Environmental Technician

June 2022

Supervisor’s Title: Food Safety Manager

Reports to: Food Safety Manager

Department: QA

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt - Hourly

Work Schedule: Shift Work

Job Summary

The Environmental Technician is responsible for the accurate performance of gathering samples, performing periodic compliance inspections, and performing environmental-related activities in accordance with Panhandle Products procedures and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

Collect all EMP (Environmental Monitoring Program) samples, both swabs and air, according to schedule and SOP.
Collect ATP Environmental swabs and perform ATP testing per schedule.
Prepare samples collected for shipment and create Sample Analysis Request Forms (SARFs).
Review all PC (Preventive Control) records for product release (HTST charts, MD charts, etc.)
Communicate needed corrections on PC records appropriately and document corrective action.
Inspect facility after maintenance/construction (Food Safety Permit).
Perform lighting (Lumens) testing as required.
Perform air flow testing as required.
Perform compressed air testing as required.
Conduct glass/hard plastic inspections per schedule.
Perform pre-operations inspections to ensure the effectiveness of sanitation programs.
Daily inventory of Food Safety Hold Level 1 product as needed.
Interpret and report results to production and management as required.
Responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of results obtained.
Participate in lab proficiency programs as outlined and assigned by the Lab Manager.
Follow all Good Laboratory Practices and safety policies.
Communicate with the Quality Manager any issues regarding testing completion.
Actively participate in the training program as assigned by the Quality Manager
Conduct internal audits and inspections to monitor GMP and PRP compliance, sanitation effectiveness, hygiene zone compliance, pest control verifications, and/or Food Safety Plan (HACCP Plan) verifications.
Perform equipment maintenance and cleaning as scheduled.
Promotes and exhibits strong Food Safety and Quality practices.
Promotes and exhibits sustainability practices.
Promotes and exhibits strong housekeeping practices.
Must report Safety, Food Safety, Quality, Sustainability, and Housekeeping problems to the direct supervisor immediately.
Perform any other relevant duties and responsibilities defined in company policies and procedures, applicable legislations, or the SQF code.
Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
Schedule will include working weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as assigned; some overtime may be required.
Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance).
Complies with all company food safety policies and procedures (including Good Manufacturing Practices).
Responsible for providing food safety and quality feedback to the appropriate manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum of 6 months of experience working in a microbiological laboratory.
Prefer a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
Experience executing the Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) program.
Prefer experience in internal GMP/Food Safety Inspections.
English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak.
Fundamental knowledge of the proper use of all laboratory chemicals, good lab practices, and lab safety.
Proven ability to enter data into the LIMS system or spreadsheet software.
Punctual and regular attendance is required.
Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and delegate assignments to others.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak.
Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe activity to the supervisor and/or Human Resources.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

Physical Requirements:

Physical effort is regularly required.
Frequently involves moderate walking and periods of standing.
Ascending or descending ramps, stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolding.
Frequently involves crouching, stooping, kneeling, and/or climbing or balancing.
Frequently involves lifting more than 50 lbs.

Typical Environmental Conditions:

Works in a food processing manufacturing facility with moderate noise.
May be exposed to moderate to high noise levels (i.e., production equipment, forklifts, heavy traffic).
May be exposed to humidity, intense heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, and fumes and toxic chemicals.
May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.
May be exposed to ingredients that may cause allergic reactions, and may be exposed to various allergen ingredients

C Shift (Day)

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

QA ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN