Quality Assurance Inspector (2nd Shift)

Description

Department: Quality Assurance

Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

Shift: 2nd 

FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Reports To: FSQA Supervisor 

Work Location: Green Bay, WI (Vital Place Plant)

Role Summary:

An FSQA Inspector is responsible for upholding the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all pet food products. This role plays a vital part in protecting the health and well-being of pets by carefully monitoring, evaluating, and verifying every stage of the manufacturing process — from raw material selection to final product packaging. By ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements, internal quality systems, and customer specifications, the FSQA Inspector helps maintain product integrity and fosters consumer trust in our brand.

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Quality Control

• Conduct routine inspections and audits of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Perform laboratory tests and analyses to identify contaminants or deviations from established specifications.
• Evaluate and test products in accordance with the Quality Plan to verify conformance to requirements.
• Place nonconforming products on physical hold and communicate findings to relevant personnel.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions for quality issues.
• Collect raw material samples from production for laboratory testing.
• Conduct visual and swab-based pre-operational verifications of sanitation activities and initiate corrective or preventive actions when needed.
• Monitor employee hygiene practices and communicate any noncompliance to appropriate staff.
• Perform audits of glass and brittle plastic controls.
• Verify scale weights and oxygen analyzer accuracy according to established schedules.
• Serve as the primary quality and food safety contact on the production floor.
• Report any FSQA system issues to leadership and ensure compliance with all FSQA standards.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, AAFCO, and other applicable regulatory and industry standards.
• Stay current with evolving regulations and proactively implement required process or documentation updates.

Process Monitoring

• Oversee production processes from ingredient receipt through packaging to identify potential food safety or quality risks.
• Partner with production teams to implement corrective and preventive measures and drive continuous process improvement.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely records of inspections, tests, and other quality assurance activities.
• Prepare detailed reports on product quality, safety, and compliance for management review.
• Accurately enter and manage data within applicable computer systems.

Training and Development

• Train production and support staff on quality assurance protocols, sanitation practices, and food safety procedures.
• Develop, update, and communicate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to identify and implement opportunities for product and process improvement.
• Recommend and support actions to enhance quality, food safety, and operational efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities

• Replenish sanitation and personal hygiene supplies throughout production areas as needed.
• Collaborate with production personnel and the FSQA Supervisor to make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
• Act as a proactive advocate for food safety, product quality, and continuous improvement across all departments.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (required)
• Experience in quality assurance or quality control within the food manufacturing industry (preferred)
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety and quality standards (preferred)
• Comfortable Working in a Fast-Paced, Hands-On Environment

Skills and Abilities:

A successful FSQA Inspector will have: 

• Detail-oriented with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator able to work collaboratively across teams.
• Proficient in laboratory testing, data recording, and basic computer systems.
• Organized, adaptable, and committed to maintaining product safety and quality.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands must be met with or without accommodation for an employee to be successful in performing the essential job functions of this role. This position requires standing and walking for most of the workday, often on hard surfaces within a production environment. The position involves frequent bending, reaching, and moving between different areas of the facility. The ability to repeatedly lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 40 pounds is essential. Additionally, the role may require working in varying environmental conditions, such as heat, cold, or humidity. The inspector must also be comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hairnets, ear protection, and safety footwear.