Independent Contractor Manual Qa Tester Jobs in Riverside, CA

Who We Are

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada — every single day!

For over 40 years, we've been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers — from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh — from farm to family.

We're not just about food; we're about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you're ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we're planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package

• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• 401(K) including company match!

• Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays

• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance

What's the Role

The QA Technician plays a critical role in verifying and documenting food safety and quality requirements across incoming materials, in-process production, and finished products at our Riverside, CA facility. This position ensures that customer specifications and all local, state, and federal food safety regulations are consistently met, protecting both product integrity and F&S's reputation for excellence. The role matters because it serves as a frontline safeguard, identifying and escalating food safety or quality concerns before they can reach our customers. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented and self-motivated, comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, chilled production environment, and has the integrity to stop production when standards are not met.

What You'll Own

• Conduct pre-operation and in-process inspections to verify food safety and quality standards

• Perform CCP monitoring, including temperature logs, sanitation checks, labeling, and package integrity checks

• Complete USDA swabbing, shelf-life testing, and environmental sample collection

• Calibrate and maintain scales, thermometers, and other QA testing equipment

• Verify receiving documentation, temperature logs, FIFO rotation, and allergen segregation

• Maintain accurate QA records, product retains, and traceability documentation in the QMS

• Support internal and external food safety and quality audits and track corrective actions

• Escalate food safety or quality concerns to QA Supervisor or QA Manager as needed

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• 1-2 years food manufacturing experience

• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy

• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, allergens, and CCP monitoring

• Ability to identify and escalate food safety or quality concerns immediately

• High integrity and willingness to stop production when standards are not met

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently

• Effective communication with production and QA leadership

Preferred Certifications:

• HACCP

• USDA-FSIS/FDA/GFSI regulatory awareness

• Experience in refrigerated or RTE food manufacturing preferred

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the QA Technician is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear; sit for prolonged periods; and use hands to finger, handle, lift, or feel. The role involves frequent exposure to chilled temperatures within operations and warehouse environments, and requires the ability to lift, reach, and move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

F&S is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in shaping the future of F&S Fresh Foods