Quality Technician

About the opportunity

As a member of the Quality Team the Quality Technician is responsible for all aspects of product testing and monitoring of production environment quality to ensure that products meet food and quality specifications. Duties are performed through the use of equipment, auditing techniques, inspection, and testing methods. In addition, the role includes support for HACCP and QSL programs, CCP verification, and documentation management.

Shift schedule for this role will be 6:00 pm–02:30 am Sunday–Thursday.

• Perform analytical and microbiological, chemistry, and sensorial testing and analysis of in‑process and finished product samples according to approved standard operating procedures. Record and evaluate test data and notify the Quality Manager of any deviations from the prescribed product specifications. Conduct root cause analysis and determine the necessary corrective action.
• Verify cheese moisture parameters during production and communicate any deviations or issues to the Production Supervisor/Manager where applicable.
• Conduct screening and monitoring tests on raw milk, raw cream and other raw materials upon receipt where applicable.
• Plan, supervise and monitor SQF, CFIA, Organic, Kosher and customer audits.
• Plan, supervise and monitor corporate internal audits, as well as joint internal audits.
• Act as a contact person between the CFIA, SQF, Kosher and the plant.
• Perform an annual reassessment of HACCP and SQF quality systems and prerequisite programs.
• Perform internal audits on various plant programs and support QSL and HACCP documentation management. Participate with the Quality Manager in implementing new standard requirements.
• Administer the plant’s Environmental Monitoring and Water Quality programs (sampling, testing, recording and evaluating data) in compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and/or Ministry of the Environment operational requirements.
• Organize and conduct shelf‑life evaluation of specified products.
• Perform preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory and plant analytical equipment.
• Organize, test and communicate test results for various product trials that require chemical or microbiological testing.
• Monitor the release of finished product and ensure nonconforming product is not released in accordance with the QSL program and procedures.
• Perform administrative duties such as maintain records, forms and logs including computer databases, and performing regular inventory checks and providing the Quality supervisor/Manager with a list of required supplies.
• Participate in the Health & Safety Program where applicable.

• College diploma or university degree in Food Science.
• Two (2) to three (3) years’ experience in a dairy food lab.
• Knowledge of analytical and microbiological testing with respect to dairy food products and ability to problem‑solve.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Organizational and time‑management skills.
• Proficient with standard office computer technology such as Microsoft Office (Word & Excel), and business systems such as SAP.
• Knowledge of HACCP, PQMS and GMP policies and procedures.

• Retention Bonus of 10% to be paid out at the end of the contract.
• 8% vacation pay.
• Learning and Development opportunities.

Base salary range: $62,500 – $78,100+.