Technician I, Food Safety Quality Job Title:

Technician I, Food Safety Quality Location:

Durango, CO (Factory)

Department:

Manufacturing Administration Status:

Regular, Full-Time Reports To:

Director of

R&D FLSA

Category:

Non-Exempt Relevant Experience:

1-3+

Years Pay Range:

$18+/hour (DOE) Position Summary The Technician I plays a key role in following and supporting adherence to the development, implementation, and evaluation of processes, procedures and applications required to ensure compliance with regulatory and food safety management programs and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory facilities. Food Safety & Quality Technician I is responsible for quality execution, continuous improvement and regulatory/food safety compliance while working with maintenance, and manufacturing staff. This position helps to manage functions such as: CCP checks, traceability of products and ingredients, general cleanliness, GMP's, labeling requirements and adherence to any other quality or production policy. This position requires reporting any quality or food safety issues to quality management. The Technician I acts as an extension of the Quality Managers to ensure all product leaving the Rocky Mountain Chocolate facility meets established food safety, quality, regulatory, and Company standards. Key Responsibilities The Technician I will be expected to consistently deliver outstanding outcomes in the following areas: Perform daily GMP inspections throughout production. Conduct pre-operational inspections. Complete sanitation verification. Perform allergen verification activities. Monitor CCPs and preventive controls. Collect product samples for laboratory analysis. Perform water activity testing. Assist with product retain program. Complete environmental monitoring and swabbing. Verify production records for completeness. Verify ingredient lot traceability. Monitor metal detector and quality verification records. Maintain pest control documentation. Issue product hold tags when directed. Support internal audits. Identify, document, and promptly escalate food safety, quality, sanitation, allergen, labeling, or regulatory concerns to Quality Control leadership. Assist during Kosher and third-party audits. Maintain accurate quality documentation. Support continuous improvement initiatives. Must be able to carefully follow written and verbal instructions and work well under pressure. Must be able to follow hygiene, sanitation, safety, and food safety requirements at all times. Perform additional duties as assigned. This role requires a detail-oriented and dependable individual who can consistently follow food safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory procedures in a fast-paced manufacturing environment This position must be comfortable performing inspections, testing, documentation, and verification activities independently while promptly identifying and communicating potential food safety, quality, or compliance concerns. Strong attention to detail, accuracy, sound judgement, and the ability to work collaboratively with factory leadership is essential. Education, Experience & Skills High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree or equivalent experience in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field. Food manufacturing, confectionery, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related industry experience. Working knowledge of GMPs. Understanding of HACCP principles. Strong documentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word. Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and follow-through. Dependable attendance and ability to work scheduled shifts.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to carefully follow written and verbal instructions and work well under pressure. Ability to work on-site in both office and production environments with regular coworker interaction. Comfortable working around chocolate production equipment, kettles, enrobers, depositors, cooling systems, and general confectionery manufacturing conditions. Must be able to follow all food safety, GMP, allergen, safety, and quality procedures. Regular interaction with warehouse, inventory, receiving, and production areas. Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing computer-based work. Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 20 pounds. Must be able to work in a facility and handle products that may contain milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Must be able to follow hygiene, sanitation, safety, and food safety requirements at all times. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance Health Savings and Flexible Savings Accounts 401(k) with company match EAP program Short/Long Term Disability - Paid by Company Life Insurance - Paid by Company Paid time off and holidays Professional development opportunities Employee discounts