FSQ Technician I (Nights)

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

The FSQ Technician is responsible for performing necessary laboratory testing to ensure ingredients, product and packaging conform to specifications. FSQ Technician follows written and verbal instructions to determine that quality and efficiency standards are being met. In addition, the FSQ Technician is responsible for the efficiency, safety and quality of laboratory work and for effective communication relative to shift and plant performance.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Assure package integrity and product quality by performing laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures.
• Perform laboratory testing such as pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.
• Perform destructive aseptic package testing.
• Assist with investigations related to product spoilage.
• Collect and communicate lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders.
• Perform incubation activities according to standard operating procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals.
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork.
• Perform microbiology testing including basic plating in clean room environment, stocking lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE
• Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor

Quality

• Understand SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense
• Awareness of Food Safety and Quality requirements that pertain to the plant and specific role
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct required testing for products prior to processing, after processing and prior to product release

Housekeeping

• Cooperates with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors

Communication

• Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift

Teamwork and Training

• Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members

Personal Development

• Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Level I Qualifications:

• Must learn and perform consistently the above essential duties

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years related experience in Food Science/Food Technology, or a food or beverage production facility preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages, and percentages.
• Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision or escalate appropriately.
• Strong past work history.
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Able to do repetitive work.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50+ pounds.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant at MN Street in Alexandria, MN.
• Travel: Potential for travel to various SunOpta locations for meetings and other job-related functions.
• Shifts: Night Shift (C) - 6:00 pm to 6:00 am; this role is on a 2-2-3 pattern. Some flexibility may be needed.
• Work Environment: This position will be in a production / manufacturing environment.
• Physical Demands: This role may require lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Work Environment: Approximately 95% of this work is performed in a manufacturing/lab environment; 5% of work may involve being in an office environment.
• Attendance: Must have good attendance record and be able to work a 12-hour night shift.
• Pay Rate: Pay starts at $25.00/hour for this non-exempt role.
• Shift Differential: A $2.00/hour shift differential is added for working the 12-hour night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED