Job Title

Job Title: Quality Control TechnicianReports to: Agronomist Responsible For: N/AJob Summary: The Quality Assurance Technician plays a key role in ensuring that apples harvested from the orchard and processed through the packline consistently meet company quality standards, customer specifications, and food safety requirements. This position supports all QA functions related to incoming/Outgoing fruit, apple storage, packline operations, and finished product quality, with a strong focus on hygiene, sanitation, and accurate documentation. This role requires the individual to perform real-time checks, recording the data throughout the packline and onto to ship[ping This role requires an individual who exemplifies the company values of humble, driven, and solutions-oriented.Humble Employees that are team players and are respectful of others and the job at hand. Great team players lack excessive ego or concerns about status. Humble employees are quick to point out contributions of others and slow to seek attention of their own. Driven Employees who are motivated and focused on self improvement. Driven or hungry employees are always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. They never have to be pushed by a manager to work harder because they are self-motivated and diligent. Solutions Oriented Employees who focus on solving, and preventing problems from occurring, not just identifying them. This is equal parts of problems with systems and processes and the common sense that an employee has about people. They are aware, act appropriately, ask good questions, and listen to understand. Role and Accountability: Inspect and evaluate incoming apples from the orchard, verifying quality standards such as size, colour, firmness, sugar levels, and defect rates. Ensure accurate receiving tasks, including tagging, weighing, documentation, and digital entries (Croptracker, Famous). Support orchard scouting and data collection, including planning, grower communication, scheduling, and safe-entry protocols. Investigate harvest-related quality issues and assist in root-cause analysis for defects or inconsistencies. Divert fruit to appropriate storage or market categories based on quality evaluations. Conduct ongoing storage quality inspections, including pressure, brix, starch, defects, and condition checks. Support hold-and-release programs and ensure compliance before fruit is packed or shipped. Assist in monitoring controlled-atmosphere storage conditions and maintain accurate records. Conduct start-up, in-process, and end-of-shift quality checks on the packline. Verify packaging materials, labels, lot codes, best-before dates, and formulation accuracy. Perform sensory evaluations and ensure finished product meets customer specifications. Conduct pre-operation and pre-sanitation inspections as required. Monitor metal detector and X-ray functionality and perform verification checks. Calibrate scales, inline equipment, and other basic QA tools. Monitor GMPs and hygiene/sanitation compliance throughout packline operations. Complete ATP, allergen, and environmental swabs according to schedules. Support compliance with HACCP, GMP, SSOP, SQF, Canada GAP, and internal food safety standards. Prepare daily samples for laboratory analysis and support microbiological, physical, and chemical testing. Compose and follow up on non-conformance reports and corrective actions. Maintain accurate QA records for incoming fruit, packline checks, storage evaluations, and sanitation verification. Ensure all QA logs, pre-operational forms, and digital documents are completed accurately. Create, update, and support POKA guides, SOPs, and training resources for the QA department. Communicate quality or safety concerns to management, production, and orchard teams using clear verbal and written communication. Train harvest crews, receiving teams, and packline staff on quality procedures and expectations. Work collaboratively with production, warehouse, logistics, and sanitation teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Act as a backup to the QA Manager or Incoming QA Lead when needed. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including 6S and process improvement activities. Attend relevant team and company meetings and contribute to problem-solving and operational alignment. Maintain a clean and safe work environment and follow all health and safety guidelines. Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and procedures, and provide feedback to supervisors when updates or improvements are needed. Execute daily responsibilities to meet departmental goals while adhering to company values (Humble, Driven, Solutions-Oriented). Provide feedback and suggestions to improve processes within the scope of the role. Attend relevant department and company-wide meetings, including Level 10 meetings, contributing to organizational alignment and effectiveness. Collaborate cross-functionally to address challenges, develop solutions, and align strategies with company goals. Utilize Microsoft To-Do (or similar) for task tracking and reminders, ensuring productivity and accountability. Perform other duties as assigned. Confirm chemical levels in wash water (chlorine, PAA, pH, temperature). Verify scales, labelers, and sensors are calibrated. Ensure correct labels, PLUs, and packaging are staged for the correct variety and well as meet food safety standards Complete quality logs, corrective action records, and specification sheets. Maintain traceability: lot codes, orchard IDs, pack dates. Report issues immediately to supervisors and production leaders. Verify sanitation on the line (equipment, brushes, flumes, wash systems). Ensure proper use of: Chlorine / peroxyacetic acid (PAA) wash levels Rinse water temperature & pH Foreign material prevention Assist with GMP, HACCP compliance. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of apple orchard practices, apple varieties, harvest techniques, and post-harvest behavior. Understanding of packline operations, defect grading, and packaging systems. Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation standards, and food safety regulations (SQF, FSSC, CanadaGAP). Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and strong interpersonal abilities. High attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, seasonal, and changing environment. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and propose solutions. Proficiency with computers and software systems (Microsoft Office, tablets, documentation platforms). Ability to work independently or as part of a team with a positive attitude. Valid Ontario G driver''s license in good standing.Education and Experience: Diploma or degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Biology, or related field an asset. 13 years of experience in food processing, quality control, or agricultural operations preferred. Experience with QA systems such as HACCP, GFSI, BRC, SQF, or CanadaGAP strongly preferred. Experience in apple production, orchard operations, or controlled-atmosphere storage is an asset. In accordance with the Ontario Human rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The Company is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require any type of accommodation during the recruitment process.