Food Safety Technician

Job title: FOOD SAFETY TECHNICIAN Reports to: Food Safety Lab Supv. 

Department: Food Safety Pay grade: TBD

Wage/Hour status: TBD Date revised: Sep. 5, 2022

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with food safety standards and regulations within a produce processing facility. This role involves conducting inspections, performing tests, and implementing corrective actions to maintain the highest levels of food safety and quality.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Food Safety Monitoring:
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of produce handling and processing areas to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
• Monitor and verify adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures.
• Testing and Analysis:
• Perform microbiological and chemical testing of produce and processing environments to detect contaminants and ensure product safety.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results to identify potential food safety issues.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of inspections, test results, and corrective actions.
• Prepare reports on food safety findings, including recommendations for improvement and compliance status.
• Corrective Actions and Compliance:
• Investigate and address food safety incidents, non-compliance issues, and customer complaints.
• Implement and monitor corrective and preventive actions to resolve food safety issues and prevent recurrence.
• Training and Support:
• Assist in training staff on food safety procedures, hygiene practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to production and sanitation teams to ensure proper food safety practices are followed.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Stay up to date with food safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
• Ensure facility practices comply with local, state, and federal food safety regulations and industry standards.
• Equipment and Facility Maintenance:
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of food safety testing equipment and ensure proper functioning.
• Monitor facility conditions to identify and address potential food safety risks.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Participate in the development and implementation of food safety programs and initiatives.
• Recommend and assist with the enhancement of food safety procedures and protocols.
• Follow all safety procedures/guidelines and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Report employee accidents, safety hazards, equipment issues, and quality issues promptly.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours (including evenings, weekends, and holidays) as needed.
• Performs other tasks as assigned or requested.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: N/A

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Compliance Rate:
• Definition: Percentage of inspections, audits, and checks completed in accordance with scheduled timelines.
• Target: 100% compliance with scheduled inspections and audits.
• Measurement: Track the number of scheduled inspections/audits completed versus those planned.
• Incident Response Time:
• Definition: Average time taken to address/resolve food safety incidents or non-compliance issues.
• Target: Resolve issues within [X] hours/days.
• Measurement: Measure the time from incident detection to resolution and corrective action implementation.
• Test Accuracy and Reliability:
• Definition: Accuracy of microbiological and chemical testing results.
• Target: Achieve a [X]% accuracy rate in test results.
• Measurement: Compare testing results with laboratory standards and benchmarks to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Corrective Action Effectiveness:
• Definition: Effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions in addressing food safety issues.
• Target: [X]% reduction in recurring food safety issues.
• Measurement: Track the number of recurring issues and evaluate the success of corrective actions in preventing recurrence.
• Training Completion Rate:
• Definition: Percentage of staff who have completed food safety training programs.
• Target: 100% of relevant staff trained.
• Measurement: Monitor and record training participation and completion rates for all relevant staff.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Definition: Adherence to local, state, and federal food safety regulations and industry standards.
• Target: Zero regulatory violations.
• Measurement: Track compliance with regulatory requirements and the number of violations or non-compliance issues identified during audits.
• Documentation Accuracy:
• Definition: Accuracy and completeness of documentation related to inspections, test results, and corrective actions.
• Target: 100% accuracy in documentation.
• Measurement: Review and audit records for completeness and accuracy.
• Customer and Regulatory Feedback:
• Definition: Feedback from customers/regulatory agencies regarding food safety practices/outcomes.
• Target: Positive feedback or no negative reports.
• Measurement: Monitor feedback from customers, regulatory inspections, and audits.
• Equipment Calibration and Maintenance:
• Definition: Timeliness and accuracy of equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Target: 100% of equipment calibrated and maintained according to schedule.
• Measurement: Track calibration and maintenance schedules and verify adherence.
• Sanitation and Hygiene Compliance:
• Definition: Adherence to sanitation and hygiene protocols in the facility.
• Target: Achieve [X]% compliance with sanitation standards.
• Measurement: Conduct regular inspections and audits to assess compliance with sanitation and hygiene protocols.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to: Indoor and/or outdoor environments with varying temperatures and weather conditions (to include extreme heat, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions); Moving mechanical parts; Dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, or airborne particles; Toxic or caustic chemicals, disinfectants, and hazardous materials; High precarious elevated surfaces; Wet, slippery, and/or uneven surfaces and stacked materials; High pedestrian and forklift traffic areas; Loud noise levels and vibrations; Hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may: Work with/near machinery and/or hand/power tools; Work on elevated surfaces; Work on various shifts (days, evenings, weekends, and holidays); Occasionally work in administrative office areas and/or various company-related sites; Work with budgets and track expenses; Spend extended periods of time standing, sitting, walking, and/or operating machinery; Attend training and certification sessions as necessary; Lift, push, pull, move, and/or carry heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds (up to 70 pounds for Forklift drivers); Perform repetitive motions/movements as necessary to complete assigned duties; Provide leadership, guidance, and support to ensure smooth operations; Need to exercise problem solving skills to identify root causes, implement solutions, and make decisions; and Be required to keep detailed documentation and/or reports. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will: Work efficiently, effectively, and safely at a fast-pace to meet operational requirements; Work collaboratively and professionally communicate with internal and external stakeholders; Ensure all applicable safety practices, protocols, and policies are followed; Practice effective time management and attention to detail skills to maintain quality standards; Ensure compliance with regulations, permits, codes, company policies, and safety standards; Demonstrate an ability to be adaptable, flexible, and adjust plans and strategies as needed; Adhere to cleanliness and hygiene standards; and Drive or participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce waste.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to: Work in indoor and/or outdoor environments with varying temperatures and weather conditions (to include extreme heat, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions); Stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, work in awkward body positions, and talk, hear, or smell; Respond quickly to address and resolve emergency situations; Safely ascend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated surfaces; Be exposed to loud noises, vibrations, and/or dust; Work under or near various lighting conditions or sources to perform duties (especially inspection duties); Maintain applicable cleanliness and hygiene standards, to include cleaning and removing debris; Lift, push, pull, move, and/or carry objects 

