Introduced in 2001, what was formerly known as the Georgia Good Agricultural Practices Food Safety Program (GA GAPP) has been rebranded as Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS) to more clearly state the program’s mission and more efficiently communicate its primary purpose. Under Produce Food Safety Services, growers, packers, shippers and processors will continue to receive a range of professional services designed to improve food safety in the fields, as well as in packing, storage, cooling, and processing operations, that have been the benchmark of this program from its start.
We are currently looking for a Food Safety Consultant/Specialist in La Grange, GA.
As the Food Safety Consultant/Specialist you will provide food safety consulting, education, and program development services to Produce Food Safety Services clients (a program of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association).
The majority of your time will be spent working with clients to create, train and help implement food safety programs, documents, HACCP programs, etc. for fresh fruit and vegetable farm, harvest, post-harvest, and minimal processing operations. The scope of these audits include GAP, GMP, GFSI-benched and other third party food safety audits, as well as other market driven and self-imposed food safety.
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) of Science in Food Science, Microbiology, Agribusiness, or other related field.
- Working knowledge of, application of, and ability to create tailored food safety procedures, documentation/checklists, risk assessments and other applicable food safety program documents and trainings for on-farm and post-harvest activities is a must.
- Ability to train and educate clients is a must.
- Working knowledge of, application of, and ability to create HACCP plans. HACCP certification is preferred.
- An understanding of microbiological sampling protocols, procedures, and ability to create microbial sampling programs for on-farm and post-harvest activities and environments is preferred.
- Effective written and oral communication skills, good verbal, telephone skills.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritized work, and handle pressure.
- Ability and willingness to initiate and adapt to changes as necessary.
- Ability to work independently and act decisively within the boundaries of the position.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude, create and maintain effective working relationships.
- Must have a high level of interpersonal skills to communicate policies, procedures and objectives effectively throughout the company and to represent the company positively in the community.
- Must have effective analytical skills for assessing and evaluating.
- Travel is required. Must have valid driver’s license, able to obtain a US Passport, and be able to travel overnight. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
- Ability to grasp and educate food safety audit criteria, food safety certification body governance, and food safety principles on farms and post-harvest operations.
- Provide appropriate food safety consultation/education services to growers to implement food safety programs and to prepare for third party food safety and customer audits.
- Provide direction, advice and written report to growers as to how their operations can be modified in order to meet food safety and audit standards.
- Respond to calls, inquiries, etc. on a timely basis to assist growers with pre and post-audit reviews.
- Identify opportunities to promote PFSS at other venues, programs and activities.
