QA Technician Full Time

Business Name: Bothwell Cheese Inc
Title: QA Technician
Number of Available Positions: 1
Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time (30-40 h/w)
Wage: $22.00 per hour plus $1,000 annual bonus
Benefits: Disability Insurance, Dental Insurance, Employer-provided Pension, Extended Medical Insurance
Language of Work: English
Work Location: Nanaimo, BC

Company Profile:

Paradise Island Foods Inc is a family-owned food production company based out of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Since 1978 Paradise Island Cheese prides itself in providing all natural and organic cheese varieties, as well as an extensive line of bakery, foodservice and industrial cheese varieties. In facility we now run 3 production lines that cut, slice, shred and packages natural cheeses and manufacture cheese alternatives/processed cheese.

We are seeking a detail-oriented QA Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting our laboratory staff by carrying out routine laboratory tasks and experiments. This role involves a variety of responsibilities, including sample preparation, data collection, equipment maintenance, and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform analytical and microbiological, chemistry, and sensorial testing and analysis of in-process and finished product samples according to approved standard operating procedures.
• Record and evaluate test data and notify the Quality Manager of any deviations from the prescribed product specifications.
• Conduct root cause analysis and determine the necessary corrective action.
• Responsible for lab equipment operation and cleaning.
• Perform preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory and plant analytical equipment.
• Analyze and report laboratory data, verifying interpretation with more senior quality team and leadership.
• Perform accreditation sample testing, submit reports and make corrections as needed
• Responsible for daily GMP inspections
• Create and support the implementation of Paperless forms for Production, Warehouse, Sanitation and Quality Control
• Perform packaging and quality checks in production. Making sure all information is correct, tolerances are met and communicate any deviation or issues to Production Supervisor where applicable.
• Administer the plant’s Environmental Monitoring and Water Quality programs (sampling, testing, recording and evaluating data) in compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and/or Ministry of the Environment operational requirements.
• Organize and conduct shelf-life evaluation of specified products.
• Review and file the Certificates of Analysis of all incoming ingredients, review and report out of tolerance to leadership.
• Organize, test and communicate test results for various product trials that require chemical or microbiological testing
• Monitor the release of finished product and ensure nonconforming product is not released in accordance with FSQ programs and procedures.
• Perform administrative duties such as maintain records, forms and logs including computer databases, and performing regular inventory • checks and providing the Quality supervisor/Manager with a list of required supplies.
• Participate in regulatory audits.
• Participate in HACCP and SQF audits.
• Participant in Health & Safety and ERC Programs where applicable.

Employment requirements:
• Completion of secondary school
• Completion of a one- or two-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology
• HACCP and SQF training certifications are preferred (or willingness to obtain them)
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Your Skills:
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines
• Communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing with colleagues
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with both metric and standard systems of measurement.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Paperless software.

Contact information/how to apply:
Email resume to: [email protected]

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage applications from all qualified individuals and specifically applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups – including Indigenous persons, vulnerable youth, newcomers, and persons with disabilities – who may contribute to the continued diversification of our organization