Quality Assurance Technician I

Rise Baking Company•River Falls, WI

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Technician I assists with implementing and supporting company standards to ensure packaging, raw ingredients, and finished products meet quality specifications and manufactured products meet food safety requirements. The role monitors and samples quality control plans and process control procedures to ensure finished products are produced to standard. This position works a third (overnight) shift, with a schedule listed as Saturday and Sunday from 6 AM to 6 PM plus two 8-hour weekday shifts. A $2.00 per hour shift differential is noted.

Requirements

Associate's or bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience.
Basic knowledge of general food safety programs and policies, including government regulations.
HACCP and PCQI certification, or willingness to become certified.
Basic knowledge of analytical testing.
Basic ability to use instruments and equipment needed for duties, such as scales, thermometers, metal detectors, calculators, gauges, calipers, rulers, and ovens.
Ability to read and understand plant SOPs, work instructions, GMPs, and safety instructions.
Operational knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications.
Basic problem-solving ability.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work varied shifts as required.

Responsibilities

Perform daily QA walk-throughs, verify that facility GMPs are followed, and model correct GMP practices.
Monitor plant operations to ensure sanitary procedures follow GMPs.
Perform pre-operational inspections for food safety and quality.
Initiate and complete holds for non-conforming products, raw materials, and other materials; follow up and complete disposition when determined.
Verify batch formulas and product labels for completeness and compliance with specifications.
Monitor and verify CCPs and preventive controls as required.
Perform assigned equipment calibrations.
Perform basic analytical testing.
Conduct environmental swabbing for bacteria and pathogens; prepare, document, and send swabs to a third-party lab as required.
Perform environmental and finished-product allergen testing.
Collect finished-product samples and record temperature readings.
Identify and report food safety issues and assist with investigations of food safety issues, foreign material findings, and customer complaints.
Review production records for completion and compliance with good documentation practices.
Execute and maintain document and photo retention processes.
Serve as a resource to production employees on product quality, food safety, and regulatory issues.
Attend shift-change meetings to communicate information and issues across shifts.
Support the food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.