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Produce Quality Inspector Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

PRODUCE/ASST DEPT LEADER

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Any produce/retail experience * Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing) * Promote trust ... Review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take appropriate action * Develop and ...

PRODUCE/ASST DEPT LEADER

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Any produce/retail experience * Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing) * Promote trust ... Review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take appropriate action * Develop and ...

You will act as a true partner to engineering--driving final assembly quality, applying DFM/DFA ... Able to inspect PCBs to IPC-A-610 Class 2 or better and perform installation and rework of thru ...

You will act as a true partner to engineering--driving final assembly quality, applying DFM/DFA ... Able to inspect PCBs to IPC-A-610 Class 2 or better and perform installation and rework of thru ...

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Produce Quality Inspector information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$12

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$31

How much do produce quality inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce quality inspector in Charlottesville, VA is $20.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 qualifications do I need to be a produce quality inspector?

Produce quality inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have good attention to detail, sensory evaluation skills, and knowledge of food safety standards. Some employers prefer candidates with experience in food production or quality control, and certifications such as HACCP can be beneficial. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Charlottesville, VA?

For Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Charlottesville, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Charlottesville, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:

What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Produce Quality Inspector jobs?

Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Produce Quality Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Produce Quality Inspector job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,080 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Produce Assistant Dept. Leader

Kroger

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Kroger rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 4,473 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 124 rated grocery stores


Job description

Produce Assistant Department Leader is a full-time position. 
Weekends and Holidays are required.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Promote trust and respect among associates, with a positive attitude; communicate company, department, and job specific information to associates.
  • Establish department performance goals and empower associates to meet or exceed targets through teamwork.
  • Ensure orders are put up in a timely manner, working backstock, rotating product and replenishing throughout the day.
  • Train and develop associates on their job performance and participate in the performance appraisal process.
  • Create an environment that enables customers to feel welcome, important and appreciated by answering questions regarding products sold within the department and throughout the store; respond to questions, make suggestions, and locate products.
  • Inform customers of produce specials and offer product samples to help customers discover new items.
  • Ensure merchandising standards are being followed; review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take appropriate action.
  • Create and execute sales promotions in partnership with store management.
  • Inform and educate department associates about current, upcoming and special in-store promotions, especially promotions that affect the department.
  • Ensure in-stock behaviors are being executed daily.
  • Implement the period promotional plan for the department.
  • Ensure hourly conditioning is taking place so products are kept fresh and displays are clean.
  • Make certain that backroom and prep areas are clean and 5s practices are being executed.
  • Ensure a good close is being executed in order to achieve morning readiness.
  • Plan and organize the inventory process, maintain an awareness of inventory/stocking conditions, note any discrepancies, train department associates on inventory/stocking and Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO).
  • Ensure proper temperatures in cases and coolers are maintained and temperature logs are maintained.
  • Reinforce safety programs by complying with safety procedures, identifying unsafe conditions, practicing preventive maintenance by properly inspecting equipment, notifying store management of any items in need of repair and of customer or employee accidents.
  • Report all safety risk, or issues, and illegal activity, including robbery, theft or fraud.
  • Adhere to all local, state and federal laws, and company guideline.
  • Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Position Qualifications:
  • Excellent oral/written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of basic math (counting, addition, subtraction).
  • Ability to handle stressful situations.
  • MUST BE 18 years or older.

Desired Previous Experience/Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Any management experience.
  • Any produce or retail experience.


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About Kroger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kroger Family of Companies employs nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. At The Kroger Co., we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US