"Food Safety Specialist"

Job Details

Salary:
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Food Safety Specialist is responsible for ensuring that Babcock Dairy operates in full compliance with federal and state food safety regulations, enabling the legal and safe production of dairy products for human consumption. This role oversees the implementation, validation, and verification of all food safety protocols mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and internal plant requirements.

Primary duties include:

• Completing and maintaining all required food safety documentation.
• Conducting analytical and sensory testing of incoming ingredients to detect and prevent fraud.
• Monitoring and testing allergen control systems to safeguard product integrity.
• Examining production processes to identify potential hazards and developing protocols to control or eliminate risks.
• Editing, maintaining, and storing records electronically with proficiency in Microsoft applications and Google Docs.
• Train staff on food safety protocols and provide clear documentation and reporting.
• Confront and address issues directly, including identifying mistakes, correcting errors, and ensuring accountability across teams.

The successful candidate must be computer literate, detail oriented, and capable of managing electronic documentation systems to support compliance and operational efficiency.

Additional information:

• A 12 month evaluation period may be required
• A criminal background check may be required
• Applicants must have or obtain a PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification upon hire. Candidates who need to obtain the certification will be required to do so within the first six months on the job. Cost of the training will be covered by the department and training may be completed while in work status.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain all food safety documentation for the food plant

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

Department:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Food Sciences, Babcock Dairy Plant

Compensation:

The minimum salary for this position is $53,500. Actual salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf

Required Qualifications:

• Experience using analytical and/or sensory testing methods for quality assurance and fraud detection
• Experience conducting risk assessments and implementing corrective actions to ensure compliance and product safety
• Must have, or be willing to obtain within 6 months of hire, PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in dairy or other food manufacturing environments
• Use of food safety management systems (FSMS) and electronic compliance platforms

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field preferred

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under . You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field.

It’s important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

References: Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.