Quality Assurance Technician

Position: Quality Assurance Technician

Department/Location: Houston Production Facility

Reports To: Houston Quality Assurance Lead

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

COMPANY:

Headquartered in Orlando, FL, Kalera is a science and technology-driven company dedicated to growing the very best possible produce; it is smart horticulture at its best. As the technology leaders in urban vertical farming, Kalera focuses on clean, safe, healthy, tasty greens and on the efficiencies of growing locally in controlled environments. Founded in 2010, Kalera has, over several years, perfected unique hydroponic growing methods combining optimized nutrients and light recipes, precise environmental controls, and clean room standards to produce safe, highly nutritious, pesticide-free, non-GMO vegetables with consistent high quality and longer shelf life year-round. With indoor facilities situated right where the demand is, Kalera can supply an abundance of produce locally, eliminating the need for long distance shipping. This means Kalera can ensure the highest quality and freshness by delivering product to customers within hours of harvest year-round. Kalera's plants grow while consuming 95% less water compared to field farming. Kalera has recently opened a new state-of-the-art growing facility in Orlando, FL. With an annual output of over five million heads of lettuce per year, this new facility is the highest production volume vertical farm in the Southeast US. The rapidly constructed facility also demonstrates Kalera’s ability to quickly build and open farms around the US and internationally. Having recently announced new facilities in Atlanta, Houston, and Denver to open in early 2021, Kalera has aggressive near-term expansion plans both domestically and internationally.

For more information, please visit www.kalera.com, along with supplemental media coverage:

• Kalera film
• Global Newswire article - Kalera opens new vertical farming facility in Orlando
• Forbes article - farm of the future
• Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Visits Kalera
• Orlando Sentinel Article

Consider applying here if you want to:

• Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.
• Develop lasting relationships with great people.
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.

Reports/Relationships:

The Quality Assurance Technician reports to the Quality Assurance Lead.

Summary:

The Quality Assurance Technician position is responsible for maintaining quality requirements in accordance with company standards; accurately filling out inspection logs based on overall production quality. Responsible for reporting all quality defects.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

• Monitor all SQF, GMP, and QA programs.
• Maintain an understanding of all products grown as well as the raw materials, packaging materials, and operations required in the production of these products including quality specifications and GMP / SQF standards.
• Conduct, and monitor testing and inspection of materials and products to ensure finished product quality.
• Prepare reports to communicate outcomes of QA systems and Food Safety compliance.
• Responsible for updating site specific GMP/QA /SQF SOPs, manuals, training, and related documentation in accordance with the SQF Steering Teams
• Ability to work in all assigned areas of production; perform relief duties when required.
• Conduct environmental monitoring and swab testing to validate cleaning and sanitation SOPs and verify procedures are being followed.
• Quickly communicate breakdowns in QA and Food Safety to the QA Supervisor
• Encourage an environment of idea generation, not complaints. Handle complaints as they arise and develop solutions quickly.
• Must communicate clearly with team what is expected.
• Develop corrective action reports including root cause analysis, preventative, and corrective procedures.
• Certify each employee has completed Food Safety and QA training and are fully qualified and periodically validate.
• Ensure plant safety rules are followed including safe lifting practices and safe machine operation. Personal Protective Equipment is to be used where required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and lift up to 25 lbs.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent required
• Previous HACCP training strongly preferred
• Experience in production, assembly line, or warehouse operations preferred.
• Experience in a QA or Food Safety role with production, assembly line or warehouse experience preferred
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Kalera, Inc. all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.