Microbiology - Technician

About Ya YA Foods:

Ya YA Foods is a dynamic and high-growth manufacturer of liquid food and unique beverages. With over 30 years’ experience, we have evolved into a versatile manufacturer and co-packer of a variety of low acid and high acid beverage and liquid food items. We are a family-owned Canadian business who prides itself in its proven track record of satisfying the needs of global multi-national customers. We are a solution provider for our customers, always striving to exceed expectations on innovation, quality, service, and speed to market. For further information about us, please check our website at yayafoods.com

A career at Ya YA FOODS will offer you the opportunity to…

• Build a career, not just have a job
• Work in a dynamic and high-growth company with very skilled professionals
• Become part of a teamwork-focused culture
• Be a part of an organization that supports your future growth path

Reports to: Manager, Quality

Responsibilities

• Performs aseptic sampling and microbiological analyses of packaging materials, raw materials, and finished products according to standard methods to determine conformance to specifications.
• Conducts pH testing of final products as part of commercial sterility testing
• Conducts plant environmental swabbing, air monitoring, and water sampling based on pre-determined frequency and standard procedures

• Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of the lab following the 5S principles.
• Monitors performance of the laboratory equipment by following an established in-house calibration schedule to ensure compliance to testing standards.
• Prepares materials and culture media needed for microbial testing including growth promotion testing.
• Assists in supply inventory and management. Advises the team leaders of low-stock inventory of supplies/materials.

• Prepares samples and the corresponding documents when external testing is required.
• Records results in a timely manner and ensures completeness of reports /document following good documentation practices.
• Communicates with all QC technicians, QA/QC supervisors regarding any issues that could affect product quality.
• Participates in lab investigation for any non-conformances or out-of-specifications.

• Compliance with all rules & policies regarding health safety, occupational safety, environmental safety, food safety, legal regulations, company requirements etc.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong leadership skills and prior experience with managing large teams is required

Education and Experience

• 3+ years of experience in food manufacturing within a GMP environment is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a similar scientific discipline.
• Knowledge of food safety-related legislation, standards, and regulations by obtaining food safety certifications is required
• Experience in managing Microbiology Laboratory is preferred.
• HACCP-certified or FSMA – PCQI Trained Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force at times and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects
• Ability to work in cold and hot environments (approximately 38F-80F degrees) 
• Ability to repeat motions that may include use of the wrists, hands and/or fingers, and standing or sitting for prolonged periods (average 8-12 hours) 

Why Join Us

We believe that the key to creating and growing a successful business is by investing in our people—some of whom have been a part of our team for over 25-years. This is at the core of who we are, what we do, and how we grow our business—as a versatile, automated manufacturer and co-packer of a wide variety of beverages and liquid food items. In our view, a happy team means a better workforce, a better product, and more satisfied customers.

Ya YA Foods is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.