Food Safety Coordinator

Job description:

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Food Safety Coordinator supports and enforces all food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance programs for our produce operation. This role helps implement, monitor, and continuously improve food safety. It works closely with the Food Safety Manager, Quality Assurance, Production, and Operations teams to ensure that fresh produce is handled in compliance with federal, state, and customer food safety standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Food Safety Program Management

• Assist in implementing and overseeing comprehensive food safety programs e.g.GMP, FSMA compliance, USDA Organic, PrimusGFS Guidelines and Interpretation.
• Maintain, verify, and validate the Food Safety Plan following regulatory and audit standards e.g., PrimusGFSI, GlobalG.A.P., CanadaGAP, SQF, USDA GAP Plus and NSF International.
• Support creation, implementation, and updating of policies, SOPs, and training materials.

Sampling, Testing & Inspections

• Assist with and oversee sampling programs for produce, water, equipment, and environmental surfaces.
• Conduct environmental swab testing, coordinate with external labs, and communicate risks.
• Perform internal facility inspections to evaluate compliance and prepare reports.

Audit & Compliance Support

• Prepare for and participate in third‑party audits and regulatory inspections PrimusGFS, FDA, USDA Organic, State Health Department and Customer audits.
• Maintain and review documentation required for compliance, including supplier approval, chemical approval, sanitation verification, and traceability programs.

Training & Communication

• Conduct food safety, sanitation, and compliance training for staff in English and Spanish when applicable.
• Develop written communications and training content for warehouse/production teams.

Sanitation & Operational Oversight

• Oversee sanitation validation programs for equipment, chlorine, tools, and production areas.
• Assist operational teams with daily food safety procedures and corrective actions.

Customer & Vendor Interaction

• Work in customer portals for reporting and traceability (FoodLogiQ, Specright, Trace Gains, Traceone, Park City Group, Share-ify, Azzule, etc.)

Traceability & Recall Readiness

• Organize and participate in mock recalls and ensure traceability systems meet regulatory and customer requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge/experience in produce industry food safety.
• HACCP certification required; PCQI preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Understanding of GMP, GAP, FSMA, and audit schemes (GFSI, Primus, GlobalG.A.P.).
• Ability to work in refrigerated warehouse environments.
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, SharePoint) and recordkeeping systems.

• Trained in chlorine monitoring and documentation per the HACCP program.
• Trained in chemical handling and proper PPE usage.
• Able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Experience in produce handling, packing, or distribution environments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) helpful.
• Ability to conduct training sessions effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions include warm rooms and cooler areas. Temperatures may range from 33 degrees to 55 degrees within the facility. Frequent standing and walking. Ability to operate powered industrial equipment such as an electric pallet jack or forklift is preferred but not required.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Bonus
• PTO

Experience:

• Produce: 1 year (Preferred)
• GMP: 2 years (Required)
• Quality assurance: 2 years (Required)

REQUIREMENTS

• 2 years of GMP experience
• 2 year quality assurance experience
• HACCP Certification

Pete Pappas & Sons, Inc. is a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer, shipper, and distributor of premium produce with more than 80 years of history. What began with a pushcart in 1901 has grown into a dynamic, vertically integrated operation serving retail and foodservice customers across the Mid-Atlantic. Today, we operate a 120,000-square-foot facility in Jessup, Maryland. We remain deeply committed to customer service, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

We are proud of our legacy—but even more excited about our future.