What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regional Food Safety Technician position at MBG Marketing?
Position Purpose
The Regional Food Safety Technician provides essential support to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance standards across MBG's Great Lakes (GL) and Pacific Northwest (PNW) business units. This role assists in the implementation, monitoring, and documentation of food safety programs, audit preparation, and to support the cooperative's high standards for safety and quality.
Organizational Relationships
Direct Supervisor: SE & NJ Regional Food Safety Manager
Significant Relationships: Regional Directors, Food Safety Auditors, Third Party Auditing Companies, Horticulture, Operations, Member Support Services, Naturipe Food Safety Director, Testing Laboratories
Locations
1. Grand Junction, MI
Accountabilities and Responsibilities
1. Assist with the preparation and maintenance of food safety documentation, reports, and records.
2. Support cooperative members with scheduling and preparing for food safety audits.
3. Conduct routine data entry and review for water sampling and related compliance programs.
4. Distribute and manage sampling materials, including water bottles and nitrate test supplies, ensuring timely delivery to growers and packers.
5. Assist with pesticide residue analysis, coordinating samples with third-party laboratories.
6. Support the maintenance and updates of food safety standard operating procedures (SOPs), audit templates, and manuals.
7. Provide logistical and administrative support during audits, training sessions, and education initiatives.
8. Respond to member questions and escalate complex issues to the SE & NJ Regional Food Safety Manager.
9. Attend internal and interdepartmental team meetings to provide updates and gather requirements.
10. Assist in worker protection standards (WPS) compliance.
11. Conduct unannounced in-season packer visits to ensure compliance. Document findings with recommendation for improvement.
12. Other projects and tasks as assigned by SE & NJ Regional Food Safety Manager.
Qualifications and Skills Required
1. Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, food science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
2. Minimum 1-3 years of experience in agriculture and food safety.
3. Basic knowledge of food safety principles.
4. Able to obtain certifications of HACCP and PSA.
5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in documentation and recordkeeping.
6. Proficiency with IT systems and tools such as Microsoft Office; experience with Agrian or similar systems is a plus.
7. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; Spanish language skills are a plus.
8. Ability to work collaboratively within a team and communicate effectively with growers, packers, and auditors.
9. Valid driver's license.
Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)
1. Ability to walk, kneel, climb, and lift to 50 pounds as required for fieldwork and inspections.
2. Capability to work outdoors in variable climate conditions.
3. Availability for seasonal travel as needed, including irregular hours during season.
Location: Grand Junction, MI
Hours: Full-time, Exempt
