About Ya YA Foods:  

Ya YA Foods is a dynamic and high-growth manufacturer of liquid food and unique beverages. With over 30 years’ experience, we have evolved into a versatile manufacturer and co-packer of a variety of low acid and high acid beverage and liquid food items. We are a family-owned Canadian business who prides itself in its proven track record of satisfying the needs of global multi-national customers. We are a solution provider for our customers, always striving to exceed expectations on innovation, quality, service, and speed to market. For further information about us, please check our website at yayafoods.com 

A career at Ya YA FOODS will offer you the opportunity to…  

• Build a career, not just have a job 

• Work in a dynamic and high-growth company with very skilled professionals 

• Become part of a teamwork focused culture  

• Be a part of an organization that supports your future growth path 

Reports to: Micro Lab Manager 

Responsibilities  

• Performs aseptic sampling and microbiological analyses of packaging materials, raw materials, and finished products according to standard methods to determine conformance to specifications. 

• Conducts pH testing of final products as part of commercial sterility testing 

• Collection and labeling of finished product samples from QC lab and incubating the samples at appropriate temperatures as per FPS. 

• Conducts plant environmental swabbing, air monitoring, and water sampling based on pre-determined frequency and standard procedures 

• Participates in laboratory’s internal and external proficiency testing. 

• Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of the lab following the 5S principles. 

• Monitors performance of the laboratory equipment by following an established in-house calibration schedule to ensure compliance with testing standards. 

• Prepares materials and culture media needed for microbial testing including growth promotion testing. 

• Assists in supply inventory and management. Advises the team leaders of low stock inventory of supplies/materials. 

• Records results in timely manner and ensures completeness of reports /document following good documentation practices. 

• Communicates with all QC technicians, QA/QC supervisors regarding any issues that could affect product quality. 

• Participates in lab investigation for any non-conformances or out of specifications.  

• Compliance with all rules & policies regarding health safety, occupational safety, environmental safety, food safety, legal regulations, company requirements, etc. 

• Compliance with the Company's Integrated Management Systems which includes, but is not limited to Production, Quality, Food Safety & GMP. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Profile  

• University degree/Diploma in Microbiology, or related field is required. 

• 1+ years’ work experience in QC or Lab, preferably in a beverage manufacturing facility. 

• Able to lift 20lbs (work requires repetitive lifting). 

• Good verbal and written communication skills. 

• Able to work with minimal supervision and in a team environment. 

• Proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively and adapt to changing priorities or work demands. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word. 

• Excellent analytical laboratory skills, detail oriented, and good problem-solving skill. 

• NB: Successful candidates will be required to provide photo ID, banking details, a valid SIN number, and (if applicable) a valid work permit. 

Why Join Us 

We believe that the key to creating and growing a successful business is by investing in our people—some of whom have been a part of our team for over 30-years. This is at the core of who we are, what we do, and how we grow our business—as a versatile, automated manufacturer and co-packer of a wide-variety of beverages and liquid food items. In our view, a happy team means a better workforce, a better product, and more satisfied customers.  

Furthermore, we encourage different perspectives and celebrate diversity in our workforce. Where every employee has the opportunity to realize his or her full potential in a working environment that is supportive of everyone. Upon request, we will gladly provide accommodations to any candidate with a disability taking part in the selection process. 

We are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.