Aqafs - QA Technician (3Rd Shift)

What does it take to create 1.7 BILLION cups of coffee a year?

Ask Cascade Coffee!

We are excited to announce that we are hiring detail-oriented QA or Active Quality Assurance and Food Safety (AQAFS) Technicians on 3rd shift with Food & Beverage Manufacturing experience!

For more than 45 years Cascade Coffee has been the premier specialty coffee contract manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Specializing in roasting, grinding, flavoring, and packaging coffee, catering to the world's finest coffee brands worldwide. Cascade works behind the scenes to provide innovation, world-class coffee roasting, and a wide variety of packaging options to highlight their loyal customer's brands.

Founded in 1977, the company operates from a 150,000 square foot manufacturing and roasting facility, more than 2 million pounds of green coffee storage facility, over 50 million pounds annually of coffee roasting capacity as well as multiple roasting lines, flavor mixing systems and 14 automated packaging lines.

Why Cascade?

We offer a unique blend of benefits for you and your family!

WAGE RANGE (NON-EXEMPT): $20 - $24/Hour DOE | Overtime eligible

SCHEDULE: Monday

• Friday; 9:30 pm

• 6:00 am

REPORTS TO: AQAFS Supervisor

• Healthcare benefits | Multiple coverage levels of medical, dental, and vision plans.

• 401k Roth or Pre-Tax options | $1 for $1 match and once eligible to enroll, ZERO vesting period.

• Long Term Disability and life insurance | Company provides coverage for all employees.

• Voluntary Life, Disability, Accident & Critical Illness | Various insurance programs are offered to support your needs.

• Employee Assistance Program | To support you and your family's overall wellbeing to achieve your best and most productive self.

• Sick and Vacation plans | Cascade understands the vital importance of a quality work/life balance.

• Pet insurance | Multiple coverage levels for whatever best suits your furry (or not so furry) friend.

• Cascade Cares | Exciting engagement programs each month.

• Leadership Training | We invest in and dedicate time to training some of the best leaders in the industry.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Technician is critical to maintaining and elevating the AQAFS department and implementing quality and food safety policies and processes. The AQAFS Technician will Interface directly with the Supervisor and Manager of Quality Assurance on all issues concerning quality and compliance. Assesses compliance with quality standards and initiatives. This requires working closely with other departments on issues, product dispositions and investigations into root causes or deficiencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Conducts daily plant inspections for any GMP/Product Protection violations.

• Assists production in filling out all necessary QC paperwork and coordinates with Production Supervisors on various quality issues.

• Performs quality checks on all products (roast color, moisture, oxygen, particle size distribution, bean break up, % caffeine, etc.), data collection, troubleshooting/maintenance of testing equipment.

• Prepares lab chemicals for testing purposes.

• Performs sensory evaluation on raw materials and finished product.

• Upholds and provides safe, high-quality, consistent products, and superior services that anticipate, meet or exceed the requirements of our customers.

• Supports Cascade Coffee's Food Safety Culture by adhering to all company policies and procedures and by following proper protocol when a Food Safety risk is identified.

• Performs any other duties/tasks that may be assigned on an as needed basis.

• Assists Quality supervisor with implementing corrective actions caused by internal and/or external audits, customer complaints, failing to meet KPIs, etc.

• Manages QC Hold area. Ensures the area stays clean, organized, and all items are tracked and tagged properly to help maintain traceability and identification.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• This job requires standing on a hard surface floor for several hours a day and walking between outside buildings to retrieve product samples on a regular basis.

• Basic ability to read, write, calculate simple math, and withstand moderate amounts of stress.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills required.

• Ability to work independently and communicate with other employees on quality issues.

WORK ENVIROMENT AND EQUIPMENT:

• This position is inside a warehouse roasting facility that requires constant standing on concrete floors, exposed to loud equipment noise and subject to coffee dust and flavoring smells.

• Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions when transferring products from one building to another.

• Personal protection equipment and other Good Manufacturing Practices are mandatory.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• HACCP certified preferred.

• HS Diploma or equivalent and GMP, SQF, PCQI preferred.

• 2+ years work experience in food quality and safety.

• 1+ years experience training employees in GMP's, HACCP, quality standards.

• Proficient in Microsoft based PC software (Excel, Word, etc.)

• Particle Size Analyzer, Water Activity Analyzer, and HPLC experience preferred.

WORK HABITS:

• Regular attendance and promptness are required for this position.

• Some work may be required outside of the normal work week.

• This job requires a high degree of teamwork and leadership skills.

• This job requires the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.

Cascade coffee is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We celebrate our differences because we believe diversity drives innovation and leads to sustainable success. We recruit, hire, and promote our partners based on capability and performance, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.