Quality Assurance Specialist Job Description
The Labour Support Group is seeking a skilled Quality Assurance Specialist to join our team. As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of agricultural and primary produce meets industry and government standards.
Key Responsibilities:
* Inspect agricultural and primary produce (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.) for quality, freshness, and compliance with industry and government standards.
* Conduct pre-harvest and post-harvest inspections to ensure products meet food safety and export requirements.
* Monitor grading and classification of products according to size, weight, ripeness, and quality benchmarks.
* Check for contamination, pest infestation, spoilage, and damage in raw produce.
* Collect and prepare samples for laboratory testing to assess chemical residues, microbiological safety, or nutritional content.
* Verify that produce handling, storage, and transport meet HACCP, ISO, and WHS standards.
* Record inspection findings, maintain accurate quality control reports, and recommend corrective actions.
* Reject or quarantine products that fail to meet required standards, ensuring non-compliant goods are segregated and documented.
* Liaise with farmers, suppliers, logistics staff, and regulators regarding inspection results and compliance matters.
* Oversee calibration and use of inspection equipment such as moisture meters, weighing machines, and optical graders.
* Conduct supplier audits and verify their compliance with procurement contracts and food safety regulations.
* Train and guide staff on quality assurance protocols and inspection procedures.
* Participate in continuous improvement programs, identifying opportunities to enhance product handling, storage, and distribution.
* Support traceability and recall procedures, ensuring products can be tracked through the supply chain.
Requirements:
* Bachelor degree in Agriculture or relevant field.
* At least 3 years' experience in inspecting and grading primary produce within agriculture, food processing, or FMCG industries.
* Experience applying food safety regulations (HACCP, FSANZ standards, ISO 9001) and ensuring compliance with export/import laws.
* Conducting supplier audits, laboratory sampling, and documentation of inspection findings.
* Using specialised inspection tools and technologies (e.g., moisture testers, optical sorters, digital traceability systems).
* Risk management and implementing corrective and preventative actions for non-conforming products.
* Preparing reports, liaising with regulatory authorities, and training staff in quality inspection procedures.
* Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Excellent problem solving and resolution skills.