Functions:

FSQ Technician
- Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Work with the Quality Assurance Tech II and Sup/Manager to ensure that quality programs are implemented and in compliance with regulatory, company and customer requirements. Monitor programs daily.
- Work with Operations and Research and Development personnel to problem solve issues and implement appropriate solutions.
- Work with Sanitation function to assure effective execution of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. Perform Pre-Operational and Operational plant inspections.
- Prepare samples of finished products, raw materials and environmental micro samples. Conduct analysis internally or work with 3rd party external lab.
- Complete daily finished product release process.
- Work on focused quality related improvement projects.
- Adhere to all department and company policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Perform other responsibilities/duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field, plus all or a strong combination of the following:
- One (1) year experience in Quality Assurance and/or school internship/program equivalency
- Meat Processing industry a plus
- Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SOPs, and SSOPs.
- Working knowledge of plant Quality Assurance function.
- Understanding and experience of meat processing operations.
- Understanding food manufacturing policies and procedures, in compliance with Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal, state and local requirements and standards pertinent to meat processing operations.
- Working understanding of other relevant federal, state and local requirements including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), General Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard operating procedures (SOP), manufacturing plant operations and technologies (i.e. Ultra-High Temperature: UHT).
- Working understanding of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP) guidelines and policies, and the ability to write HACCP plans.
- Strong problem analysis and root cause problem solving skills.
- Ability to learn and perform analytical testing (micro, salt, pH, Aw, etc).
- Proficiency (solid to intermediate) in computer applications and systems including Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and/or the ability to learn project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio).
- Effective interpersonal, communication and listening skills.
- Effective influence and persuasion skills.
- Effective verbal and written communications and oral presentation skills. Proficient in verbal/written English.
- Good time management, priority setting, attention to detail and follow through skills and abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high workload across multiple disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision and to use good judgment in getting/clarifying priorities/direction.
- Ability to travel if needed between all Columbus facilities, with occasional additional business travel.

Physical Demands and Environmental Demands

Position will be exposed to extreme climate (e.g. hot, dry, cold, and wet) conditions.
The role works in both plant floor setting as well as in Quality Assurance lab.
The essential functions of the job and working conditions requires the individual to sit, walk, stand, stoop, bend, reach, crawl, lift, and usage of a computer.
The job requires the individual to work in a light to moderate noise environment. Reasonable accommodation can be provided to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working environment includes, but not limited to: the donning, wearing, and usage of hairnets, smocks, coats, gloves, boots, glasses, and hard hats.
Work Schedule May require flexibility to include evening/nights/weekends and emergency or consult back-up responsiveness.