Quality Assurance Technician

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician plays a key role in supporting the company’s food safety and quality assurance programs. Working under the supervision of the FSQA Manager, the QA Technician is responsible for conducting inspections, collecting samples, verifying production documentation, and ensuring compliance with company SOPs, regulatory requirements, and third-party certifications including Organic, Kosher, and SQF. This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about food safety in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure they meet quality specifications and food safety standards.
• Collect and label samples for laboratory testing (e.g., micro, heavy metals, identity) in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform and document quality checks including metal detection, weight verification, and visual inspections.
• Operate and monitor quality control equipment such as metal detectors, scales, and, where applicable, automated inspection systems.
• Utilize basic measuring tools (e.g., rulers, sieves, moisture analyzers) to verify product specifications and tolerances.
• Monitor and support adherence to GMPs, sanitation procedures, and HACCP plans across production areas.
• Identify and escalate quality or food safety issues to the FSQA Manager and collaborate with production teams to implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and legible documentation, including batch records, inspection logs, hold/release logs, COAs, and supplier verification forms.
• Assist with traceability exercises, mock recalls, and inventory audits to ensure readiness for regulatory or third-party audits.
• Participate in internal audits and support certification programs including SQF, Organic, and Kosher.
• Support training of production staff in quality procedures and food safety expectations as directed by QA leadership.
• Analyze quality trends and observations to help identify process improvements under the guidance of the FSQA Manager.

Skills

• Strong understanding of quality control and food safety principles, including HACCP and GMPs
• Familiarity with sampling procedures and inspection methods for raw and finished goods
• Proficient in completing accurate records, logs, and quality documentation
• Comfortable using basic measuring tools (e.g., scales, sieves, moisture analyzers) to verify product attributes
• Experience with data collection and entry for quality tracking and trending
• Ability to assist with internal audits and third-party audit preparation
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking for identifying quality issues
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for team collaboration and reporting observations
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required)

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred)
• 1–3 years of experience in a food manufacturing or dietary supplement environment
• Basic understanding of HACCP principles and food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA, 21 CFR 117/111)
• Comfortable working in both office and production floor environments
• Strong attention to detail and good recordkeeping habits
• Good communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a team
• Familiarity with Organic, Kosher, and/or SQF requirements is a plus
• The individual must be a competent speaker of both English and Spanish

Certifications (Preferred but Not Required)

• HACCP Certification
• GMP or Food Safety Training Certificate
• SQF Practitioner (in training or exposure to audits)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production and warehouse areas for extended periods
• Able to lift, twist, bend, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures
• Use of PPE as required (gloves, lab coat, hairnet, etc.)

Work Environment

• This position is based in a facility that includes office, laboratory, and food production environments. The role requires regular time on the production floor and may involve exposure to raw botanical materials (dust, odors, etc.).

Reports to the Director of FSQA, NPD

This role is essential for maintaining high-quality standards within our organization, ensuring customer satisfaction, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Watsonville, CA 95076 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Watsonville, CA 95076: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $25