Quality Assurance Technician

Grand River Foods is a leading food solutions company serving customers in the North American grocery and food service industry. As a member of the Sunrise Farm family, we remain as dedicated as ever to both providing a quality work environment for our employees, as well as producing only the highest quality products for our customers. We are known for the great care we take with clients and employees alike.

Responsible for the effective maintenance of the quality parameters of all products of the company in the different stages of processing - from receiving of raw materials, to product formulation, cooking and through to packaging. To support this objective, the position is tasked to be familiar with and monitor the strict implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Communication is key to success in this position. The QA technician works as a team with Production Supervisors and is to report all observed non conformances to the QA Supervisor or FSQA Manager.

**Responsibilities**:

- Monitoring and Control of Production Sanitary Conditions:

- Inspect all direct food contact processing equipment and auxiliary tools and equipment (injector, tumbler, totes, lugs, oven, conveyor belts, etc.) are cleaned and/or sanitized prior to a production day (pre-operational check) start and anytime thereafter when there is a product change-over.
- Ensure that the processing environment including but not limited to production floors, walls, ceiling and lighting facilities are cleaned and maintained in good condition to prevent harborage of bacteria and other contaminants.
- Monitor and ensure that footbaths, boot dips, and hand washing soaps are available, and production personnel understand and follow these basic requirements for food safety. Conduct footbath and boot dips analysis at the start of the every shift and towards the end of the production day.
- Check proper housekeeping and GMP practices followed in different process areas during operation.
- Conduct microbiological swabbing and air plating at required frequency in key processing areas to verify sanitary conditions.
- Analyze sanitation solution from different dispensing stations and recommend corrective action when necessary.
- Monitor presence of condensate especially in areas over finished products. Help prevent formation of condensation by enforcing closing of doors between processing rooms.
- Participate in the pest control program of the plant.
- Monitoring and Control of Processing Materials:

- Monitoring and Control of Personnel Hygiene
- Monitoring and Control product in process and finished products.
- Participate in the Productivity and Line Efficiency objectives of the plant.
- Checking, Calibration and/or evaluation of tests and measuring instruments.
- Monitoring and Maintenance of Production Documentation.
- Support the Production staff training and educational program of the plant.
- Assist in customer and regulatory audits, or CFIA monitoring and verification activities as instructed by the QA Manager.
- Perform other duties assigned or required by QC Manager.

**Required skills, experience and qualifications**:

- Possession of Diploma or University Degree in Food Science.
- Have 1 to 3 years related or previous Quality Assurance experience.
- Experience in a food processing facility is an asset.
- Flexibility to work different shifts.
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
- Be success-driven and have a “can do” attitude.
- Be able to work independently, as well as being a strong team player.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Have a good attendance and safety record.
- High degree of flexibility and adaptability to take up additional duties and cross-train.
- Occasional overtime may be required.

**Working Conditions**:

- Exposure to wet/cold/warm/hot conditions
- Exposure to typical office environment
- Exposure to excessive noise
- Standing for prolonged periods of time

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At Sunrise Farms we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply.