What are the responsibilities and job description for the QA ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN position at Panhandle Products LLC?
Environmental Technician
June 2022
Supervisor’s Title: Food Safety Manager
Reports to: Food Safety Manager
Department: QA
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt - Hourly
Work Schedule: Shift Work
Job Summary
The Environmental Technician is responsible for the accurate performance of gathering samples, performing periodic compliance inspections, and performing environmental-related activities in accordance with Panhandle Products procedures and regulatory requirements.
Essential Functions
- Collect all EMP (Environmental Monitoring Program) samples, both swabs and air, according to schedule and SOP.
- Collect ATP Environmental swabs and perform ATP testing per schedule.
- Prepare samples collected for shipment and create Sample Analysis Request Forms (SARFs).
- Review all PC (Preventive Control) records for product release (HTST charts, MD charts, etc.)
- Communicate needed corrections on PC records appropriately and document corrective action.
- Inspect facility after maintenance/construction (Food Safety Permit).
- Perform lighting (Lumens) testing as required.
- Perform air flow testing as required.
- Perform compressed air testing as required.
- Conduct glass/hard plastic inspections per schedule.
- Perform pre-operations inspections to ensure the effectiveness of sanitation programs.
- Daily inventory of Food Safety Hold Level 1 product as needed.
- Interpret and report results to production and management as required.
- Responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of results obtained.
- Participate in lab proficiency programs as outlined and assigned by the Lab Manager.
- Follow all Good Laboratory Practices and safety policies.
- Communicate with the Quality Manager any issues regarding testing completion.
- Actively participate in the training program as assigned by the Quality Manager
- Conduct internal audits and inspections to monitor GMP and PRP compliance, sanitation effectiveness, hygiene zone compliance, pest control verifications, and/or Food Safety Plan (HACCP Plan) verifications.
- Perform equipment maintenance and cleaning as scheduled.
- Promotes and exhibits strong Food Safety and Quality practices.
- Promotes and exhibits sustainability practices.
- Promotes and exhibits strong housekeeping practices.
- Must report Safety, Food Safety, Quality, Sustainability, and Housekeeping problems to the direct supervisor immediately.
- Perform any other relevant duties and responsibilities defined in company policies and procedures, applicable legislations, or the SQF code.
- Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
- Schedule will include working weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as assigned; some overtime may be required.
- Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance).
- Complies with all company food safety policies and procedures (including Good Manufacturing Practices).
- Responsible for providing food safety and quality feedback to the appropriate manager.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 months of experience working in a microbiological laboratory.
- Prefer a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
- Experience executing the Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) program.
- Prefer experience in internal GMP/Food Safety Inspections.
- English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak.
- Fundamental knowledge of the proper use of all laboratory chemicals, good lab practices, and lab safety.
- Proven ability to enter data into the LIMS system or spreadsheet software.
- Punctual and regular attendance is required.
- Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and delegate assignments to others.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak.
- Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe activity to the supervisor and/or Human Resources.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions
Physical Requirements:
- Physical effort is regularly required.
- Frequently involves moderate walking and periods of standing.
- Ascending or descending ramps, stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolding.
- Frequently involves crouching, stooping, kneeling, and/or climbing or balancing.
- Frequently involves lifting more than 50 lbs.
Typical Environmental Conditions:
- Works in a food processing manufacturing facility with moderate noise.
- May be exposed to moderate to high noise levels (i.e., production equipment, forklifts, heavy traffic).
- May be exposed to humidity, intense heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, and fumes and toxic chemicals.
- May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.
- May be exposed to ingredients that may cause allergic reactions, and may be exposed to various allergen ingredients
C Shift (Day)