Job Details

Job PurposeThe Food Safety & Quality Specialist I is responsible for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance throughout the dehydrated potato manufacturing process. This role performs laboratory testing, in-process inspections, finished product evaluations, and documentation. Participates inGMP compliance, HACCP programs, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure all products meet internal specifications and customer requirements.Main ResponsibilitiesFood Safety & Regulatory ComplianceEnforce compliance with all food safety, food quality, regulatory, customer, and certification requirements, including support of food defense, food fraud, and Preventive Controls (PCQI) activities.Promote a strong food safety culture throughout the facility and escalate issues appropriately.Place products on hold when food safety or quality risks are identified and apply product dispositions at the direction of the department leadership.GMP, Hygiene & Environmental MonitoringPerform GMP inspections, hygiene checks, and glass and brittle plastic audits to verify compliance with sanitation and food safety requirements.Execute environmental monitoring and sanitation verification activities including allergen, and environmental swabbing, and safe chemical handling and refilling.Product & Packaging Quality VerificationConduct product sampling and analysis per approved procedures and product specifications.Verify incoming ingredients, materials, and packaging components meet approved specifications.Laboratory Operations & Technical SkillsDemonstrate proficiency in laboratory operations and documentation, including operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting lab equipment, performing and documenting calibrations and maintenance, and ensuring laboratory readiness, supply availability, and data integrity.Process Knowledge & Deviation ManagementMaintain strong operational knowledge of product process flow to identify risks and deviations.Immediately communicate process or product deviations to supervisors for prompt corrective action.Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities.Documentation, Records & Sample RetentionMaintain accurate quality and testing records, manage sample retention programs, and ensure all documentation complies with Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) and applicable regulatory and certification requirements.Communication, Leadership & SupportCommunicate quality, food safety, and compliance concerns with management and assist with onboarding and training of new employees.Provide cross‑coverage support as needed while demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication across departments.Safety, Flexibility & Other DutiesFollow all company safety protocols and procedures while always maintaining safe work practices.Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and priorities and perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.Qualifications/Required SkillsEducation and/or Experience: This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Combination of associates degree and/or experience is preferred.Language Skills: Ability to read, comprehend, and follow complex instructions, policies, procedures and correspondence. Exhibit effective speaking and written communication skills in dealing with co-workers and management.Math Skills: This position requires quantitative skills and knowledge of math functions such as percentages and decimals.Reasoning Ability: This position requires a high degree of self-confidence and maturity to make decisions required in day-to-day activities. Must be able to solve problems with minimal direction, be detailed oriented and have strong organizational skills. A team player who is flexible and accepts changing assignments and accountabilities. Should display excellent interpersonal skills.Computer Skills: Essential computer skills using Windows applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.Other DetailsWork Environment: This position requires the ability to perform various physical activities such as heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.) standing on concrete floors for extended periods of time, moving parts and loud noise. Must be able to work with sanitizers and cleaning chemicals. Must be flexible to work various shifts as assigned by Supervisor.Position ValidationOur Position Validation Program focuses on three core areas: On the Job Training, Standard Operating Procedures and Validation of Performance. Through this training, you will have the tools you need to demonstrate an understanding of the key duties of the role through validation.Validating in your role simply means demonstrating your proficiency in your assigned job.New team members in the Food Safety & Quality Specialist I position must validate on the assigned tasks. Once validated, the rate of pay changes from training rate to full pay rate.Team members who are unable to validate from the training level to this level must attempt again and pass within one week. Team members who are unable to validate within the first 10 weeks of employment can move to an open position that they qualify for (at the pay rate of that position). If no position exists, the team member will be exited from Idahoan.Alignment with Core Values of the CompanyRespect & Value Our PeopleStay in Front of Change While Reducing CostsDelight Our CustomersFood Quality & Safety