Food Safety & Quality Assurance Technician

Clover Sonoma; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Clover Sonoma, based in Petaluma, CA, is seeking a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technician to ensure product quality and food safety across all lines. The role conducts tests, audits, and documentation to uphold Clover's standards across ingredients and packaging.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree or 2–3 years QA experience, strong data skills, and readiness to work in a 24/7 environment. HACCP/PCQI and SQF training are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field OR 2–3 years of QA experience in food processing.
• Chemistry and microbiology experience are highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with data-evaluation ability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory tests and inspections on equipment, raw materials, packaging, and finished products.
• Test samples for chemical/physical characteristics, microbiological integrity, and sensory evaluation.
• Record, evaluate and disseminate test data to ensure compliance with standards.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, prepare media and reagents, and order supplies.
• Identify quality issues and communicate them to operations and management for resolution.
• Perform food safety and sanitation audits to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field OR 2-3 years QA experience

Tools

Word

Access

Excel

PowerPoint

Google-Suite

Job description

As a purpose-driven, certified B corporation, Clover is leading the way for conscious businesses by demonstrating care for all stakeholders and moving the world forward. We are committed to lowering our environmental impact and meeting our sustainability targets, by providing kids and adults with healthy, nutritious, and delicious products that are made with care for animals, people, and the planet.

About the Role

Clover Sonoma is looking for a motivated individual with strong quality assurance experience to join our team as a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technician. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring our commitment to product quality and food safety. You will be responsible for conducting essential tests, inspections, and documentation to maintain the highest standards across all product lines, packaging, and ingredients.

A Day in the Life

• Conduct laboratory tests and inspections on equipment, raw materials, packaging, and finished products.

• Test samples for chemical and physical characteristics, microbiological integrity, and sensory evaluation (requiring taste and smell).

• Record, evaluate and disseminate test data to ensure compliance with internal and external standards.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, including preparation of necessary media and reagents and ordering of supplies.

• Develop a working knowledge of plant and warehouse processes to aid in problem-solving, internal auditing and continual improvement.

• Identify quality issues and communicate them to operational personnel and management, while helping to investigate and solve the issues.

• Perform food safety and sanitation audits to ensure compliance with company policies, state and federal requirements, and customer specifications.

• Implement and maintain quality systems while supporting new product development and launches.

• Provide technical support to vendors, customers, and various internal departments.

• Help maintain supplier quality databases and product specification databases.

• Maintain detailed and accurate records and communications.

• Execute all job duties in accordance with Clover's rigorous Food Safety and Quality programs and policies.

• Fully understand your role and associated responsibilities for maintaining food safety and quality at Clover.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field, OR 2-3 years of experience performing quality tests in a food processing environment.

• Chemistry and microbiology experience are highly desirable.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, and the ability to evaluate data and communicate the current state.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google-Suite.

• Ability to perform moderate physical labor, including walking, climbing steps and ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling up to 200 lbs.

• Must be shift flexible – company operates 24/7.

• HACCP/Preventive Controls(PCQI) and SQF training are highly desirable.

What You Bring to the Team

• A positive attitude and a strong commitment to teamwork.

• Ability to value and listen to other team members.

• Aptitude for creative problem-solving and critical thinking.

• The courage to do the right thing, even when difficult or unpopular.

• The ability to work cross-functionally across the entire facility.

Based in Petaluma, California, in the heart of beautiful Sonoma County, Clover Sonoma offers high quality dairy sourced from its network of local family farms. A pioneer in sustainable dairy farming Clover has the largest organic acreage of regeneratively farmed land in the state and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by lowering on-farm methane emissions, regenerative farming practices focused on soil health and packaging innovation. The first dairy in the US to become American Humane certified across all of its farms, Clover has delivered on its promise of producing the highest-quality dairy products — including milk, cheese, butter, and more — for more than a century.

As a Certified B Corporation® Clover gives back 5% of net profits to help make nutritious food more accessible and uses its business as a power for good across its support for people, farms, animals, community and planet.

For more information, please visit www.cloversonoma.com and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.