Quality Assurance Technician

Salary Range: $22.00 to $24.00 per hour

Benefit Eligible: Yes, includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision) along with paid time off and a 401(k) with company match

Location: Onsite in Mesa, AZ

Classification: Non-exempt, Regular Full-time

Reports to: Quality Assurance Supervisor

The Company

Paleovalley is a modern health-conscious snack and supplement company. We are committed to making delicious, high-quality products that do not cut corners. We source from certified organic farmers using regenerative agricultural practices. Our goal is to support our customers with better alternatives to the health-damaging junk foods and synthetic supplements lining the grocery store shelves.

The Opportunity

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for performing daily quality assurance duties in a USDA and FDA regulated food and dietary supplement manufacturing facility. This role involves Pre-Operational checks and documentation, routine daily critical control point checks and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The QA Technician will work closely with the QA Supervisor and the Production team to ensure all products meet USDA, FDA, cGMP, HACCP, GDP and other regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ensure proper inspection, testing, and documentation of production processes. 
2. Conduct daily quality control activities, including inspections, raw material and finished product testing, and in-process checks. Ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications across all product lines. 
3. Collaborate with GM and QCA to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and optimize the efficiency of quality control processes. 
4. With guidance and oversight from Quality Management, prepare batch records to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
5. Ensure that all products are manufactured in accordance with company and industry safety and quality standards. Proactively report and address any product safety issues or hazards with department management. 
6. Work closely with Production Management and Quality Management to quickly resolve quality-related issues, optimize processes, and ensure the timely release of products. 
7. Receive and successfully complete all required trainings as prescribed by department and plant guidelines to include quality standards, regulatory requirements, testing procedures, and safety protocols. 
8. Work with Quality and Production Management to analyze quality data and report any deviations or non-conformities to appropriate personnel.

Competencies

1. Good understanding of quality assurance and food safety principles and methodologies. 
2. Good problem-solving and analytical skills. 
3. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 
4. Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
5. Ability to adhere to all safety protocols and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
6. Strong knowledge of Good Documentation Practices.

Required Education and Experience

1. 1+ year of experience in quality assurance or quality control in a USDA or FDA-regulated food or supplement manufacturing environment.

Preferred Education & Experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Experience with SQF is a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The employee is primarily working in a warehouse and manufacturing environment, between 0 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  They will work in a food or supplement manufacturing environment that includes exposure to varying temperatures, machinery, and noise levels. The noise level in the warehouse can be loud. The position regularly works near moving mechanical parts. Work may be performed under hazardous conditions such as operating heavy equipment. Required to wear all issued safety gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. 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.  The position requires lifting heavy objects, walking, sitting and standing for long periods of time. The employee lifts, pushes, pulls or carries objects; uses abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue; and effectively bends, crouches, twists, sprints or throws objects. The employee must climb and maintain body balance.  Frequently lifts items up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The position requires good manual dexterity (hand, hand with arm, two hands) and multi-limb coordination. The position requires the ability to quickly move arms and legs. The employee must have excellent stamina. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position during regular business hours. Hours will vary based on training, coverage, and production schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. This position does not require travel.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

The employee must be authorized to work in the United States for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

EEO Statement:

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are equal opportunity employers. Employment and processes, including decisions to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify:

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures participate in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.