Food Safety 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.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain all food safety documentation for the food plant
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• 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

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