Lab FSQ Technician I

Quality Assurance Technician I - Team D
Pay Rate: $26.75 - Shift Differential $2.00
Schedule: 5:30 PM - 6:00 AM
12-hour shifts 2-2-3 rotating weekends.
Reports To: Melissa Raposa

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician is responsible for performing necessary laboratory testing to ensure ingredients, product and packaging conform to specifications. QA Technician follows written and verbal instructions to determine that quality and efficiency standards are being met. In addition, the QA Technician is responsible for the efficiency, safety and quality of laboratory work and for effective communication relative to shift and plant performance.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Assure package integrity and product quality by performing laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures
• Perform laboratory testing such as pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.
• Perform destructive aseptic package testing
• Assist with investigations related to product spoilage
• Collect and communicate lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders
• Perform incubation activities according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork
• Perform microbiology testing including basic plating in clean room environment, stocking lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed
• All other duties as assigned

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE
• Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor

Quality

• Understand SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense
• Awareness of Food Safety and Quality requirements that pertain to the plant and specific role
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct required testing for products prior to processing, after processing and prior to product release

Housekeeping

• Cooperates with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors

Communication

• Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift

Teamwork and Training

• Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members

Personal Development

• Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Confident with independent work
• Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision or escalate appropriately
• Good past work history
• Good attendance
• Able to stand for long periods of time
• Able to do repetitive work
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and at times more

Education/ Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required

2+ years related experience in Food Science/Food Technology or a food or beverage production facility preferred

Travel Requirements:

Potential for travel to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Approximately 95% of work is performed in a manufacturing/lab environment. 5% of work may involve being in an office environment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of

those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Employer does not discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant's consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

EOE M/W/Vet/Disabled

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

• Allentown Facility, 7108 Daniels Drive, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America