Senior Food Science QA Technician

General Summary: Oversees food safety and quality monitoring activities in food processing areas and verifies the accuracy and completeness of documentation. Inspects and documents the sanitary condition of the production facility prior to operations start up and ensures deficiencies are corrected.

Benefits and Culture

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to help employees live a healthier life, build rewarding careers and save for the future. Reser's offers choices whenever possible, because we recognize the diverse and ever changing needs of our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life, 401(k) with discretionary match, wellness programs, paid holidays and vacation time to name few!

We strive to be your Employer of Choice. As one of our five cornerstones, this means that we go all-out to create an environment where people choose a lasting career because Reser's care about their personal development & safety, and delivers a rewarding work experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities of a QA Technician as assigned or as needed.

• May provide guidance to less experienced QA Technicians or production team members in processing areas; assigns and monitors activities; addresses issues as they arise.

• Observes and documents monitoring of both process and filling/packaging CCP checks. Reviews records real time making corrections as needed, coaching Operators and QA Technicians to improve accuracy of monitoring.

• Documents and reports any food safety or quality issues so that corrective actions can be taken. Participates in investigations, problem solving and determination of corrective and preventive actions, utilizing Quality Tools.

• Reviews and edits SOPs and Work Orders, verifies implementation.

• Manages non-conforming product programs, tracking disposition and following-up on corrective actions.

• Participates in Test Batch procedures such as auditing batches, collecting samples for Intensive Care Program.

• Reviews records to ensure documented food safety and quality limits are met and that corrective actions have been initiated where appropriated

• Performs and documents pre-operational inspection of the production facility to ensure the equipment and facility are in sanitary condition.

• Swabs the facility environment according to the Environmental Pathogen Monitoring Program and validates allergen changeover procedures with monthly allergen specific swabs.

• Verifies the sanitary condition with pre-op swabs including both ATP and cultured swabs. Tracks and trends sanitation deficiencies and reviews and confirms Master Sanitation Schedule task completion.

• Trains QA Technicians on job specific tasks and procedures including changeover inspections.

• Reviews CCP monitoring paperwork and verifies that deviations are followed by appropriate corrective actions.

• Participates in investigations, problem solving and determination of corrective and preventive actions, utilizing Quality Tools.

• Participates in daily product review of key sensory attributes of finished products.

Job Specifications

• Associates in Food Science/Technology, Microbiology or related field (Bachelor's degree preferred) or 2 years equivalent experience is required.

• Demonstrated problem solving skills.

• Ability to read, write and speak in English at a level of proficiency to clearly understand items such as food safety documentation, ingredient labels, etc. is required.

• Proficient computer skills; e-mail, Word, Excel.

• Food Safety and GMP Training, HACCP certification, Internal Auditor Training, Quality Tools.

• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.

Working Conditions

• Food processing, warehouse and food laboratory environment.

• The environment may be wet or dry and temperatures may range from 25oF to 110oF. • Regularly required to stand and walk, ability to climb ladders, bend, reach and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.

• Production demands may require overtime and/or evening or weekend scheduling.

Recipe for Success

Reser's is the leading provider of fresh refrigerated deli salads, side dishes, and prepared foods for the supermarket, club store, and food service industries. Family owned and operated, Reser's has been a proud sponsor of good times at racetracks, picnics, BBQs, music festivals, and affordable family meals since 1950. Reser's family of brands include Reser's American Classics, Main St Bistro, Stonemill Kitchens, and more. With more than 4,500 employees, Reser's operates 14 facilities in the US, Mexico, and Canada and actively supports the communities it serves.