Bsc Microbiology jobs

QUALITY Technician

8:00 am to 4:30 pm (with flexibility on hours)

If you are looking for a job that is as challenging as it is rewarding, a Technician position on our Quality Team could be the place for you. With our strong market, we are seeking a Committed Engaged Contributor on our QUALITY TEAM. We are looking for a team player who is energetic, positive, and who wants to be on the frontline of our growth, improvement, and success.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Technician will be a key part of our Quality team and will be responsible for providing support and maintaining the Quality Programs at Paradise Island Foods.

Paradise Island Foods is a plant within the GayLea Foods Cooperative organization. We have been operating on Vancouver Island since 1978. We are proud to be SQF Level III certified and HACCP registered: we have the highest possible food safety ratings.

This position is currently is a full-time temporary position that is expected to run for approximately 12 months.

Position Summary

As a Quality Technician, you support food safety and product quality in a fast-paced plant. You complete routine floor inspections and verification checks (GMPs, hygiene, foreign material detection units, labels/coding, weights, and pre-op checks), perform lab sampling and testing, and support assigned food safety and quality activities. You have the authority to stop production if conditions are unsafe or product quality may be affected.

Key Responsibilities

· Complete process checks across production, packaging, sanitation, and the warehouse (pre-op, GMPs, foreign material detection units, hygiene, labels/coding, weights, and other parameters as assigned by site).

· Check and verify testing equipment (e.g., thermometers, scales) is working and in tolerance, put non-complaint equipment on hold and maintain calibration schedules

· Complete laboratory equipment and environmental cleaning

· Help reinforce sanitation, hygiene, GMPs, and quality requirements with production teams.

· Exercising authority to place product on hold or stop production when food safety, regulatory compliance, or product quality is at risk.

· Participate in investigative events and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions (e.g., customer complaints and out-of-specification results).

· Support audit readiness by keeping records organized and areas audit-ready.

· Assist with plant trials and process validations as assigned.

· Collect and submit samples from receiving, production, and finished goods; prepare basic lab materials (media/buffers) as needed.

· Perform chemical, microbiological, and sensory testing on ingredients, in-process product, and finished dairy goods, place product on hold as needed.

· Complete EMP, ATP, allergen swabs, and air and water quality monitoring testing, and coordinate investigations as assigned.

· Conduct damaged, on-hold, and incoming material inspections.

· Verify sample retention programs and maintain retain inventories.

· Promote a strong food safety culture throughout the facility.

· Record accurate results; verify Certificates of Analysis; release/validate materials and finished product as required.

· Enter data and maintain quality records to support product release and shipment.

· Mentor the other Quality Technician.

· Maintain lab supply inventory.

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1+ years’ experience in the food industry preferred.
• BSc or diploma in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of microbiological testing and autoclaving.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, allergens, and food defense/security.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Reliable transportation and ability to work weekends.

Working Environment

Work is mainly in the manufacturing plant and lab, with some office tasks. You may occasionally be exposed to chemicals, hot equipment (autoclave), and biological materials.

Physical Demands

Occasional stair climbing and lifting up to 20 kg. Requires standing for extended periods, with moderate walking and sitting.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Nanaimo, BC V9V 1A3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person