Senior Food Safety Quality Assurance Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Coordinate, implement and audit Food Safety (good agricultural practices) programs for Dole Fresh Vegetables growing, harvesting, and cooling operations. Perform audits; generate reports of the audits to assure Food Safety practices are appropriately followed for all raw material supplies from internal or external sources. Analyze and make recommendations for further improvements to mitigate hazards in growing, harvesting, and handling of products; assist in the development and implementation of on-farm Food Safety programs including training and development of manuals and programs. Qualified to take a lead role in the LGMA auditing process. Take the lead in research projects for the Dole internal farming department.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

• Ensure that all internal field Food Safety programs and procedures are being implemented correctly.
• Perform audits of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program.
• In conjunction with the agriculture production and field operations personnel provide training on Food Safety practices, assist in development of Food Safety programs.
• Process large volumes of data or information and communicate the information into a full evaluation of an operation, author reports and recommendations for further improvements to mitigate Food Safety risks.
• Effectively communicate scientific and technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Be aware of USEPA, USFDA and USDA regulations and guidelines associated with growing, harvesting, packing, handling, and shipping of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
• Under the guidance of Director Food Safety and Quality, execute projects that meet the technical and business objectives of Dole Fresh Vegetables.
• Collaborate with Ag operations on research projects pertaining to Food Safety and farming.
• Must be willing to travel to various growing regions in the U.S.
• Follow all food Safety Requirements’ and Good Manufacturing Practices as applicable to this position.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Create and execute training for growers, harvesters, and cooler personnel.
• LGMA auditing lead role
• Serve as back-up and primary point of contact in absence of Food Safety Manager.
• Lead presentations and business updates on new industry practices or opportunities.
• Manage and maintain Food Safety related projects.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Minimum of 3 years in Food Safety with exposure to auditing and research. Experience in either plant science or agriculture is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills,
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required, ability to conduct Food Safety audits. Research background preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively relate to technical and non-technical personnel,
• Knowledge of food microbiology, agrochemicals use, 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. Data analysis and a strong research background is required.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.
• Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel to seasonal growing regions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift up to 10-25 pounds, identify and distinguish colors, work in extreme cold at times.  Walk on un-even terrain.

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. 

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Postharvest Physiology, Microbiology, Soil Microbiology, Food Science, Regulatory Science or other life science fields.

PAY RATE:

• $89,000 -  $93,000 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.