Job Description

The Neil Jones Food Company is looking for a Quality Assurance Lab Lead at our Northwest Packing facility in Vancouver, WA. The Neil Jones Food Company processes superior quality, fresh packed, vine-ripened California tomatoes and Pacific Northwest fruit. With headquarters in Vancouver, Washington, NJFC has been providing our nation’s discerning foodservice, retail, industrial and institutional customers the finest quality canned and pouched products for over 35 years. NJFC operates three production facilities: Northwest Packing in Vancouver, WA.; San Benito Foods, in Hollister, CA; and Toma-Tek in Firebaugh, CA.  

Summary:   Responsible for supervision of Quality Assurance (QA) personnel and laboratory functions to ensure effective daily operations of QA Department in a food processing plant. Coordinates with Production to ensure that final products meet quality specifications. Ensures accurate control of product into quality segregated lots according to proper procedures. This is a part-time position, full-time during pack season, July – November, part-time the rest of the year. This is a non-exempt position.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Supervises QA personnel; ensures that lab functions are correctly administered according to QA procedures, GFSI requirements, USDA and FSMA regulations; relays and coordinates information with appropriate production and QA staff; responsible for training and coaching.
• Oversees daily auditing of processes and assures that required testing has been completed, properly entered into the computer databases and documentation reviewed and filed. 
• Provides advice and direction to lab personnel and production managers regarding the required adjustments needed to keep products within specification.
• Conducts product surveys while in production.  
• Assists in formulation and maintaining quality control objectives in compliance with corporate polices and controls.

Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or Associate’s degree in in Food Science, Sciences, Business or other related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred; or, any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the key responsibilities of this position.
• At least 1 year experience in a food manufacturing environment and 1-2 years’ demonstrated supervisory experience overseeing a group of lab employees.
• Requires ability to obtain HACCP certification.
• Knowledge of SQF for Food Safety/Food Quality; demonstrated knowledge of USDA, QA, FSMA, and GFSI requirements; and proficient in Microsoft Windows, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, work 2nd shift, and extended hours and weekends during the fresh pack season, typically July – early November.

Benefits:

• Eligible for paid sick leave

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

The Neil Jones Food Company participates in E-Verify

E-Verify Participation

If You Have the Right to Work, Don't Let Anyone Take It Away

We are an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, and other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.