Quality Assurance Technician I - 1st Shift

Kiolbassa Smoked Meats

1d•$16 - $20

About The Position

Quality Assurance Technician will ensure food safety and quality procedures are followed efficiently, and are documented accurately, and safely. The QA Technician provides support and assistance to the team on all areas of the assigned duties, and ensures that production quality checks are executed in a safe, cost efficient, and timely manner, and within all quality parameters. By following these practices, we will produce a quality product that adheres to our customer standards, specifications and expectations.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED
1 year of related Quality food manufacturing environment experience
Familiarity with standard concepts, practices, & procedures within manufacturing field preferred
Working knowledge of HACCP, GMP’s, SOP’s, and SSOP’s preferred
Adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
Certain degree of creativity and latitude is required
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong basic math and reading skills
Strong attention to detail
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Strong organization and time management skills
Ability to work flexible schedules (may include early morning, evening shifts)
Ability to carry out instructions and directions in a timely manner
Ability to enforce rules and regulations without succumbing to resistance
Ability to work up to 10-hour work shift on day or night shift
Ability to work in a Team-based environment
Ability to function in a 5S environment
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. on occasional basis
Must show proficiency in the operation of all necessary equipment
Ability to work under pressure, in a fast-paced environment
Ability to multitask between various duties
Must be self- motivated, extremely reliable and punctual
Ability to work and communicate with diverse group or team members, customers, vendors
Ability to work through and address any concerns from USDA inspectors
Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time
Involves routine exposure to outside weather conditions, extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards when entering production areas
Must be able to work in cold environmental conditions, routinely 30-45 degrees
Must be able to stand and walk on cement floor for extended periods of time, up to 10 hours
Must be able to lift, reach, and carry objects for extended periods of time as required to complete assignments
Requires talking, seeing, hearing and using fine dexterity skills as required to complete assignments
Work involves occasional driving and ability to travel in vehicle
Must be able to work in office environment, and operate office equipment: printers, scanners, fax, copiers
Requires use of handheld data collection device, handheld radio
Must be able to use a ladder in a safe manner

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred in Agricultural/Science field
SQF Certified (preferred)
HACCP trained (preferred)
Must have a valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

Monitor the production floor for food safety and quality issues 35%
Enforce and monitor HACCP, GMP’s, SOP’s, and SSOP’s 20%
Perform QA Program duties 15%
Perform finished product audits 10%
Perform QA room audits 10%
Ensure smokehouse and finished product colors are within specification
Run color checks with colorimeter in smokehouse and on finished product
Monitor/verify production quality checks
Assist production with any questions regarding customer specifications 7%
Assist production with completing Quality paperwork
Train team members on QA Programs 3%
Must be capable of performing all duties of production quality checks when needed
Perform calibration procedures
Perform pre-op inspections
Communicate daily production and quality goals
Communicate line status during and at end of shift to assure all safety, quality, and efficiency objectives are achieved
Responsible for reporting any issues, employee concerns, or quality defects to Supervisor
Communicate with Supervisor and seek assistance if corrective action is necessary
Uphold company policies and procedures, and ensures team members are following policies and procedures.
Report any policy violations to supervisor
Maintain a high level of engagement with Team Members, without becoming personally involved
Participate in process improvements and plant audits
Assist in problem solving defective product and machinery issues
Complete all training and qualification requirements
Participate in the training of new team members in food safety, work place processes, policies, and procedures
Ensure compliance with regulatory and company policies and procedures related to team member safety, food safety, and Quality Programs
Ensure product and orders meet food safety, quality requirements, customer specifications and expectations accurately
Ensure work place is safe and clean, and maintained in a sanitary condition
Work with Safety Department and Production Department to resolve any issues with safety, or product quality
Follow all safety and quality regulations to minimize company exposure to risk
Report all violations of safety, quality and other policies
Other duties as assigned.