Description
Assist the Technical Services Superintendent in achieving Food Safety and Quality Assurance objectives. This role requires expertise in HACCP, GMP, SSOP, SAFE, Animal Handling & Welfare programs, third‑party audit standards, and USDA regulatory requirements. The position leads Food Safety team members, oversees Sorter training and performance, and drives continuous improvement in food safety systems.
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Support development, implementation, and management of HACCP, GMP, SSOP, SAFE, Animal Handling & Welfare programs
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Lead, mentor, and develop Food Safety team members
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Review daily and weekly plant information including NR’s, microbial data, and HACCP/SSOP trend indicators
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Implement corrective actions, special projects, and microbial validation studies
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Conduct monthly Animal Handling, HACCP, and Food Safety meetings; participate in weekly USDA meetings
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Train Sorter personnel on bovine anatomy, physiology, pathology, and contamination
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Guide Sorter team in determining proper actions for removal and disposal of unwholesome or unfit carcasses, parts, or viscera
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Ensure Sorter team understands conditions/disease processes requiring USDA Public Health Veterinarian disposition
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Audit Sorter personnel regularly to ensure alignment with food safety goals; provide immediate corrective actions as needed
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Coordinate staffing to fill vacant or absent positions and help minimize turnover
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Conduct pre‑operational inspections, set up production equipment, and submit maintenance work orders
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Maintain food and work safety regulations
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Audit product and employee safety throughout the shift
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Conduct line meetings weekly or as needed to address department issues or concerns
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Perform all other duties as needed
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Thorough knowledge of SSOP, GMP, SAFE, Animal Handling, and HACCP programs
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Basic understanding of Food Safety, Food Microbiology, Plant Sanitation, Process Control, and Quality Assurance
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Strong understanding of bovine anatomy, physiology, and common pathologies
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office
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Excellent problem‑analysis skills
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Food Science, or related field preferred
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Previous Quality Assurance or HACCP experience in a food processing plant preferred
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PAACO and HACCP certifications preferred
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Minimum 2 years of experience in the packing industry or on the harvest floor
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Knowledge of USDA online procedures and decision‑making processes
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Prior USDA online inspection experience preferred but not required
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Strong harvest floor knife skills
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Strong understanding of harvest operations
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Effective communication with Supervisors across Q/A, Production, Safety, and USDA personnel
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
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Strong attention to detail
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Demonstrated leadership abilities
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Ability to build collaborative working relationships
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Strong problem‑solving skills
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Ability to work in hot temperatures and extended hours, including some weekends
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Physically able to move around the harvest floor, including uneven, slippery surfaces and tight spaces