weighing up to 50 pounds (up to 70 pounds for Forklift drivers); Operate or be near machinery and/or power tools; Be exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, disinfectants, and hazardous materials; Use hoses, water cans or irrigation systems to perform duties; Write reports and/or enter data into a computer system to maintain detailed logs; Communicate and collaborate with internal employees and external contractors, suppliers, and vendors; Exercise appropriate physical stamina and dexterity to manually perform assigned duties and tasks; Move about offices or work areas to perform assigned duties; Communicate work and/or safety instructions to fellow employees; Be on call and capable and physically ready to report to work with short notice; Possess specific vision abilities, to include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus; Perform repetitive motions/movements as necessary to perform assigned duties; Work frequent prolonged and irregular hours in all types of weather and/or climate-controlled environments; Work with small and/or delicate produce items in a safe and time-sensitive manner; Work efficiently, effectively, and safely at a fast pace to meet operational requirements; Provide supervision, leadership, guidance, and make quick decisions, to ensure smooth operations; and Maintain mental alertness and concentration to perform duties safely and timely.

MENTAL DEMANDS: This position operates in a fast-paced environment and non-supervisory employees are required to maintain emotional control under stress, coordinate multiple tasks in an ever-changing environment, and meet deadlines to ensure continued operations. Additionally, non-supervisory employees are required to: Be customer service oriented, remain courteous, helpful, and responsive to customer inquiries or requests; Make informed and educated decisions quickly; Practice effective time management and attention to detail skills; Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders; Remain aware of safety protocols, policies, and procedures, and ensure safe work practices at all times; Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to fellow employees; Practice strong attention to detail skills and resolve discrepancies promptly; Remain flexible and adaptable to ever changing operational conditions, situations, and priorities; Be resilient and remain calm under pressure to effectively address issues; Quickly assess surrounding area for hazards and implement corrective actions as necessary; Work accurately and precisely to meet quality standards and customer expectations; Follow established procedures and guidelines to ensure consistency in product packaging and labeling; Manage workload effectively and prioritize tasks to meet production quotas and deadlines; Practice effective stress management techniques to stay focused and meet performance expectations; Maintain focus and concentration to safely perform assigned duties; Exercise problem solving skills to identify root causes, implement solutions, and make decisions; and Maintain awareness and compliance with job-related regulatory and policy requirements.

TRAVEL DEMANDS: N/A

EQUIPMENT USED: N/A

TRAINING REQUIRED FOR POSITION: N/A

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to modify this job description as necessary to meet business needs. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education / Certification / License:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience (Preferred).

Experience:

• Previous experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related role, preferably in a produce or food processing environment.
• Proficiency in using food safety testing equipment and software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Preferred).

Special Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Bilingual - English & Spanish (Preferred).
• Knowledge of food safety sanitation procedures, hazardous materials handling, regulations (e.g., USDA, FDA), and HACCP principles.
• Familiarity with food processing equipment and sanitation practices.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize tasks, and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to upholding quality and safety standards.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence.
• Strong work ethic. Able to work effectively independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail. Able to follow instructions, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Able to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Positive attitude. Dedicated, reliable, and committed to excellence in all aspects of work.