Quality Assurance Technician - Red River Commodities

Red River Commodities & SunGold Foods contract directly with local growers to provide the freshest possible grains at the best possible prices and our production facilities are located in the heart of sunflower seed and grain-growing regions. Our team shares core values focused around family, pride, passion, and integrity. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

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Pay: $18.50 - $20.50 (+ Pay for Skills)
Available Shifts (Monday-Friday)

3rd Shift: 11:00pm - 7:30am
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Position Overview: The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for ensuring that all products produced in our food-grade facility meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This role involves performing quality inspections, testing, and monitoring throughout the roasting, seasoning, and packaging processes of sunflower seeds for human consumption. The QA Technician plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards, ensuring that all products are safe, high-quality, and meet customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Quality Inspections & Product Testing:
   • Conduct routine inspections of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
   • Monitor and verify adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the roasting, seasoning, and packaging processes.
   • Perform sensory evaluations, including taste, texture, and appearance assessments, to ensure product consistency and quality.
2. Documentation & Reporting:
   • Maintain accurate records of quality inspections, test results, and compliance checks.
   • Prepare and submit detailed reports on quality issues, deviations, and corrective actions to the QA Manager.
   • Observe and record production processes, including roasting temperatures, seasoning application, and packaging conditions.
3. Compliance & Safety:
   • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and other relevant standards.
   • Participate in internal audits and inspections and assist with the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
   • Follow all health and safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
   • Report any safety hazards or incidents to the appropriate personnel.
4. Problem Resolution:
   • Identify and investigate quality issues, working closely with production staff to determine root causes and implement solutions.
   • Provide recommendations for process improvements to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience in a quality assurance or quality control role, preferably within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, GMP, HACCP, and quality assurance principles.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to identify and resolve quality issues.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• Certification in Quality Assurance or Food Safety, such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or HACCP certification, is a plus.
• Experience with sunflower seed processing or similar food production processes.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques and methods.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position based at our SunGold production facility in Horace, ND.
• Must be able to work in a production environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and food-grade equipment.
• Must be willing to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as smocks, hairnets, beard nets, and refraining from wearing jewelry, etc.
• Some flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate production schedules and quality inspections.

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program