Fresher QA Microbiology Jobs at Hershey – B.S. in Food Science & Microbiology Candidates Apply Now for QA Specialistย
Step into the world of confectionery excellence with Hersheyโs Specialist, Quality Assurance โ 3rd Shift role. Based at the West Hershey Plant in Hershey, PA, this position offers a unique chance to bridge manufacturing and QA in a fast-paced environment producing iconic products like Kisses, Nuggets, Milk Bars, and more. If youโre passionate about maintaining food safety, driving compliance, and being a technical resource across shifts, these Fresher QA Microbiology Jobs could be your sweet spot.
About the Company
The Hershey Company is a premier name in the confectionery industry, producing beloved products such as Hersheyโs Kisses, Rolo, Almond Bars, and many others. With a legacy rooted in quality, innovation, and taste, Hersheyโs operations span manufacturing, research, and development. Their West Hershey Plant is a high-speed production facility operating under rigorous food safety and quality systems like PEP, HACCP, and GFSI. As a global leader, Hershey invests in employees who uphold its standards and push innovation in the consumer foods space.
Job Details:
Job Position: Specialist, Quality Assurance – 3rd Shift
Requisition Number: 126009
Job Location: Hershey, PA (West Hershey Plant)
Please note that this is a 3rd shift position; however, applicants must be flexible to adjust hours to cover other shifts as needed.
Overview
In this high-speed, unionized plant producing items like White & Dark Paste, Kisses, Nuggets, Milk Bars, Almond Bars, Rolo & Syrup, the Specialist, Quality Assurance serves as the essential liaison between QA and Manufacturing under minimal supervision. Youโll support manufacturing operations and may sometimes act as the sole QA representative on your shift. Your responsibilities will include enforcing compliance with company and regulatory policies, sustaining Global Food Safety Initiative certification, and providing technical leadership in sanitation, weight control, packaging, troubleshooting, audits, and process validation.
Minimum Education & Experience
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B.S. in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
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0โ3 years of relevant QA/food industry experience; 3+ years preferred
Key Responsibilities
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Facilitate production to meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards โ through training, auditing, incident management, and root cause resolution.
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Assist with Food Safety Compliance programs and maintain GFSI certification.
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Educate and train plant employees on quality, sanitation, and food safety practices.
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Conduct audits under PEP / HACCP / environmental compliance protocols, document non-conformances, and drive closure.
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Investigate incidents, analyze trends, propose corrective and preventive actions, and use systems like SAP, QIMS, and LPR.
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Lead continuous improvement, validation, and verification efforts around sanitation, allergen control, weight, packaging, etc.
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Support new product startups and cross-functional projects to ensure quality system integrity.
Required Skills & Experience
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Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
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Knowledge of federal & state food regulations, GAP, GMP, and sanitation practices
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Familiarity with GFSI standards, HACCP, PEP, and food safety systems
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Proficiency in computer systems (Microsoft Office, SAP, QIMS)
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Ability to work flexible hours, adjust shifts, and lead without direct authority
