BrightFarms is The Place to Grow! 

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 high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.  We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with four new regional salad greenhouse hubs breaking ground to begin opening in 2024. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 3,700 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest. 

Our Food Safety & Quality department is looking to add a Food Safety & Quality Specialist to our team. The position is located at our Elkwood, Virginia (about 1 hour outside of DMV). 

Specifically, you will:   

Implement food safety & quality programs to ensure compliance with FDA regulations, SQFI audit programs, and other relevant customer, State, Federal and industry requirementsLead investigations and implement effective and appropriate corrective actionsCollect environmental and water samples per the sampling schedules and protocolsReview and verify food safety and quality records completed by the operations teamManage and update weekly FSQ Key Performance Indicator (KPI) score cards and food safety culture whiteboardPerform quality sampling checks of finished productsWork with chemical vendor to perform chemical titration checks to ensure correct usage of sanitation chemicals. Work on sanitation corrective actions with chemical vendorOrder and maintain sanitation chemical inventory and sanitation resourcesProvide functional leadership and subject matter expertise to the sanitation team, including revising SSOPs as necessaryOrder laboratory supplies for environmental monitoring programHelp drive a culture of safety and quality, including management and distribution of culture surveysPerform GMP & GAP audits and inspectionsAssist with the onboarding process of new hires and training of operators, leading in a manner consistent with BrightFarms leadership philosophiesWork closely with peers to develop good team working relationship and cross shift team relationshipsOther duties as assignedWork with cross-functional teams to support in implementation of facility projects

The ideal candidate:   

At least 5 years combination of education and experience quality management, preferably in the food industryBilingual English/Spanish is a big plus but not requiredA desire to be an integral part of a growing mission-based companyDemonstrated leadership and influencing skillsSome experience in a team lead role or as a supervisor with a team of employeesBilingual English/Spanish is a big plus but not requiredProficiency with computer operations and programs such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Access or other data tracking systemsStrong decision-making and troubleshooting skillsTimely and communicate effectively with the farm teamCandidates must sincerely care about leading the movement to improve the environmental impact of the food supply chain 

Working conditions / Environment / Travel / Schedule required 

This position 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 winterOften working near moving mechanical partsThere will be exposure to cleaning chemicalsThe noise level of machines and cooling units can be loudThis position may require working evening and/or weekends as needed to support the farmWhile performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to constantly use hands to finger, handle or feel, as well as talk and hearThere is frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, as well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbingThe lifting requirements to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds, and on a rotating basis constantly lift up to 10 poundsThe employee should have clear correctable vision at close and distance range, as well as peripheral vision to notice safety hazardsLess 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.