Alberta

Quality Assurance Technician - Calgary, AB

Job Type: Full Time / Permanent
Location: Calgary, AB

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada? If so, we would love to hear from you!

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast. We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well. We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

  • You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

  • We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.

  • We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

  • We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

What we are looking for

Reporting to the Food Safety and Quality Manager, the Quality Assurance Technician (QA) is responsible for the monitoring of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), sampling & analysis of product and equipment, corrective action, and documentation. The QA Technician will support the QA Department in maintaining our certified SQF Food Safety Management System.

This position will involve frequent communication with the Farm Manager, Head Grower, Vertical Farming Technician Leads and the Farm Operations team.

What you will be doing

The QA Technician holds a very active, hands-on position, which includes the following responsibilities, but is not limited to:

Quality Assurance:

  • Conduct routine tests and inspections on raw materials, finished products, and packaging to ensure compliance with established standards and specifications.

  • Monitor and verify that all manufacturing processes follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

  • Identify and document quality issues, deviations, and non-conformities, and communicate findings to the production team and management.

  • Pre-operational Inspection, via visual inspection and ATP swabbing

  • Inspect all areas of the farm after sanitation and according to criteria

  • Collect & organize daily product samples

  • Perform aseptic sampling procedure using microbial swabs and plates

  • Monitor Critical Limits such as product weight, metal detection, chemical concentration

  • Hold and release of product

  • Data entry and review of paperwork, results, and any other communicable information

  • Participate in the food safety program (SQF)

  • Support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to address quality issues and deviations.

  • Assist manager with Corrective Action Reports

  • A variety of tasks as required by the QA Manager and the potential for cross-training in other functional areas

  • Participate in regulatory audits

  • Assist in the development and maintenance of procedures, work instructions, and training programs related to quality assurance.

  • Conduct other assigned tasks as requested by the QA Manager

Safety (Food, OHS) & Production:

  • Regularly ensure that all of the company’s food safety procedures is verified, and up to date with any

  • changes communicated to team members in a timely manner;

  • Adhere, safeguard and comply with the Standard Sanitization Operating Procedures, Standard Operation

  • Procedures, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Good Manufacturing Practice at all times without exception;

  • Adhere to safety rules and regulations at all times without exception;

  • Ensure the safe use and storage of all cleaning supplies;

  • Follow GoodLeaf Farms Employee Practices and Policies

  • Report unsafe and faulty equipment, fixtures, and processes to supervisor

  • Conduct other assigned tasks as requested by the QA Manager

Education and Qualifications

  • Post-secondary education in food science, microbiology, or related field of study;

  • Must have laboratory experience testing micro samples

  • QA/QC experience in food manufacturing is a strong asset;

  • Experience operating in an SQF system is an asset;

  • HACCP/Food Safety training is an asset.

Additional Requirements

  • The ability to tolerate standing in a cool to cold environment

  • Critical thinking & problem solving · Natural leadership abilities

  • Excellent communication skills- both written and verbal

  • Exceptional attention to detail

  • Ability to educate and thoroughly explain QA findings and recommendations to a non-QA audience

  • Adaptability to change

  • Flexibility with an ability to work outside of normal working schedule/additional hours as needed

  • Strong computer skills in the MS Office Suite

  • Additional attributes include: a strong work ethic, punctuality, a positive attitude as well as being a confident self-starter with a desire to learn and improve performance

  • Ability to identify and resolve errors efficiently and effectively;

  • Ability to build and maintain strong relations with suppliers, outside labs and company employees;

  • Safety consciousness, organization, time management, written and oral communication are critical skills for that role

GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

.