Food Safety Intern

Job Summary

The Food Safety Intern will support the Food Safety and Quality Systems team in maintaining compliance with regulatory and company standards. This role provides hands-on experience in food safety programs, hazard analysis, and sanitation processes within a citrus manufacturing environment. The intern will assist with inspections, audits, and documentation while gaining exposure to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Assist in reviewing and updating food safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, and GMP regulations.
• Participate in internal food safety audits and facility inspections; Document findings and follow up on corrective actions.
• Observe and report on sanitation procedures in food production areas. Assist in verifying employee adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Collect and analyze food safety data in order to help the Food Safety and Quality Systems Manager prepare reports and/or presentations on food safety trends.
• Assist in developing training and other communication materials for employees on food safety procedures and best practices. Maintain records of inspections, training sessions, and other compliance activities.
• Support the investigation of food safety complaints or potential contamination incidents through root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations and Sanitation teams to implement food safety measures and support projects that enhance overall food safety initiatives.
• Follow all safety rules and practices to include the wearing of all essential personal protective equipment.
• Follow all food safety and personal hygiene practices.
• Perform other technical and general duties as required and requested in support of the Food Safety Team.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Degree in or working toward a degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field.
• Requirements for Undergraduate Students: Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with at least 60 credit hours in good academic standing.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
• Highly organized, self-motivated individual who can work independently as well as work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Basic knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulations preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish Preferred.

Physical Requirements

The working environment fluctuates between office and manufacturing. The Food Safety Intern will be working on a computer up to 75% of each workday. The remaining portion of the time will be spent walking around the facility, talking with employees, reviewing work processes and auditing to assist the Food Safety Team. The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must. Frequent transition between sitting, standing, and walking. Occasional climbing, kneeling, lifting, twisting and bending. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.