Food Safety Quality Assurance Specialist

Job Description
GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Coordinate, implement and audit FSQA programs for Dole North America. Perform audits, generate reports and follow up as required, for all sourcing locations, vendors & suppliers. Conduct initial qualification of coolers, suppliers and/or co-pack operations, working collaboratively with both internal and external FSQA teams. Analyze and make recommendations for further improvements, including leveraging new technology, to mitigate hazards in all aspects of the business. Assess internal and external program compliance against both regulatory requirements and Dole standards/expectations. Assist in development or expansion of training materials, as appropriate, for internal and external business partners. Ensure compliance with applicable elements of FSMA. Engage in process innovation activities.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

• Ensure that all FSQA programs and procedures are being implemented correctly.
• Perform G.M.P. audits. Follow all FSQA requirements, as applicable to this position.
• In conjunction with the cooler operations personnel provide training on FSQA practices, assist in development of FSQA programs.
• Process large volumes of data or information and communicate recommendations for further improvement to mitigate FSQA risks.
• Effectively communicate scientific and technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Be aware of, and adhere to, USEPA, USFDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations and guidelines associated with all supply chain elements, inclusive of non-produce edibles (condiments).
• Audit and maintain FSQA business relationships with external cooling operations and packinghouses.
• Execute projects that meet the technical and business objectives of Dole Food Company.
• Participate in Food Safety and quality of the cooler operations.
• Coordinate initial assessment and audit of co-packers
• Must be willing to travel to various regions, including domestic and international locations.
• Assisting in responding to customer requests, surveys and other inquiries
• Create and execute training for cooler Food Safety programs
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• 2 -3 years in agriculture/FSQA related experience, with 1 year of auditing experience. Experience in produce operations is desirable.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be flexible, even-tempered, a good mediator and persuasive. Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required, ability to conduct Food Safety audits, communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel, knowledge of food microbiology,
• Knowledge of basic sanitation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of related Federal and State regulations.
• Competency in computer word processing (MS Word), Spreadsheet (Excel) and Database Software (Access) required.
• Bi-lingual, bi-literate Spanish/English is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 10-25 pounds, identify and distinguish colors, work in extreme cold some of the time in a cooler environment and ability to work in outside elements.
WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel as needed, domestically and internationally.
• Flexibility with schedule as needed.
• Flexibility with schedule as needed with the ability to work beyond normal business hours, weekends, rotating shifts preferred/required.

Required Experience
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Food Science, Microbiology, Plant Science, Postharvest Physiology or related field is required
PAY RATE:

• $75,000 - $80,0000 Annually

EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.