Position SummaryThe FSQA Technician I helps ensure plant sanitation and verifies that raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products meet established food safety, quality, and AFNA standards. This role performs HACCP verification activities, identifies and responds to deficiencies, and has the authority to accept or reject areas, equipment, materials, or products that may be unsanitary, contaminated, or out of specification. The technician takes appropriate corrective action and promptly communicates concerns to the appropriate personnel.
Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Verifies compliance with Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA), Safe Quality Food (SQF), and applicable regulatory requirements throughout daily production operations.
- Conducts inspections and investigations to verify adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation standards, and company requirements.
- Ensures raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products meet established company and regulatory specifications.
- Performs HACCP verification activities, including reviewing records and directly observing employees responsible for monitoring and documenting Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Control Points (CPs).
- Initiates appropriate control actions, including placing ingredients, products, equipment, or production areas on hold when conditions do not meet established specifications or standards.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and timely food safety and quality records.
- Performs required plant testing, which may include evaluating machinery and equipment, temperatures, process controls, new products, and raw materials.
- Audits the facility's product weight-control program and associated records.
- Participates in root-cause analyses and recommends corrective and preventive actions related to product quality, raw materials, sanitation, and process controls.
- Reviews operating procedures and supports updates resulting from new product requirements, equipment modifications, line-speed changes, raw-material variations, or other operational needs.
- Assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining quality-control processes and procedures.
- Provides guidance regarding food safety, sanitation, processing, filling, and packaging practices.
- Financial Responsibility-Provides indirect financial value to AFNA by supporting compliance with food safety and quality specifications, preventing product loss, reducing quality-related costs, and minimizing operational and regulatory risk.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications- One to five years of experience in food manufacturing operations; experience in a USDA-regulated meat-processing facility preferred.
- Proficiency with computers and standard workplace software, including data entry, recordkeeping, and electronic documentation systems.
- Basic mathematical skills and the ability to speak, read, write, and understand English sufficiently to interpret procedures, complete records, and communicate food-safety concerns.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes used within the assigned production area.
- Ability to understand and apply Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) requirements and procedures.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), applicable government regulations, and company policies and procedures.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, and lifting using proper techniques.