Quality Assurance Tech I (Days)

As a Quality Assurance Tech I at Foster Farms, your primary responsibilities will include monitoring and improving quality control systems to ensure compliance with USDA and company quality standards. You'll conduct internal audits, train Quality Assurance Representatives, and interface with production teams on quality procedures. Additionally, you'll have the authority to hold products that do not meet required specifications and make critical decisions regarding product disposition, ensuring the highest quality for our customers.

To qualify for the Quality Assurance Tech I position at Foster Farms, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with 1-3 years of experience in food processing. Familiarity with USDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and SSOPs is preferred. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential for navigating the responsibilities of this role effectively.

Key skills for a Quality Assurance Tech I at Foster Farms include strong attention to detail and proficiency in mathematics. You will need good interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaise with various departments. Moreover, being comfortable in both cold and warm environments and able to lift moderate weights daily are physical skills pertinent to the role.

New hires as Quality Assurance Tech I at Foster Farms will undergo a comprehensive training process that includes receiving a handbook focused on quality and food safety policies, along with attending a food safety training session. Refresher training sessions occur annually to ensure that all employees remain updated on policies and practices, highlighting our commitment to quality and safety in the workplace.

Foster Farms encourages career advancement, with more than half of job openings filled by internal promotions. As a Quality Assurance Tech I, you will have opportunities to rotate between various departments and gain diverse experiences that will equip you for future roles within the company. We actively support our team members' growth, seeing their potential as valuable to our organizational success.

To ensure compliance with USDA regulations, I thoroughly understand the regulatory requirements and apply them to daily QA processes. I also stay updated on any changes in regulations and conduct regular audits to maintain high standards, ensuring that all products meet legal requirements.

In a past role, I noticed discrepancies in product specifications during an inspection. I immediately documented the issue and informed my supervisor, proposing corrective actions to address the quality gap. This proactive approach not only resolved the issue quickly but also helped to prevent recurrences.

Motivating my team involves recognizing individual efforts, facilitating training sessions for skill enhancement, and promoting a culture of open communication. By setting achievable goals and celebrating milestones, I encourage team members to feel invested in our quality control outcomes.

I've conducted several internal audits to evaluate compliance with quality standards. My approach includes defining audit criteria, gathering data, interviewing relevant personnel, and analyzing results. I then compile findings into a report, providing actionable recommendations to improve processes.

HACCP, or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a systematic approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards. It’s critical because it helps maintain food quality and safety, ensuring that products are safe for consumption and meet regulatory standards.

Handling conflicts within my team involves addressing issues directly and fostering open discussions. I believe in listening to all parties involved and finding a resolution that prioritizes our goals while ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

I have experience maintaining quality reporting systems, where I regularly input data regarding product specifications and compliance checks. I analyze this data to identify trends or recurring issues, allowing for ongoing improvements in our quality control processes.

Essential interpersonal skills for a Quality Assurance Tech I include effective communication, active listening, and teamwork. Being able to collaborate with production personnel while conveying quality expectations clearly is vital for maintaining product standards.

I stay current with industry regulations and standards by subscribing to relevant newsletters, attending workshops, and participating in webinars. I also regularly review USDA and HACCP updates to adapt our practices accordingly and ensure our compliance is always met.

In a previous position, I encountered a challenge with a significant product line that continually failed quality checks. I spearheaded a root cause analysis, identifying problematic areas in production processes and implementing corrective actions that improved compliance rates significantly.