities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Working knowledge of computers, including, but not limited to, word processing and spreadsheets.
• The above knowledge and skills are typically acquired through completion of a high school degree and previous experience in quality assurance.

Working Climate: Position includes standing, lifting, moving, climbing, and working with heavy machinery.  May also include working in a cold, wet environment, and exposure to harsh chemicals. 

Disclaimer:

This job description indicated the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.