QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN (28076)

## Description

**Position Summary**

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for ensuring that all meat processing operations comply with federal, state, and company food safety and quality standards. This role monitors production activities, performs inspections, verifies HACCP and SSOP requirements, conducts testing, and supports continuous improvement of food safety and quality systems. The QA Technician plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with USDA-FSIS, FDA, and customer requirements while protecting product integrity and consumer safety.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Regulatory & Compliance**

• Verify compliance with USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP plans, SSOPs, GMPs, and company food safety programs.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all QA activities, including pre-op, in-process, and post-op inspections.
• Conduct label verification, lot tracking, and packaging compliance checks.
• Assist with USDA FSIS regulatory inspections and third-party audits.

**Food Safety & Quality Control**

• Monitor product quality attributes (appearance, weight, labeling, temperature, etc.).
• Conduct microbial and environmental swabbing, ATP testing, and verification of sanitation effectiveness.
• Inspect raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products for conformity to standards.
• Verify metal detection, X-ray, and other CCP monitoring devices.

**Process Monitoring**

• Conduct pre-operational inspections of equipment and facilities for sanitation and safety compliance.
• Monitor production areas to ensure proper handling of raw and finished product, including allergen control and cross-contamination prevention.
• Support corrective actions when deviations or non-conformances are identified.

**Documentation & Reporting**

• Maintain accurate QA records, including HACCP logs, deviation reports, and corrective action records.
• Prepare reports for management on quality trends, deficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Support root cause analysis of product or process failures.

**Training & Continuous Improvement**

• Provide on-the-floor guidance to production personnel on food safety, quality, and sanitation practices.
• Assist with employee training on HACCP, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Recommend improvements to QA programs and support implementation of new quality initiatives.

## Qualifications
**Education & Experience**

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ years of quality assurance, food safety, or meat processing experience (preferred).
• Knowledge of USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP principles, GMPs, SSOPs, and food safety standards (required).

**Skills & Abilities**

• Ability to speak and write in English.
• Communicate Quality standards and expectations with confidence and authority, ensuring clear, firm, and professional interactions with team members.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow strict protocols.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment.
• Competence in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and familiarity with QA documentation systems.

**Physical Requirements**

• Ability to stand for long periods in cold/wet environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

**Core Competencies**

• Commitment to Food Safety & Quality
• Regulatory Knowledge & Compliance
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Accountability & Attention to Detail
• Teamwork & Communication