Job Description

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. This role also involves the management of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) SOP programs. This position requires a detailed-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 certif ication and all associated documentation.

3. Understands and can manage the unique and challenging threat to human safety that actively growing microbial cultures present to workers in the Micro and Pathogen laboratories and to other persons who may be impacted by working within the space or handling materials within the space

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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 such as ISO 17.025 and/or customer specific methods.

6. Understands the chemical safety risk and environmental impact of their activities.

7. Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring that calibration, maintenance, and repairs are carried out on time.

8. Provide coverage in the absence of the senior microbiological technician -conduct finished goods, and raw material testing and making usage decision.

9. Working in tandem with the QA techs to prepare samples for internal and external micro and analytical testing in accordance with customer specifications and requirements.

10. Work with the production and QA team to investigate and follow up microbial findings, based on swab analyses from the Factory Profile Tool tracking system or from investigative findings.

11. Maintain and update procedures as may be 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 in the factory areas. Ensure that laboratory practices foster a clean environment and that all protocols of autoclave management are closely followed.

13. Ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and reporting for all laboratory activities, including test results, corrective actions, and equipment maintenance.

14. Compile COA's file as necessary.

15. Conduct internal audits of laboratory operations to verify compliance with food safety standards and GMP requirements. Assist in preparing for external audits and regulatory inspections.

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 (e.g., FDA, USDA, FSMA, etc.).

18. Maintain 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, suf f icient 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 standard 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 (e.g., FDA, GMP, ISO 17025) .

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. Demonstrated ability to learn.

10. Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

11. Ability to effectively communicate and a willingness to 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, such as a university level course in Microbiological testing, or equivalent post-secondary program, as evaluated by the Quality Assurance Manager.

Working Conditions:

Physical Effort:

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands for fine motor skills in managing small amounts of hazardous liquid or semi -liquid substances using ampules, pipettes, vials, plates, etc.

- The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell.

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The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

- The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs

Physical Environment:

- While performing the duties of this job,

- the employee may be exposed to pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes in tight working conditions inside fume hoods and small room areas. There may be unpleasant smells during microbial growth and experimentation, as well as autoclaving spent samples, materials and media to sterilize them before use or before discarding the material safely.

- The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, and occasionally extreme cold.

- The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.

- The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions, and indoor spaces that are restricted access due to microbiological risk.

- The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. PPE includes but is not limited to Safety shoes, hearing protection, freezer suit, safety glasses, gloves. Incumbent may also be required to wear hair and beard nets.

Sensory Attention:

- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Fine motor skills and strict attention to detail and safety are required to ensure employee safety and the safety of others when managing chemicals or pathogenic microbiological material.

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