Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technician

Organization Description

Youngstown Distributors is a multi-integrated farming operation based in Reedley, CA. Expansions in 2016 led us to become a fast-growing and innovative, beverage manufacturing company focused on cold pressed juice production. Our juice production facility has a variety of capabilities including state of the art produce extraction processes, bottle filling, and onsite High-Pressure Processing (HPP). We are expanding to our second facility where we are filling pouches and High-Pressure Processing onsite as well. The current team is highly motivated, professional and fast moving. Applicants will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and be presented with many learning experiences.

Job Description

Work with Quality Assurance Manager and Quality Assurance Lead to ensure product safety and quality of all products. This position requires a working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices. The QA Technician has the responsibility to comply with food safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce food safety as a core value.

Responsibilities

· Implementation, development and maintenance of plant’s quality and food safety systems to assure compliance and customer satisfaction.

· Assist the QA Manager in 3rd party audits, internal audits and customers’ audits.

· Conduct monthly GMP audits of areas within the facility.

· Effectively communicate food safety and quality concerns to production team and managers.

· Responsible for providing technical assistance to operations and customers to aid in achieving product quality.

· Complete routine line inspections to determine compliance with product specifications.

· Assist QA Manager in maintenance of supplier database.

· Perform finished product and raw materials inspection and testing (pH, Brix, viscosity)

· Review verification/calibration of equipment.

· Conduct environmental sampling at the required frequency following the Environmental Monitoring Program.

· Verify proper allergen cleaning during changeovers.

· Review of finished product labels.

· Assess the quality and safety of incoming materials to make sure they meet specifications reviewing COAs

· Coordinate and prepare samples and requests to 3rd party laboratories.

· Responsible for aid in the implementation and maintenance of Youngstown’s HACCP and SQF program.

· Responsible for maintaining processing records that will allow for product, packaging, and ingredient traceability.

· Maintain Glass & Brittle plastic program.

· Apply risk assessment on CAPA program.

· Evaluate food fraud risk on ingredients.

· Lend technical support to R & D, sales and business unit managers.

· Oversee Hold & Release program with QA technicians.

· Review Chemical Control program (inventory, titration, cleaning verification)

· Generate HPP certificates and COAs per customers’ request.

· Create & Maintain production documents and specifications, including archival storage & organization, master document storage, certificates of analysis.

Education / Skills Requirements

· Excellent computer skills, Microsoft Windows and Office.

· Attention to detail.

· Analytical skills.

· Work ethic.

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred.

· Strong math skills and basic statistics skills

· HACCP certified preferred.

· Knowledge and application of GMP, FSMA, HACCP and Food Safety Systems.

· Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision. Problem solver.

· Ability to work with a diverse team environment.

· Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

· High School Diploma or GED required

· 5 years’ experience in quality control and food safety in an FDA regulated industry or Bachelor’s Degree in a science related field preferred.

· A background in manufacturing and processing environments is desired.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25