Quality, Safety & Environmental (QSE) Technician

• Status: Full-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
• Reports to: Quality, Safety & Environmental Manager
• Range: $23 - $27 per hour
• Location: On-site Turlock, CA (100% of time)

Job Overview:

Reporting to the QSE Manager, the QSE Technician supports company-wide safety, quality, and food safety programs at our Turlock facility. This role ensures compliance with FSSC 22000, regulatory requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices while performing quality control testing and supporting continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance and Food Safety

• Perform quality control testing on ingredients and products throughout the production process, including chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses
• Support quality systems including pest control and environmental monitoring
• Maintain documentation for quality assurance, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate with inspectors and regulatory organizations; support audits and inspections
• Investigate and respond to customer complaints through Zendesk
• Maintain hold and release procedures for finished goods

Training and Compliance

• Develop and conduct safety and new hire training programs
• Maintain training database and records
• Educate personnel on Prerequisite Programs and GMPs
• Monitor production floor to identify process issues, training deficiencies, and safety/quality infractions
• Onboard new employees with GMP and Food Safety training

Environmental Health and Safety

• Implement and communicate environmental and safety policies organization-wide
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures for safety and equipment certification
• Lead interdepartmental safety meetings
• Maintain regulatory schedule including permits, reporting requirements, and inspections
• Review and report Environmental KPIs to Emmi

Additional Duties

• Back up QSE Manager on producer information, ATP records, and Appendix N program
• Operate and calibrate laboratory and production equipment (Mojonnier, Babcock, Charm EZ Reader, metal detectors, etc.)
• Maintain FSSC 22000, HACCP, Kosher, and Certified Humane certifications
• Serve on Recall, Crisis Management, and Food Safety teams
• Act as Sustainability Ambassador for local Green Team
• Maintain finished product retention sample libraries

Requirements:

Experience & Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor's degree preferred)
• Experience in food/dairy manufacturing operations, with a strong background in Dairy Lab daily operations
• Quality assurance background with knowledge of quality management systems
• Workplace safety and environmental compliance experience
• Familiarity with FSSC 22000 or similar Global Food Safety Initiative schemes

Skills

• Strong communication, organizational, and math skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Attention to detail with ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately
• Preferred Certifications:
• CDFA Industry Supervisor or Industry Analyst for Appendix N Testing
• HACCP and/or PCQI certification
• Internal Auditor, Better Process Control School, or OSHA/CAL OSHA training

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs
• Extended standing and walking on concrete floors
• Work in production environments that may be hotter, colder, wetter, or more humid than typical
• Comfort working near industrial cleaning chemicals (proper PPE provided)