Microbial Lab and HACCP Coordinator

Responsibilities

The HACCP/Microbiology Laboratory Coordinator will coordinate the day-to-day operations of the microbiology laboratory and assist in the implementation of ISO 17025 Certification. This role will work in parallel to the Senior Micro Technician Position and involves the management of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) SOP programs. This position requires a detail-oriented individual with expertise in laboratory management, microbiological testing procedures, and food safety standards. The coordinator will ensure compliance with internal and external quality control and safety protocols while fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Major Duties of the Position:

1. Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the microbiology laboratory in conjunction with the senior micro tech, ensuring proper sample handling, testing procedures, and compliance with established protocols.
2. Implement and manage the ISO 17025 Laboratory certification and all associated documentation.
3. Manage the unique and challenging threat to human safety that actively growing microbial cultures present to workers in the Micro and Pathogen laboratories.
4. Develop, review, and update laboratory SOPs and protocols for microbiological testing, sample handling, and laboratory equipment maintenance.
5. Maintain good recordkeeping for laboratory media controls, ICPS and documentation necessary for ISO/AOC standards for laboratory certification.
6. Understand the chemical safety risk and environmental impact of laboratory activities.
7. Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration, maintenance, and repairs are carried out on time.
8. Provide coverage in the absence of the senior microbiological technician, conducting finished goods and raw material testing and making usage decisions.
9. Work with QA techs to prepare samples for internal and external micro and analytical testing in accordance with customer specifications and requirements.
10. Collaborate with the production and QA team to investigate and follow up on microbial findings based on swab analyses.
11. Maintain and update procedures as needed to address new or changed evaluation techniques.
12. Demonstrate a high standard of safe sample handling and personal hygiene in the Micro Lab and factory areas.
13. Ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and reporting for all laboratory activities, including test results and corrective actions.
14. Compile COA’s file as necessary.
15. Conduct internal audits of laboratory operations to verify compliance with food safety standards and GMP requirements.
16. Stay up to date on current trends in HACCP regulations, microbiological testing techniques, and food safety guidelines.
17. Manage the implementation, documentation, and monitoring of HACCP programs to ensure food safety and compliance with relevant regulations.
18. Maintain a clean and organized work area including lab equipment.
19. This position may require occasional weekend or off-shift coverage.
20. All other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:

1. University-level Microbiological laboratory training, sufficient to meet PHAC licensing requirements.
2. A minimum of 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting, with at least 2 years in a coordination type role.
3. Training in Microbiological laboratory Safety and Methods.
4. Experience interpreting Quality standards and creating programs to satisfy those requirements.
5. In-depth knowledge of HACCP principles, food safety regulations, and microbiological testing procedures.
6. Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices and regulatory requirements.
7. Knowledge of Food Safety, GMP, HACCP, and ISO Management System preferred.
8. Experience with laboratory equipment calibration and troubleshooting.
9. Excellent organizational and planning skills.
10. Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
11. Ability to effectively communicate and foster inter-departmental relations.
12. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
13. Qualifications must meet Public Health Agency of Canada Biological training minimums.

Working Conditions:

Physical Effort:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands for fine motor skills.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell.
• Occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Physical Environment:

• May be exposed to pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes in tight working conditions.
• Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, and occasionally extreme cold.
• Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to high places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required.

Sensory Attention:

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• Fine motor skills and strict attention to detail and safety are required.

Quinte Custom Foods thanks all applicants for their interest in the position. However, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Quinte Custom Foods is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations will be provided upon request.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• RRSP match

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person