Quality Assurance Tech

Stone Ground Bakery and Wheat Montana•Salt Lake, NM

2d•$17 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

As the Quality and Food Safety Technician for Stone Ground, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and improving our food safety and quality control programs. You will be responsible for monitoring, implementing, and enforcing food safety protocols, conducting inspections, performing tests, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety will contribute to our overall success and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or a related role within the food industry, preferably in a bakery/milling operation.
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, industry standards, and quality management systems (ISO, HACCP, GMP).
Familiarity with laboratory equipment, testing methodologies, and analytical techniques.
Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in data recording and analysis.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to identify and address quality and food safety issues.
Proficiency in using computer software and applications for data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
Knowledge of allergen control, sanitation, and hygiene practices in a food manufacturing environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
Willingness to work flexible hours and weekends, as required.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, stack/unstack or carry, stand and/or stoop for prolonged periods of time (except for break and lunch periods), climb, perform repetitive motions, and work in a dusty, loud and hot environment.
Effective communicator.
Organized.
Analytical.
Teamwork-focused and purposeful
Interacts with others inside and outside the company in a positive manner always putting broad business objectives before personal ones and will be a collaborator with an open management style.
Under all circumstances maintains professional composure in dealing with customers and fellow employees
Consistently represent work unit and department in a positive manner
Assists others when needed.
Arrives at work on time and whenever scheduled (unless there is an illness or other emergency) to ensure that the rest of the staff is not put in a hardship situation.
Regularly keeps supervisor informed of progress, issues, and potential problems.
Delivers work as promised.
Shows consistent flexibility in adjusting to system, procedural, cultural, managerial, and philosophical changes in the department.
Stellar decision-making skills.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of milling and baking processes and associated quality control measures is preferred.
Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

Implement and enforce food safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, local health department), industry best practices, and company policies. Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of food safety systems.
Develop and execute quality control programs to ensure the production of safe and high-quality products. Monitor and maintain quality control standards throughout the manufacturing process, from raw material intake to finished goods. Identify and resolve quality issues promptly, ensuring adherence to quality specifications and customer requirements.
Conduct routine inspections and tests on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to assess quality attributes, including but not limited to appearance, texture, taste, and safety. Utilize laboratory equipment and tools to perform physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of inspection and test results using electronic systems or designated formats. Analyze data, identify trends, and report deviations from quality standards to the appropriate personnel. Prepare and distribute reports on quality metrics, non-conformances, and corrective actions taken.
Investigate and respond to non-conformances, customer complaints, and deviations from quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and make recommendations for improvement.
Participate in internal and external audits to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards. Assist in the preparation and execution of audits, including documentation review, process evaluation, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Assist in the development and delivery of training programs related to food safety, quality control, and GMP for plant employees. Conduct training sessions to enhance understanding and awareness of quality and food safety requirements.
Proactively identify areas for process optimization, quality enhancements, and cost savings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement changes, develop new procedures, and enhance quality management systems. Stay updated with industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in food safety and quality.
Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and instruments as per established schedules. Ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing equipment and promptly report any malfunctions or calibration issues.
Collaborate effectively with the Quality Assurance team, production staff, suppliers, and other departments to ensure effective communication, cooperation, and coordination of quality and food safety-related activities.