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Produce Quality Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC

Quality Control Manager

Jessup, MD · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... on produce inspection standards and/or customer specific requirements. 9. Monitor employee ... years in quality control preferred. 3. Minimum of 3 years fresh fruit and vegetable experience ...

... Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures. What You'll Do: * Observes, documents, and ... Assists in on-site material testing and produces as-constructed sketches as required. * Performs ...

Oversee daily operations of the Produce Department with a focus on freshness, quality, and customer ... Order, receive, inspect, and store product following food safety and rotation guidelines * Manage ...

New

Oversee daily operations of the Produce Department with a focus on freshness, quality, and customer ... Order, receive, inspect, and store product following food safety and rotation guidelines * Manage ...

... Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures. What You'll Do: * Observes, documents, and ... Assists in on-site material testing and produces as-constructed sketches as required. * Performs ...

Produce Manager-Alexandria

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

Bring your flavor Building the future of food and well-being starts with fresh, high-quality ... Order, receive, inspect, and store product following food safety and rotation guidelines * Manage ...

Produce Manager-Bowie

Bowie, MD · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Bring your flavor Building the future of food and well-being starts with fresh, high-quality ... Order, receive, inspect, and store product following food safety and rotation guidelines * Manage ...

Produce Manager-Bowie

Bowie, MD · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Oversee daily operations of the Produce Department with a focus on freshness, quality, and customer ... Order, receive, inspect, and store product following food safety and rotation guidelines * Manage ...

New

Produce Manager-Alexandria

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

Oversee daily operations of the Produce Department with a focus on freshness, quality, and customer ... Order, receive, inspect, and store product following food safety and rotation guidelines * Manage ...

Showing results 21-40

Produce Quality Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do produce quality inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce quality inspector in Washington, DC is $23.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 qualifications do I need to be a produce quality inspector?

Produce quality inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from knowledge of food safety standards and quality control procedures. Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to operate inspection tools are important; some employers may require certification in food safety or quality assurance.

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 produce quality inspector?

A produce quality inspector evaluates fruits and vegetables to ensure they meet quality standards for appearance, ripeness, and freshness. They inspect products for defects, proper sizing, and safety, often using tools like inspection sheets and following industry regulations. This role helps maintain product quality and consumer safety in food production environments.
What are popular job titles related to Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Washington, DC? For Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Produce Quality Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:

Quality Control Manager

Pete Pappas & Sons Inc

Jessup, MD

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION OVERVIEW:

     Directly supervises employees in Quality Control (QC) Department. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; oversee USDA program; inspect inbound/outbound deliveries and adhere to the programs and procedures relating to food safety. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   Follow all workplace Environmental Health & Safety, Food Safety and Quality policies and procedures.

2.   Confer with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments pertaining to QC.

3.   Assist in the planning of production sequences to meet production goals. This includes reviewing aged inventory of product packed in production and tomatoes older than (ten) 10 days 

4.   Oversee the USDA Program to assure (five) 5 day a week coverage and include tracking of costs.

5.   Manage QC inspectors and conduct Inbound Receiving inspections. Complete required forms and/or documents.

6.   Coordinate Outbound Quality inspections with the QC Team using the Customer Specification Guidelines found on the S Drive. These should be performed to take in consideration delivery appointments and On-Time Deliveries.

7.   Prepare reports and maintain records related to food safety and quality programs, policies and procedures, audits and inspections. Understand product rotation and ripening process.

8.   Train and develop employees on produce inspection standards and/or customer specific requirements.

9.   Monitor employee performance, reward, discipline, address complaints and resolve problems.

10. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

1.   Bachelor’s Degree or comparable combination of education and work experience.

2.   Minimum of 2 years in quality control preferred.

3.   Minimum of 3 years fresh fruit and vegetable experience required.

4.   Knowledge of USDA fresh fruit and vegetable grading standards required.

5.   Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and consistently meeting tight timelines.

6.   Must be proficient with computer and appropriate software.

7.   HACCP Certification is preferred.

8.   Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, management, customers and regulatory personnel.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

     While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, stand, walk, use hand and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands or arms. The employee will frequently stoop or kneel. The employee will frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. The employee will frequently work in a warehouse/production environment where the temperature is in the 55-degree range and occasionally work in a warehouse environment where the temperature is in the 33-degree range. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee will regularly work around moving production and powered industrial equipment.

 


REQUIREMENTS

    ABOUT THE COMPANY

    Pete Pappas & Sons, Inc. is a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer, shipper, and distributor of premium produce with more than 80 years of history. What began with a pushcart in 1901 has grown into a dynamic, vertically integrated operation serving retail and foodservice customers across the Mid-Atlantic. Today, we operate a 120,000-square-foot facility in Jessup, Maryland. We remain deeply committed to customer service, sustainability, and continuous improvement.


    We are proud of our legacy—but even more excited about our future.