What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Safety Specialist position at Fresh Express?
The Raw Product Food Safety department is responsible for implementing, managing, monitoring and verifying raw product food safety in accordance with the company's good agricultural practices, standardized requirements, policies, procedures and standards.
Food Safety Specialist works directly with vendors/suppliers, harvesters, transporters, cooling and storage operators to provide technical support & assistance, resolve technical issues, promote, implement, monitor and to verify compliance with Fresh Express Good Agricultural Practices, FDA's Produce Safety Rule and LGMA requirements. In addition, the position will standardize requirements, policies, procedures and standards for raw product quality and food safety. This is an exempt position and reports to the Raw Product Food Safety Manager. This position requires seasonal relocation between Yuma, Arizona and Salinas, California.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with the development, implementation and administration of the food safety programs to staff and harvesting crews in California and Arizona.
- The food safety programs include the FDA FSMA and FSVP programs, Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Programs plus internal and external audit requirements.
- Audit Fresh Express suppliers growing, harvesting, packing and cooling.
- Implement management plans to correct areas of noncompliance indicated by the audit process.
- The management plans will be developed with the cooperation of the suppliers in order to provide continuous supplier improvement.
- Maintain the Food Safety plan and supporting documentation for the company.
- Conduct training presentations on issues that may impact food safety and participate in grower/supplier meetings.
- Assist crews and customers to meet food safety objectives.
- Audit Fresh Express suppliers in pre-harvest growing/harvest monitoring.
- Conduct pre-harvest food safety inspections on regional leafy greens.
- Verify that all buffers/prohibits for food safety are in place on blocks to be harvested.
- Perform random grower rodent trapping audits, random Harvest Audits and random Sanitation Audits.
- Support quality efforts as requested.
- Conduct training presentations on issues that may impact food safety and participate in grower/supplier meetings.
- Maintain paper and electronic documentation in an orderly fashion.
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Solid understanding of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Harvesting Practices (GHPs).
- Experience in Food Safety programs for row crops preferred.
- Proven ability to work independently and with others to initiate change.
- Attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively throughout the organization in written and verbal form.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments and multi-task.
- Ability to be a productive team member in both formal and informal settings.
- Ability to achieve results in a dynamic environment.
- Able to work outside in heat and dusty environments.
- Able to walk on uneven surfaces
- Able to travel seasonal with crop transitions.
- Capable of lifting to 50 pounds and climbing on and off equipment.
Other Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Agriculture or a related field
- 2-5 years' QA&FS experience in an agricultural or food manufacturing environment.
- Possess valid driver's license & clean record and can drive a car or pick-up.
- Hold a valid Passport with the ability to travel to Mexico, Canada and within the US.
- Proficient in MS Office, and data analysis.
- Bilingual Spanish & English (speaking, reading and writing) a plus.
Other Information:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Salary : $68,640 - $72,000
