Quality Assurance Specialist - Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Position Type:

Administrative and Central Office

Office Title/Functional Title:

Quality Assurance Specialist - Food Safety & Quality Assurance - 22730

Civil Service Title:

Quality Assurance Specialist (Foods)

Level:

L1

Division/Office:

Office of Food & Nutrition Services

Borough:
Queens

Posting End Date:
12/31/2024

This position is in a civil service competitive class that is subject to examination. Position is only open to current NYC employees with permanent NYC civil service status as Quality Assurance Specialist (Foods) or current NYC employees who are permanent in an equivalent title that is eligible for transfer under 6.1.9 to Quality Assurance Specialist (Foods) or candidates who have taken the most recent Quality Assurance Specialist (Foods) civil service examination (#4083). This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a program.

Description:

Position Summary: The Office of Food & Nutrition Services is dedicated to providing safe, attractive, appetizing, and nutritionally sound meals in a timely manner to the students of the City of New York. The Quality Assurance Specialist - Food Safety & Quality Assurance Unit has an integral role in the delivery of quality services to the students of New York City. The role will work closely with the Quality Manager and the Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance Unit to ensure that the contractual specifications of food and food related items meets or exceeds the standards set forth within the Department of Education (DOE). Performs related work
Reports to: Quality Manager, OFNS
Direct Reports: N/A
Key Relationships: Relationships will be fostered with Quality Assurance Specialists in the unit as well as field representatives and supervisors
Responsibilities

• Inspects food distributor, processor and manufacturer warehouses to ensure the maintenance of vendor requirements/specifications.
• Conducts citywide routine school inspections and follow-up visits on a daily basis.
• Visits/inspects NYC locations serviced by OFNS
• Responds to allegations of food borne illnesses, quality and issues concerning reports of foreign matter.
• Handles product samples for laboratory testing when necessary.
• Uploads routine inspection reports and communicates findings to the field.
• Inspects food to assure compliance with contract terms and standards associated with grading and stamping.
• Ensures microbiological laboratory reports are received before the release of items.
• Communicates with brokers and manufacturers regarding food supply processes.
• Participates in perpetual and physical inventories at the distributors/processors.
• Attends weekly/bimonthly meetings.
• Enters data associated with rejected donated commodities in computer programs.
• Reviews “best if used by” practices provided by the Supply Chain Unit with kitchen staff.
• Accepts and releases donated commodities at the distributor level.

Qualification Requirements:
Minimum

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s department of education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of satisfactory full-time experience, purchasing or inspecting food, particularly meat, poultry, dairy products, fresh/processed fruits and vegetables, and related products; or

• An associate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 12 semester credits in food technology, and three years of satisfactory full-time experience as described in "1" above; or

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in agriculture or related field, and one year of satisfactory full-time experience as described in "1" above; or

• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2" or "3" above. Undergraduate college credit may be substituted for experience on a basis of 45 semester credits from an accredited college for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least one year of the satisfactory full-time experience described in "1" above.

License Requirements
1. For all positions:

• • A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York.

2. For certain positions requiring the measuring of the fat content of milk:

• A State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Article IV license - Test Method E & J (Milk Receiver Gerber Methods).
• These licenses must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Preferred

• Effective verbal and writing communication skills.
• General knowledge of the New York City DOE’s office operations.
• Food safety and/or food management experience.
• Candidates who have taken and passed the civil service exam for Quality Assurance Specialist.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel.

Salary: $49,324 - $62,392
(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.
* New York City Residency is NOT Required * We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy
The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.