Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE

Coordinate, implement, and audit FSQA programs for Dole Fresh Vegetables. 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 the 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. and GAP audits. Follow all FSQA requirements, as applicable to this position.
• In conjunction with the cooler and Ag operations personnel provide training on FSQA practices and assist in the 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.
• Have awareness of, and adherence to LGMA, USEPA, USFDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations/metrics and guidelines associated with all supply chain elements.
• Audit and maintain FSQA business relationships with external growers, cooling operations, and packinghouses.
• Execute projects that meet the technical and business objectives of Dole Food Company.
• Conduct quality inspections and audit the processes to determine quality going into the processing plants.
• Coordinate initial assessment and audit of co-packers/packing houses
• 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 food safety trainings for cross-functional teams of the business
• Formulate presentations and summaries for different assigned projects
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skill and Experience Requirements)

• 2 -3 years of agriculture/FSQA-related experience, with 1 year of auditing experience. Experience in production 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.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

• A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Microbiology, Plant Science, Regulatory Science, Postharvest Physiology or a related field 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 with the ability to work beyond normal business hours, weekends, rotating shifts preferred/required.