Quality Technician

Gay Lea Foods; Calgary; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation

Other perks

Job summary

Gay Lea Foods in Calgary, Alberta seeks a Quality Assurance Technician to support HACCP-compliant food safety and quality programs. Reporting to the QA Manager, you will perform pre-operational inspections, test raw materials and finished goods, and ensure product releases meet internal and customer specifications.

This full-time role requires at least 3 years in the food industry, a BSc or diploma in Microbiology or Food Science, and ability to work weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Microbiology or Food Science.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, allergens.
• Experience in microbiology testing and autoclaving.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work weekends and have own transportation.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operational inspections to ensure food safety and quality.
• Conduct chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic testing of materials and products.
• Prepare samples, media, and buffers for daily analysis.
• Monitor QA tests to meet program and customer requirements.
• Maintain QA documentation and SOPs and ensure timely product releases.
• Collaborate with production on sanitation and GMP training.
• Stop production if unsafe conditions are detected.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Independent and team work

Flexible schedule

Education

Bachelor of Science or Diploma in Microbiology or Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Department: Quality

Reports to: QA Manager

Status: Full-time

Food & Safety Quality Level: 1

The pay range for the role is $45,500 to $75,900 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.

Reporting to the QA Manager, the scope of this position involves performing the pre-operational inspection, ensuring the production process meets superior food safety systems (HACCP) and quality standards from entry of raw materials into the facility, to the processing of goods, to shipment of finished product.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete daily tasks and tests in a timely manner and with a high level of accuracy and reliability
• Prepare samples, media and buffers used for daily analysis
• Check the specification of incoming raw materials, products in production and finished products by performing chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic testing
• Ensure all quality testing is completed as per program and customer requirements
• All products released on time and meeting all internal and customer specifications. If out-of-spec products, results are communicated as appropriate
• Conduct product testing and complete environmental monitoring
• Produce reports for internal and external customers
• Maintain frequency of scheduled tasks (including but not limited to):
• Daily plant inspections
• Customer complaints, as assigned, are investigated and results provided as per process
• Monitor and maintain the Quality, Food Safety and SQF systems, including reviewing and updating quality SOPs and documents
• Computer data entry of various information for the purpose of releasing product for shipment and maintaining accurate records
• Record chemistry and microbiological results
• Maintain laboratory equipment and maintain cleanliness within the lab
• Food Safety & Quality responsibility as outlined in SOP’s & other training materials provided and accurate record keeping
• Work closely with production staff in the areas of sanitation, hygiene, product quality, GMPs and related necessary training
• Has complete authority to stop the manufacture of food if any unsafe conditions are encountered or the quality of the product might be compromised
• Maintain and order necessary lab supplies
• Attend prescribed courses and training
• Other duties as assigned by Management

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the food industry
• Bachelor of Science Degree or Diploma in Microbiology or Food Science
• Knowledge of microbiological procedures and autoclaving techniques
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, allergens, and food security
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication and problem-solving skills
• Proficient computer abilities using Word & Excel
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Flexible schedule
• Own transportation and ability to work weekends

Gay Lea Foods is a Canadian, dairy farmer owned co operative with a clear purpose: to enrich life with dairy. Founded in 1958, the co operative produces high quality dairy products while creating lasting value for farming families, meaningful opportunities for employees, and positive impact in communities across Canada. As a co operative, Gay Lea Foods believes that when the business succeeds, its members, people, and communities should succeed along with it. To learn more, visit gaylea.com.

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.