Quality Technician

DEFINITION

The Quality Technician ensures that all products meet company and regulatory standards for safety, quality, and consistency. This role is responsible for conducting inspections, performing tests, documenting results, and supporting continuous improvement in food safety. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports to the Quality Lead (direct daily supervision) and Quality Manager (functional leadership and performance management)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

NOTE: An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed.  

• Perform routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Monitor production operations to verify adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and food safety standards.  
• Collect, label, and review product samples.
• Document inspection results and maintain accurate quality assurance records.  
• Report deviations or nonconformities promptly and work with production to implement corrective actions.  
• Assist with root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality and food safety.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain equipment and testing instruments.  
• Participate in internal and external audits, including USDA, FDA, SQF, or other certification programs.  
• Support training of production employees on quality standards, food safety, and hygiene practices.  
• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements and regulatory guidelines.   

* The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to self-motivate, stay focused, and maintain productivity while working independently.  
• Effective time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.   
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise procedures. 
• Ability to recognize when issues require escalation and effectively communicate findings to supervisors or cross-functional teams.  
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.  
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.  
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 
• Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

(a) Completion of a high school, or general equivalency diploma; or, 

(b) Associate or Bachelor’s degree in food science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred; and,

(c) Previous experience in food processing, manufacturing, or laboratory environment strongly preferred; and.

(d) Knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, GMP, SQF/FDA) desirable; and,

(e) Proficiency in SAP preferred; and,

(f) Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred; and,

(g) Computer Proficiency (Microsoft Office, data entry systems

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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. 

This role requires working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to cold temperatures and raw meat products. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment can be moderate or loud when entering the plant. 

Employees are required to wear proper food safe, steel toe shoes, hair net and beard net, nitrile gloves, frock, bump cap, hat, and proper hearing protection while working in certain areas. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.  

Citterio USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT – OVERTIME ELIGIBLE

DESIGNATION: At Will Employee

UNION STATUS: NON-UNION