The Quality Control Technician - Level 1 is responsible for performing routine quality control inspections throughout the production process to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements, including USDA guidelines. This role plays a key part in maintaining food safety and product integrity by executing inspections, verifying processes, and documenting findings accurately and timely.

Daily Responsibilities:

Ensure Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are being followed on the production floor. Verify that allergen control procedures are in place and that production lines are cleaned and sanitized appropriately. Conduct in-process quality checks according to established schedules and procedures. Review production inspection records for completeness and appropriate corrective action. Verify the packaging, labeling, and marking of finished goods is accurate and complete. Perform final inspections of finished products. Collect and test product samples to validate quality standards for each lot. Communicate issues related to rework and product transfers to management. Prepare and log all customer and third-party samples as required. Respond to inquiries regarding quality records and documentation. Maintain and update quality databases and logs. Report any suspicious behavior or plant security issues to the QA Director. Take proactive measures to prevent nonconformities related to food safety, product quality, or process control. Identify and report problems affecting food safety or product quality. Stop or control further processing or distribution of nonconforming products until issues are resolved. Immediately escalate food safety or quality concerns to line leads, supervisors, or management. Support the Hold Program, including tracking, inventory reconciliation, and processing hold transfers. Generate daily reports related to hold inventory and shipments. Conduct physical inventories of product in hold locations. Perform other tasks as assigned to support management and departmental goals.