Fsqa/laboratory Technician

**The Opportunity**: The FSQA/lab technician role facility will be responsible for the ensuring the accurate analysis of samples received by the laboratory. This includes sample preparation and conducting the required analytical tests that support the laboratory programs through good laboratory practices. The FSQA/lab technician will support the production floor by monitoring Food Safety, GMP, HACCP and other Quality Assurance Program requirements to ensure they are consistently achieved. Operating with a sense of urgency, the Technician is responsible for initiating immediate corrective actions wherever possible and escalating FSQA concerns as required.
**Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life**:

- Perform startup/ shut down procedures for the Laboratory. This may include equipment start-up/shut down, laboratory disinfection / cleaning, incubator/ refrigerator checks, balance checks, etc. as outlined in lab SOPs or work instructions.
- Perform sample receipt and/or collection functions as per laboratory protocols. This may include assigning identification/reports identifier numbers and aseptic sampling.
- Calibrate and maintain testing equipment and record calibration / maintenance activities and results as per laboratory technical procedures and/or work instructions.
- Enter test results/ data into the laboratory database. Enter data onto laboratory forms. Verify the accuracy of data entered.
- Assist in the training of newly hired FSQA staff.
- Follow all occupational health and safety and good laboratory practices of the laboratory.
- Provide aid to customers as requested. Such aid is provided within the guidelines established by the FSQA Team Leader.
- Participate in proficiency programs, projects and internal or external audits when required.
- Conduct sensory and microbiological analysis and evaluations of pork products.
- Perform data entry, data analysis and communication of results for tasks related to production sampling and sanitation effectiveness.
- Collect, prepare, and submit meat samples for external accredited testing of pathogens (e.g., Salmonella spp. Etc.) as required for quality monitoring, customer, or regulatory requirements.
- Shall demonstrate full commitment to the implementation of the requirements of the Global Standard for Food Safety and to processes which facilitate continual improvement of food safety and quality management.
- Perform and/or assist in daily quality and food safety related decision making based on established processes to ensure products meet the quality standards and food safety requirements of Maple Leaf Foods and its customers.
- Perform daily monitoring and verification tasks as outlined in the HACCP program and recommend corrective actions for deviations.
- Provide support and coaching to employees and production management to maintain and improve facility QA practices and procedures.
- Participate in projects and meetings with the goal of improving food safety and food quality.
- Assist in the implementation of changes that advance QA systems and/or programs.

**What You’ll Bring**:

- Degree or diploma in Microbiology or Chemistry (both preferred) or Biotechnology, Food Science with emphasis on food/environmental biology.
- Minimum 1 year of work experience in a microbiology laboratory or food industry.
- Strong MS Office skills.
- Excellent organization and planning skills, high attention to detail and a willingness to learn and teach others, be self-directed and motivated.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.

**What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods**:

- Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
- An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
- Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
- Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
- Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
- Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
- Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.

**About Us**: We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and enviro