Job Description:

Job Title: Quality Assurance Associate

Department: Quality Assurance

Supervisor: Quality Assurance Manager

General Job Description:

The Quality Assurance Associate will aid in implementing and maintaining quality systems and procedures; utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and having superior knowledge of compliance requirements set by Health Canada, EuGMP and EudraLex. The Quality Assurance Associate will ensure quality, efficacy, and safety of product and systems. The Quality Assurance Associate will always follow and advise on AgMedica Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the Cannabis Act and its regulations, and EuGMP, along with any other relevant regulatory frameworks. Working under the direction of the Quality Assurance Manager, perform all tasks, including validation protocols and reports, risk management, participate in inspections, audits and deviation report writing, supplier onboarding, drafting of Quality Technical Agreements (QTAs), and work as a cooperative member of the quality assurance team.

Major Duties:

Know and follow the Cannabis Act and its regulations, Good Agricultural & Collection Practices (GACP), EuGMP, and any other relevant regulatory frameworks and advise on updates when necessary;

• Implement and maintain various quality programs and systems, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Agricultural & Collection Practices (GACP), Good Production Practices (GPP);
• Carry out production, process, and analytical sampling and testing activities as per approved standard operating procedures to provide top quality cannabis products;
• Assist in developing, implementing and reviewing strategies for standard operating procedures, references, and records using software systems;
• Perform Quality Compliance audits and advise on system improvements; including audits of cannabis plants, processed cannabis, waste inventory, and vendor evaluation;
• Perform audits of suppliers and service providers, and compile comprehensive audits reports;
• Ensure corrective and preventative actions are implemented and documented appropriately;
• Provide annual, quarterly, monthly and as requested reports from document control, production tracking and inventory systems as required for use in Annual Product Quality Review (APQR);
• Review and assess delivery of goods upon arrival, approve and authorize release to floor;
• Investigate and review any concerns regarding contamination of product, report, and issue corrective action;
• Guiding and training of associates, ensure checks and balances for quality, efficacy and safety are always followed;
• Research, coordinate and implement any special projects or requirements;
• Co-ordinate Stability Program, including protocol and report writing;
• Maintain Process Validation Maps, coordinating qualification and validation activities including protocol and report writing;
• Work closely on preparation of audits and corrective action plans with Quality Assurance Person and Alternate Quality Assurance Person.

Other Duties:

• Employ professional and clear communication practices to maintain a positive and progressive team atmosphere across all departments.
• Document and track information utilizing advanced computer software systems
• Attend and share in employee meetings; participate in performance reviews.
• Work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance
• Comply with all HR policies including confidentiality and non-disclosure.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Quality Assurance Team Manager.

Requirements:

• Always adhere to AgMedica Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to obtain quality, efficacy and safety in all quality assurance protocols and operations;
• Ensure all federal, provincial, and municipal regulations for compliance are implemented and followed during all production, processing, packaging, and maintenance operations;
• Familiar with and follow the Cannabis Act and its regulations, GACP, and GMP standards;
• Personal Protective Equipment must be worn; gowning and area procedures must be followed as per SOP Proper Protective Equipment and SOP Employee Health Hygiene and Dress Code Policy

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary Education in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy or a related field.
• 1-3 years experience in a Quality Assurance role or relevant field, preference given to individuals with plant chemistry, plant production, and extraction systems knowledge.
• Experience in and knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) considered an asset.
• Previous work experience with a Licensed Producer (LP) is considered an asset.
• Strong IT knowledge and skills, including superior use of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Experience in validation and qualification reporting is considered an asset.
• Demonstrate necessary comprehension of the English language.

Physical Demands:

These physical demands are characteristic of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully and safely perform the necessary duties of the job.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to:

• On occasion, lift weight up to 25kg push and pull carts.
• Use hands and fingers, use of manual dexterity is required.
• May be required to stand for long periods of time, balance, walk, reach with arms and hands, bend or twist, and to stoop, kneel, crouch/squat.
• Vision abilities required for this job includes acute vision.

Working Conditions:

While carrying out the responsibilities of the job, the following work environment characteristics are typical of the setting the employee will encounter:

• The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate to loud, increases when equipment engaged.
• Personal Protective Equipment needs to be worn as required
• Under intense lighting, with strong odours, and in temperatures between 70-85°F
• This position includes potential exposure to, pollen, molds, mildew, insects, plant debris, as well as chemicals
• Work regular hours, however, may be required to work evenings and on weekends, sometimes at short notice, especially in times of need for AgMedica.

This Job Description is intended to express information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be a complete list of skills, abilities, duties, responsibilities or working conditions related with the position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

AgMedica will provide mandatory and/or specific training to personnel holding positions that require such training or certification to be compliant and successful within their roles (i.e. GMP, JHSC, WHMIS, HCAAP, First Aid, Pesticide/Insecticide).

Core Competencies:

Displays creativity and sound judgement in a changing environment, adjusts to competing demands and shifting priorities. Focused and adaptable. Ability to prioritize and balance a variety of projects simultaneously.

Understand how to interpret and effectively employ the AgMedica Software System for complete plant tracking, logging harvest yield weights, waste destruction, inventory counts, managing bulk inventory control, and for monitoring processing of product.

Good knowledge of Quality Assurance programs and can effectively communicate with diverse teams across AgMedica facilities to ensure Good Production Practices and SOP adherence.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Dental care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person