Food Safety Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Technician

Location: Yorkville, IL

Schedule: Full-time, Night Shift (5:45PM - 6:15 AM), 3-4 shifts per week

Compensation: $26 plus $2 more for overnight

Reports To: FSQ Manager

About BrightFarms

At BrightFarms, we exist for two reasons – People and our Planet . We use state-of-the-art indoor farming techniques to grow pesticide-free leafy greens that are insanely fresh and delicious. Our mission is to revolutionize the environmental impact of food and serve the local communities where we grow. Our supply chain is short, simple, and traceable.

We hire great people and treat them well! Join our mission-driven team and help us build a smarter, safer food system.

Position Summary

The FSQ Technician plays a critical role in implementing and supporting food safety and quality programs on the production floor. Working under the guidance of the FSQ Manager, this role ensures sanitation standards are upheld, product quality is verified, and regulatory and internal standards are consistently met throughout nightly operations. The FSQ Technician performs routine inspections, sampling, and documentation to maintain BrightFarms’ food safety & quality programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Sanitation Preparation & Support

• Prepare sanitation tools, carts, chemicals, and supplies in advance of nightly operations.
• Support sanitation team with verification of cleaning processes (ex. ATP Swabs), chemical handling (titrations, etc.), and safety compliance.
• Assist in training sanitation team members in correct practices and protocols.
• Assist in improving and enhancing sanitation procedures, processes, and effectiveness.

Inspections & Verification

• Conduct nightly walkthroughs for food defense, food safety hazards (ex. condensation), and pest control checks.
• Support in pre-op and post-op inspections to verify readiness and cleanliness of production lines.
• Carry out sanitation verifications, including ATP swabbing of food contact surfaces.

QA Sampling & Testing

• Perform in-process QA sampling to verify quality checks completed by operations.
• Collect micro samples and support bonus program verification efforts.
• Conduct batch QA testing for both non-kit and kit SKUs to ensure finished product quality.

Program Execution & Compliance Monitoring

• Escalate quality or food safety issues to the FSQ Manager immediately.
• Participate in team meetings and shift changeovers to ensure consistent communication and alignment.
• Support in other food safety and quality program activities as assigned.

Experience, Skills & Abilities

• At least 3 years prior experience in food manufacturing, food safety, sanitation, or quality assurance required.
• Knowledge in sanitation procedures and chemical handling preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and safety guidelines precisely.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well with operations, sanitation, and FSQ leadership.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently during off-shift hours.
• Basic computer skills required; experience with digital records or food safety forms is a plus.
• Must be able to work overnight shifts and weekends as scheduled.

Working Conditions

• This is an on-site role that requires working in cool and wet production environments.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting may be required.
• PPE is required and provided by BrightFarms.
• Work hours will include night shifts and weekends or holidays, as necessary.

BrightFarms is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the diverse experience and backgrounds our Associates bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.