Food Safety and Quality Specialist

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world. 

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.  From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.

Our Macon, Georgia farm is the most advanced greenhouse in the state, delivering fresh, locally grown leafy greens to Georgians. Spanning nearly 480,000 square feet, this facility will produce approximately 6 million pounds of leafy greens annually.

Specifically, you will:   

• Collect environmental and water samples per the sampling schedules and protocols
• Review and verify food safety and quality records completed by the operations team 
• Manage weekly FSQ Key Performance Indicator (KPI) score cards and food safety culture whiteboard
• Perform quality sampling of finished products
• Perform chemical titration checks to ensure correct usage of sanitation chemicals
• Order and maintain sanitation chemical inventory and sanitation resources
• Provide functional leadership to the Shift Sanitation Leads and help develop new processes in that space
• Plan the sanitation schedule and provide direction to the sanitation leads
• Order laboratory supplies for environmental monitoring program
• Help drive a culture of safety and quality, including management of culture surveys
• Assist with the onboarding process of new hires, conducting reviews for associates, ensuring training of associates, and leading in a manner consistent with BrightFarms Leadership Philosophies
• Assist in planning and execution all aspects of the greenhouse management
• Work closely with peers to develop good team working relationship and cross shift team relationships
• Other duties as assigned by the General Manager or Director of Food Safety & Quality

The ideal candidate:   

• At least 5 years combination of education and experience quality management, preferably in the food industry
• A desire to be an integral part of a growing mission-based company
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills
• Some experience in a team lead role or as a supervisor with a team of employees
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a big plus but not required
• Proficiency with computer operations and programs such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Access or other data tracking systems
• Strong decision-making and troubleshooting skills
• Timely and communicate effectively with the farm team
• Candidates must sincerely care about leading the movement to improve the environmental impact of the food supply chain 

Working conditions / Environment / Travel / Schedule required 

• This is a manual labor position in all areas of the greenhouse, and may require working in greenhouse and cold room locations, specifically the following environments for part or all of your shift and will dress accordingly:
  • you may be working in the Cooler (35F-40F)
  • you may be working in the Greenhouse (75F-95F)
  • and you may be working in Headhouse (60F-90F) 
• Employees will have some exposure to seasonal conditions which may range from extreme heat and humidity in the summer to cold in the winter
• Often working near moving mechanical parts
• There will be exposure to cleaning chemicals
• The noise level of machines and cooling units can be loud
• This position may require working evening and/or weekends as needed to support the farm
• While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to constantly use hands to finger, handle or feel, as well as talk and hear
• There is frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, as well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing
• The lifting requirements to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds, and on a rotating basis constantly lift up to 10 pounds
• The employee should have clear correctable vision at close and distance range, as well as peripheral vision to notice safety hazards
• Less than 10% travel is expected

Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!  

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.