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Produce Quality Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

company1093

Produce Quality Inspector

Westwego, LA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Description Produce Quality Inspector Location Warehouse Department Operations Direct Supervisor Warehouse Manager Positions Supervised None Reports To (Level) Level III Position Type Full-time; Non ...

Aery Aviation LLC

Quality Inspector

Newport News, VA · On-site

Perform final inspections for materials, parts, products and services produced by the company. * Perform periodic internal and external quality audits as assigned and scheduled by the quality manager.

New

sth

Quality Inspector

South Bend, IN · On-site

Experience in quality control / inspection of at least 1 year (produce preferable). * Ideal candidate will be well versed in the quality standards of produce items. Although, consideration will be ...

sth

Quality Inspector

South Bend, IN

Experience in quality control / inspection of at least 1 year (produce preferable). * Ideal candidate will be well versed in the quality standards of produce items. Although, consideration will be ...

Verstela

Quality Inspector

Oregon City, OR

$20/hr

We are hiring a Quality Inspector for a growing medical manufacturing company ... This established manufacturer produces precision medical components used in the healthcare industry.

Raydia Food Group

Quality Inspector

South Bend, IN · On-site

Experience in quality control / inspection of at least 1 year (produce preferable). * Ideal candidate will be well versed in the quality standards of produce items. Although, consideration will be ...

Labormax Staffing

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector

Easley, SC · On-site

$14.50/hr

Quality Inspectors work in manufacturing plants, warehouses or other locations where our customers parts are being produced or stored. The location may vary day to day depending on the needs of our ...

Labormax Staffing

Quality Inspector

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$14.50/hr

Quality Inspectors work in manufacturing plants, warehouses or other locations where our customers parts are being produced or stored. The location may vary day to day depending on the needs of our ...

Labormax Staffing

Quality Inspector

Duncan, SC · On-site

$14.50/hr

Quality Inspectors work in manufacturing plants, warehouses or other locations where our customers parts are being produced or stored. The location may vary day to day depending on the needs of our ...

Amphenol

Quality Inspector

Mesa, AZ

The Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring that the products being produced meet quality standards and specifications. The inspector will review products and material, measure objects compared ...

Amphenol

Quality Inspector

Mesa, AZ

The Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring that the products being produced meet quality standards and specifications. The inspector will review products and material, measure objects compared ...

Amphenol

Quality Inspector

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring that the products being produced meet quality standards and specifications. The inspector will review products and material, measure objects compared ...

amphenol

Quality Inspector

Mesa, AZ

The Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring that the products being produced meet quality standards and specifications. The inspector will review products and material, measure objects compared ...

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Produce Quality Inspector information

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How much do produce quality inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce quality inspector in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is QC a high paying job?

Quality control (QC) roles, including produce quality inspectors, typically offer median salaries that are average compared to other manufacturing or food industry positions. Salary levels depend on experience, certifications, and location, with some inspectors earning higher wages through specialized skills or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Produce Quality Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Produce Quality Inspector, you need expertise in food safety standards, quality control procedures, and experience with agricultural products, often supported by a background in food science or agriculture. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and certifications like HACCP or USDA inspection credentials is frequently required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurately assessing product quality and collaborating with suppliers. These skills ensure that only safe, high-quality produce reaches consumers, protecting public health and reducing supply chain losses.

What does a Produce Quality Inspector do?

A Produce Quality Inspector is responsible for examining fruits, vegetables, and other produce to ensure they meet specific quality and safety standards. They look for signs of damage, spoilage, ripeness, and contamination, and may also check for correct labeling and packaging. Their work helps maintain food safety throughout the supply chain and ensures customers receive high-quality produce. Inspectors often work in warehouses, distribution centers, or at points of import and export.

What are some common challenges faced by Produce Quality Inspectors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Produce Quality Inspectors often face challenges such as managing varying quality standards among suppliers, working in fast-paced environments, and identifying subtle defects in produce. To address these issues, inspectors rely on clear communication with suppliers and team members, continuous training on updated quality standards, and the use of standardized checklists and tools. Staying organized and maintaining meticulous records also help ensure consistency and accuracy in inspections, which is crucial for food safety and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Produce Quality Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectProduce Quality InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsQuality assurance certifications, HACCP knowledgeFood safety certifications, HACCP, ServSafe
Work EnvironmentFarms, processing plants, warehousesRegulatory agencies, inspection sites, food facilities
Industry UsageProduce, agriculture, food processingFood manufacturing, regulatory compliance

The Produce Quality Inspector focuses on assessing the quality and freshness of produce, ensuring it meets standards before distribution. In contrast, the Food Safety Inspector evaluates overall food safety compliance across various food facilities. While both roles require knowledge of HACCP and food safety protocols, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ, with Produce Quality Inspectors concentrating on produce quality and Food Safety Inspectors on regulatory compliance across the food industry.

What is the role of a production quality inspector?

A production quality inspector examines products during manufacturing to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications. They perform inspections, use testing tools, document defects, and collaborate with production teams to maintain product quality and compliance.

How to become a produce inspector?

To become a produce quality inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience in agriculture, food safety, or quality control. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of produce standards, and familiarity with inspection tools; certifications such as HACCP can also enhance job prospects.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Quality inspectors in specialized industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, or electronics tend to earn higher salaries due to the complexity and strict standards of their work. Inspectors with advanced certifications, technical skills, or experience in high-demand sectors generally have higher earning potential.
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What job categories do people searching Produce Quality Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Produce Quality Inspector jobs are:
Produce Quality Inspector jobs near you
Produce Quality Inspector

Produce Quality Inspector

Matrana's Produce, Inc.

Westwego, LA

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Produce Quality Inspector

Location

Warehouse

Department

Operations

Direct Supervisor

Warehouse Manager

Positions Supervised

None

Reports To (Level)

Level III

Position Type

Full-time; Non-exempt

Position Level

Level I

Last Reviewed

05/2026 (v2.0)

FLSA Classification

Non-exempt; overtime eligible

EEO Job Category

Operatives

Wage Range

$20.00 - $28.00 per hour (D.O.E.)

Bonus / Incentive

N/A

Hours

Monday - Friday: 4:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Saturday: Seasonal Rotation | Sunday: Closed

Education

Required: High school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience

Required: 2+ years in produce warehouse, food QC, or perishable distribution | Preferred: 5+ years including USDA grading or wholesale receiving

Credentials

Required: None | Preferred: HACCP Certification, FSMA PCQI, USDA Inspection Training, PTI/GS1 traceability familiarity, forklift certification

Pre-Employment

Required background check and drug screening upon hire

Ongoing

Required random drug screenings; annual food safety refresher training

D.O.E. = Depending on Experience. Hours, schedules, and wage range are subject to change based on operational needs and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance.

SECTION 1: POSITION OVERVIEW

A meticulous Produce Quality Inspector safeguards the integrity of our fresh inventory and protect the customer experience that our reputation is built on. This role serves as the primary line of defense in ensuring that all incoming and outgoing fruits and vegetables meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety requirements, and Matrana's customer specifications. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, possesses a deep understanding of produce perishability and post-harvest behavior, and operates with a quality-first mindset to minimize shrink, prevent customer credits, and maximize customer satisfaction.

The Produce Quality Inspector reports operationally to the Warehouse Manager and works in close coordination with the Receiving, Purchasing, Warehouse Operations, and Customer Service teams. Successful performance in this role establishes the foundation for advancement to Senior Produce Quality Inspector (Level II) or QA Lead positions as those opportunities arise.

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties marked [E] are essential functions of the position as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Duties marked [M] are marginal functions that may be reassigned without altering the essential nature of the role.

2.1 Inbound Inspection & Receiving

Inspects incoming produce shipments for quality, condition, grade, weight, count, size, color, and proper labeling against USDA standards, Matrana's specifications, and customer-specific requirements. [E]

Documents all inspection findings using digital logs, including photographs of defects, temperature readings, and traceability data; ensures records are complete, legible, and audit-ready before the load is closed. [E]

Rejects sub-standard product upon arrival, communicates rejection reasons clearly to the Purchasing Department. [E]

Coordinates with the USDA Federal-State Inspection Service when an official inspection is required to settle a rejection or dispute. [E]

2.2 In-Storage Quality Monitoring

Monitors cooler temperatures and humidity levels at minimum twice daily - and after any HVAC or refrigeration disruption - to ensure optimal storage conditions for each commodity group. [E]

Conducts in-cooler audits of stored inventory to identify product decay, disease, ripening progression, or quality deterioration before it reaches the customer. [E]

Identifies and isolates symptoms of cross-contamination, ethylene damage, chilling injury, or pest activity, and escalates to the Quality Assurance Manager and Warehouse Manager for corrective action. [E]

Collaborates with the Warehouse Manager to prioritize rotation of short-dated stock based on First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) and First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principles, as appropriate to commodity. [E]

Verifies that allergen-bearing items are segregated, labeled, and stored in compliance with the company's allergen control program. [E]

2.3 Cross-Functional Collaboration & Customer Support

Investigates customer quality complaints and credit requests by reviewing inspection records, photographs, and storage history; provides written root-cause findings to Customer Service and Sales. [E]

Provides structured quality feedback to the Purchasing team on chronic vendor or grower issues to support supplier scorecard reviews and sourcing decisions. [E]

Communicates effectively with drivers, brokers, and vendors at the receiving dock - bilingual (English/Spanish) communication is preferred to support the diverse driver and team population. [E]

2.4 Training & Development

Trains new warehouse team members on basic quality identification, defect recognition, handling techniques, and PPE during onboarding. [M]

Maintains personal certifications and completes annual food safety refresher training on schedule. [E]

Performs other duties as assigned by the Warehouse Manager and Operations Manager that are reasonable, lawful, and within the general scope of the role. [M]

SECTION 3: QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 Required

Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in a fresh produce environment (wholesale, retail distribution, or food service).

Knowledge: Working knowledge of produce perishability, common defects, and basic post-harvest handling principles.

Technology: Proficient in digital inventory or quality logging software; comfortable with handheld scanners, tablets, and basic spreadsheet entry.

Math: Basic mathematical skills for calculating defect percentages, weights, conversions, and temperature variances.

Communication: Able to read, write, and verbally communicate inspection findings clearly in English.

Physical: Able to work in a refrigerated environment (35-40F) for extended periods (see Section 4).

Eligibility: Must pass pre-employment background check and drug screening; must remain eligible for random drug screenings throughout employment.

3.2 Preferred

Experience: 5+ years of direct experience with USDA Fruit and Vegetable Grading Standards or wholesale receiving.

Credentials: HACCP Certification, FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), USDA Inspection Training, or Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI/GS1) familiarity.

Skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish) to facilitate communication with diverse team members, drivers, and vendors.

Equipment: Forklift and electric pallet jack certification.

Vision: Color-vision normal or correctable; ability to distinguish color, ripeness stage, and subtle defect indicators is critical to the role.

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The following physical and cognitive demands are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Activity / Demand

Frequency

Lift 30 lbs to 60 lbs (loads >60 lbs require team lift)

Frequently

Lift floor to waist

Frequently

Lift waist to shoulder

Occasionally

Push / pull pallet jack or product cart

Frequently

Stand for full shift (6-8 hours)

Constantly

Walk on warehouse and dock surfaces

Constantly

Bend, stoop, squat, twist

Frequently

Reach above shoulder and at floor level

Frequently

Climb step ladders for pallet inspection

Occasionally

Tolerate cold warehouse environment (35-40F)

Constantly

Tolerate variable lighting and moderate-to-high ambient noise

Constantly

Visual acuity sufficient to detect color variation, defect indicators, and small label text

Constantly

Manual dexterity to operate calipers, refractometers, scanners, and tablets

Constantly

Sustained focus and attention to detail under time pressure

Constantly

Sound judgment to make accept/reject decisions with limited supervision

Frequently

SECTION 5: WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

Work Location: Warehouse floor, refrigerated storage units, and receiving dock at the Westwego, Louisiana facility.

Temperature: Primarily refrigerated environment (35-40F); intermittent transitions between cold storage and ambient dock temperatures.

Noise Level: Moderate to high - forklift traffic, refrigeration fans, and conveyor systems.

Required PPE: Thermal layers, cut-resistant gloves (when handling broken pallets or stretch wrap), and company cap and hairnet as posted.

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