Quality Food Safety Technician - Wawona Frozen Foods

WAWONA FROZEN FOODS

ABOUT THIS COMPANY

Founded in 1963, Wawona Frozen Foods specializes in the growing and freezing of fresh fruit. As the pioneer in the frozen fruit industry, the company is an industry leader, producing many of America's favorite fruits including fresh frozen peaches, strawberries, pears, plums, and unique mixed fruit blends.

Building on its family heritage and upholding the highest standards of food safety with refreshing taste, texture, and natural sweetness, Wawona's fresh frozen fruit is as close to nature as possible. You can always count on Wawona for quality, consistency, and excellent service.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety Technician is responsible for understanding and implementing standards set forth by the FDA, USDA, and any other Food Regulatory requirements. As a key member of our Quality Assurance team, you will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest standards of food safety, and overseeing FDA labeling and Nutritional Facts panel creation.

DUTIES INCLUDE

• Monitor and enforce adherence to FDA and USDA regulations pertaining to frozen fruit processing, packaging, labeling, and Nutritional Facts panel creation.
• Develop, review, and approve product labels ensuring compliance with FDA labeling regulations (e.g., ingredient statements, allergen declarations, nutrition labeling).
• Create and maintain Nutritional Facts panels and ensure the accuracy of nutritional data through analysis and calculations.
• Conduct regular inspections of facilities, equipment, and processes to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) plans and other food safety programs.
• Perform internal audits and assessments to identify areas of improvement and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and industry best practices related to food safety, labeling, and compliance.
• Assist in preparing for and participating in regulatory inspections and audits from FDA, USDA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality Control, and Operations teams to address food safety, labeling, and compliance issues promptly.
• Conduct training sessions for employees on food safety practices, regulatory compliance, HACCP principles, and labeling requirements.
• Investigate customer complaints related to product quality, safety, and labeling accuracy, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Generate and maintain accurate documentation and records related to regulatory compliance, food safety, and labeling.
• Work cross-functionally to optimize production throughput
• Active participation in Wawona Frozen Foods' safety program to maintain a healthy and injury-free environment.
• Participate in training and company meetings to facilitate individual and company growth.
• Compliance with all GMP, HAACP, Food Safety, Food Defense, and SQF policies and procedures. Empowered to notify and/or act in response to any issues or concerns within the scope of work.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably in frozen fruit processing.
• Certification in HACCP and/or Food Safety (e.g., PCQI, SQF Practitioner).
• Experience with GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) standards.
• In-depth knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, including labeling requirements and Nutritional Facts panel creation.
• Experience in developing and reviewing product labels for compliance with FDA regulations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply regulations effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

LOCATION

• This position will work out of our Alluvial location.

BENEFITS

• Competitive Health Benefits
• Generous 401k
• Employee Assistant Program
• Paid Sick Leave
• Wawona Wednesdays, End of Season Appreciation Events, T-shirts and Hats, Employee of the Month
• You'll have the opportunity to work with great people and make a real impact - while being your unique, authentic self at work

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY

• We learn together. We believe in supporting all employees with all the training, resources, and tools to be successful. We invest in our people, we learn together, we take the time to train, and we grow together. We celebrate OUR people and want each employee to have a long career with Wawona Frozen Foods.
• We focus on building and keeping relationships, going above and beyond, and offering world-class service. Empowering each team member to make Wawona Frozen Foods better every day, come up with improvements, suggest suggestions, and help us be innovative. We are proud of our history and want to continue to leave a legacy.
• Wawona Frozen Foods promotes a work environment that encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and a culture of growth. We roll up our sleeves, we get dirty, we exemplify true grit, and we support each other because we truly care about our people.
• We pride ourselves on having a diverse team matching our diverse product base. We have an inclusive culture where different professional and personal perspectives, ideas, and suggestions are respected and welcomed.
• We pride ourselves on the fast-paced environment that our season creates, and we recognize that if it was not for our people working hard we would not be as successful.
• We strive to deliver the best fruit products available and to be a valued partner in every one of our customer's successes.
• We take the time to build a relationship with our customers and make sure we are producing and delivering the best products specific to your needs.

PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Work in an environment where there can be medium to loud noise and hot or cold temperatures.
• Stand and walk, feel, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally requested to sit and talk or hear.
• Use of computer, monitors, and keyboard while sitting.
• A fast-paced environment that requires high attention to detail and minimal downtime.
• Occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as equipment, machinery, etc. Lifting requirement: Must be able to lift to 40 lbs. independently.
• Other duties as assigned require repetitive tasks, use of computer equipment, scheduling, preparing reports, etc. utilizing a computer.
• Work flexible/varying schedules to support the team, customers, and deadlines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and the ability to see all colors.
• You will be regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, and vibration. Exposure to cleaning products and agents for the sanitation of equipment and machinery regularly.
• Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and adhere to the dress code as outlined for working in a food manufacturing facility.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants must be fully authorized to work in the U.S. and physically be in the U.S.

Wawona Frozen Foods is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected factor.

NOTICE TO RECRUITERS, EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES, AND/OR VENDORS

Please note that Wawona Frozen Foods does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or vendors. Without a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Wawona Frozen Foods will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without Wawona Frozen Foods' authorization, Wawona Frozen Foods is without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Wawona Frozen Foods. Verbal commitments from any Wawona Frozen Food employees will not be considered binding terms. This applies to all Wawona Frozen Foods locations and offices. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiters and vendors to know this policy.