Poultry QA Tech

Koch Foods•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The QA Technician monitors and verifies food-safety, quality, and regulatory requirements throughout poultry processing operations. The role performs inspections, collects samples, maintains accurate records, and works with Production, Sanitation, and Food Safety teams to help ensure products meet company, customer, USDA/FSIS, and regulatory standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and basic food-safety principles.
Ability to accurately complete paperwork, records, and electronic documentation.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify product and process deficiencies.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions within established procedures.
Basic computer skills, including email and data entry.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a related field.
Previous experience in poultry processing, food manufacturing, quality assurance, or food safety.
Familiarity with USDA/FSIS requirements.

Responsibilities

Perform routine quality and food-safety inspections.
Monitor production processes for compliance with company procedures, HACCP plans, SSOPs, GMPs, and food-safety requirements.
Monitor product temperatures, chilling processes, handling practices, and processing conditions.
Perform quality checks on incoming materials, work-in-process, and finished poultry products.
Perform ATP, microbiological, chemical, or other verification testing as required.
Monitor foreign material, contamination, defects, product appearance, packaging, labeling, and other quality attributes.
Document nonconformances and communicate issues to QA management and production personnel.
Maintain accurate QA records, inspection forms, test results, and production documentation.
Assist with internal audits, customer audits, USDA/FSIS inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
Communicate food-safety concerns immediately to appropriate management.
Support employee training related to GMPs, food safety, hygiene, quality, and company procedures.
Follow company safety policies and maintain required PPE and sanitation practices.
Perform other duties assigned by the QA Supervisor, QA Manager, or Food Safety Manager.