Quality Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Benefits package

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Gay-Lea-Foods in Calgary seeks a Quality Assurance Technician to perform pre-operational inspections and ensure production meets HACCP and quality standards from raw materials to shipments.

The role requires a BSc or diploma in Microbiology or Food Science, 3+ years in the food sector, and strong lab skills with Word/Excel proficiency. Weekend work and reliable teamwork are expected in a dynamic plant environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Flexible schedule and weekend availability.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operational inspections and ensure processes meet HACCP and quality standards from raw materials to finished product.
• Complete daily tasks and tests with high accuracy and reliability.
• Prepare samples, media and buffers for daily analysis.
• Check specifications of incoming materials and finished products via chemical, microbiological and organoleptic testing.
• Maintain and update quality SOPs and documents; stop production if unsafe conditions are found.
• Produce reports for internal and external customers; support environmental monitoring.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Science or Diploma in Microbiology or Food Science

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Department: Quality

Reports to: QA Manager

Status: Full-time

Food & Safety Quality Level: 1

The payrange 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