Production - Quality Assurance Inspector

Hooper, CO JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting to the Quality Control Supervisor, the Quality Assurance Inspector is responsible for supporting and maintaining EarthFresh's food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and customer quality programs. This role ensures compliance with FDA regulations, customer specifications, company standards, and food safety requirements through inspection, documentation, monitoring, and verification of incoming, stored, packed, and outgoing products. The Quality Assurance Inspector works closely with multiple departments to maintain product quality and support continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications Education & Certifications High School Diploma or equivalent required. Strong knowledge of: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) FDA Produce Safety requirements Occupational Health and Safety regulations HACCP, PCQI, SQF, or other food safety certifications are considered an asset. Experience & Skills Minimum of 3–5 years of quality control or quality assurance experience within the produce or food manufacturing industry. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively. Ability to stand and walk for the majority of the workday. Knowledge of document control and record retention practices. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and prioritization abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and inventory management software. Flexibility and willingness to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Principal Responsibilities 1. Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance Support the administration and maintenance of EarthFresh's food safety and quality management programs. Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, FSMA requirements, customer specifications, and company food safety standards. Maintain quality assurance documentation, inspection records, temperature logs, and regulatory records. Ensure all records are accurate, complete, and accessible for internal reviews, customer audits, and regulatory inspections. Maintain controlled quality assurance forms, procedures, and reference materials. Participate in internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections. Verify product traceability, lot coding, labeling, and product identification throughout the facility. Monitor transportation and shipping conditions to ensure product quality and food safety requirements are met. Support implementation and verification of GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and food safety programs. Assist the Quality Control Supervisor and Plant Manager with quality and food safety initiatives as required. 2. Product Inspection and Quality Assurance Review and inspect incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications. Evaluate product condition, grade, size, appearance, packaging, labeling, and overall quality. Identify, document, and communicate quality issues and product defects. Perform routine quality inspections during receiving, production, storage, and shipping activities. Photograph and document product inconsistencies, defects, and non-conformances. Verify compliance with customer-specific product requirements. 3. Cross-Functional Support Collaborate with Procurement, Sales, Operations, Production, Shipping, and Receiving teams to communicate quality standards and expectations. Communicate inspection results, product grades, quality trends, and concerns to relevant departments. Assist with the resolution of quality-related issues and customer complaints. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency. 4. Non-Conformance and Corrective Actions Conduct inspections and investigations involving non-conforming products. Document findings and assist with corrective and preventive action processes. Maintain records of…