Food Safety & Quality Specialist Training (12 Hour Days) $23.20/hr

Idahoan Foods•Lewisville, ID

About The Position

The Food Safety & Quality Specialist I ensures food safety and regulatory compliance throughout the dehydrated potato manufacturing process. The role performs laboratory testing, in-process inspections, finished-product evaluations, and documentation; participates in GMP compliance, HACCP programs, and continuous-improvement initiatives; and works with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet internal specifications and customer requirements. The position includes a training and validation program covering on-the-job training, standard operating procedures, and validation of performance. New team members must validate assigned tasks. Pay increases from the training rate of $23.20 per hour to $23.95 per hour after successful completion of training and skills validation. Employees who do not validate must attempt again and pass within one week; those unable to validate within the first 10 weeks may move to a qualifying open position, or be exited if no such position exists. The role requires following company safety procedures and adapting to changing schedules and priorities. Work involves physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing on concrete floors for extended periods, moving parts, loud noise, and working with sanitizers and cleaning chemicals. Various shifts may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to read, comprehend, and follow complex instructions, policies, procedures, and correspondence.
Effective speaking and written communication skills when dealing with coworkers and management.
Quantitative skills and knowledge of mathematical functions such as percentages and decimals.
Self-confidence and maturity to make decisions in day-to-day activities.
Ability to solve problems with minimal direction; strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Team-oriented and flexible, with the ability to accept changing assignments and accountabilities.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Essential computer skills using Windows applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand on concrete floors for extended periods, and work around moving parts and loud noise.
Ability to work with sanitizers and cleaning chemicals.
Flexibility to work various shifts as assigned by the supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree and/or relevant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Enforce food safety, food quality, regulatory, customer, and certification requirements, including supporting food defense, food fraud, and Preventive Controls (PCQI) activities.
Promote food safety culture and escalate issues appropriately.
Place products on hold when food safety or quality risks are identified and apply product dispositions as directed by department leadership.
Perform GMP inspections, hygiene checks, and glass and brittle-plastic audits.
Conduct environmental monitoring and sanitation verification, including allergen and environmental swabbing and safe chemical handling and refilling.
Sample and analyze products according to approved procedures and specifications.
Verify incoming ingredients, materials, and packaging components against approved specifications.
Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment; perform and document calibrations and maintenance; and maintain laboratory readiness, supplies, and data integrity.
Maintain knowledge of product process flow, identify risks and deviations, and promptly communicate deviations to supervisors.
Support root-cause analysis and corrective-action activities.
Maintain quality and testing records, manage sample retention, and ensure documentation follows Good Documentation Practices and applicable regulatory and certification requirements.
Communicate quality, food safety, and compliance concerns to management; assist with onboarding and training new employees.
Provide cross-coverage support and demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication across departments.
Follow company safety protocols and maintain safe work practices.
Adapt to changing schedules and priorities and perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.
Complete assigned training and validate proficiency in assigned tasks.