QA & Sanitation Vacation Relief Operator

Overview

The QA & Sanitation Vacation Relief Operator supports Darigold’s Jerome facility by ensuring the consistent execution of sanitation, food safety, and quality systems. This role partners closely with the Quality Manager and QA Compliance Supervisor to uphold corporate standards through routine monitoring, documentation, training, and hands-on operational oversight. The QA and Sanitation Vacation Relief Operator conducts key quality activities, including environmental monitoring, laboratory testing, participation in HACCP/SQF programs, pre-op inspections, and audit support.

In addition to maintaining sanitation effectiveness and regulatory compliance, the role provides critical vacation and sick leave coverage for lab operations and supports investigations of unplanned events and plant cleanliness. The QA and Sanitation Vacation Relief Operator drives GMP engagement, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as a tertiary backup to QA leadership when needed. This position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, the ability to lead and train others, and the physical capability to work across production environments.

• Review PCQI records, including legal charts, receiving logs (Appendix N), and production monitoring checks.
• Develop and deliver QA and Sanitation training in partnership with Plant-Based Trainers (PBTs).
• Conduct weekly environmental swabbing and maintain Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) documentation.
• Perform quality and food safety testing, including additional testing as required.
• Support HACCP and SQF programs through program maintenance, internal audits, audit preparation, and corrective action responses.
• Assist with regulatory, customer, and corporate audits (ISDA, USDA, FDA, Kosher, Halal, and others).
• Complete pre-operation inspections and verify sanitation effectiveness.
• Provide primary lab coverage during vacation and sick leave absences.
• Identify out-of-spec EMP or finished product results and notify leadership to initiate corrective actions.
• Accurately record, retain, and review quality data.
• Calibrate testing equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with established standards.
• Drive GMP compliance through daily engagement submissions and GEMBA walks.
• Support special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with unplanned event cleanup and investigations, including swab collection and documentation.
• Maintain cleanliness of production areas, including floors, walls, and equipment.
• Execute sanitation needs throughout the plant and support production CIP activities.
• Maintain organization and condition of sanitation tools and equipment.
• Perform exterior grounds cleanup as needed.
• Handle reconstitution activities, including dumping powdered milk into blenders.
• Operate forklifts and floor-cleaning equipment (Zamboni) upon certification.
• Serve as tertiary backup to QA leadership when both the QA Manager and QA Compliance Supervisor are absent.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage employees at all levels.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to influence results and support performance through others.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Experience facilitating training and contributing to improvement initiatives.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain required operator and supervisor certifications.
• Flexibility to support varying shifts and project requirements.

• 2+ years’ experience in dairy food manufacturing (or equivalent combination of experience and education).
• Demonstrated experience providing team leadership in a lead or supervisory capacity, supporting project implementations, and delivering training required.

Benefits

We understand that, as an employee, the benefits that support you and your family, both in and out of work, are important. We are proud to…