Produce QA Inspector

Shaw’s and Star Market; Methuen (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Wage advance

Associate discounts

Health & wellbeing benefits

Paid time off

Career growth

Job summary

Albertsons Companies is seeking a Produce QA Inspector in Methuen, MA. You will inspect incoming produce and floral shipments, evaluate samples for defects, and ensure compliance with freshness standards.

You will work in a cold environment, lifting up to 75 lbs, with weekend shifts and opportunities to support ripening operations. Ideal candidates have a High School Diploma or 1–2+ years of related experience in produce, USDA or third-party inspection, or retail produce environments, plus

Qualifications

• Reliable ability to visually assess quality, color, and defects.
• Strong numerical judgment for estimating defects and quality levels.
• Experience using quality tools (penetrometer, refractometer, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Inspect all incoming produce and floral shipments per quality standards.
• Evaluate samples to identify defects and determine overall quality.
• Monitor inventory condition and communicate quality concerns to Inventory teams.
• Support banana ripening operations as needed.
• Document findings clearly and promptly for records.

Skills

Quality assessment

Numerical judgment

Quality tools

MS Excel/Word

Digital reporting

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Penetrometer

Refractometer

Microsoft Excel

Digital reporting tools

Job description

Why choose us?

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand? At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who’s not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving.

If you know produce, understand quality, and can spot issues before they become losses, this is a high-impact role inside a fast-paced distribution environment. As a Produce QA Inspector, you’ll be the gatekeeper of product quality, ensuring everything that enters and moves through the DC meets strict freshness and compliance standards.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who’s detail‑oriented, decisive, and comfortable working in a cold environment where quality matters and speed is critical.

The position will be based in Methuen, MA.

Main Responsibilities

• Inspect all incoming produce and floral shipments according to company quality standards and SOPs
• Evaluate product samples to identify defects and determine overall quality levels
  

Assess

• Size/count specifications
• Packaging and pallet integrity
• Pulp and trailer temperatures
• Internal and external product condition

• Conduct and document quality testing, including:
• Pressure testing
• Refractometer (sugar/content) testing
• Weight checks
• Monitor on‑hand inventory condition and proactively communicate quality concerns to Inventory teams
• Partner with warehouse leadership to correct:
• Rotation issues
• Handling problems
• Slotting inefficiencies
• Support banana ripening operations as needed
• Ensure all findings are accurately recorded and communicated in a timely, professional manner
  

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Possess The Following

• High School Diploma
• OR 1–2+ years of relevant hands‑on experience, such as:
• USDA or third‑party inspection
• Grower/shipper operations
• Produce or floral retail
• Equivalent experience can substitute for education
• Technical & Functional Skills
• Ability to visually assess quality, color, and defects accurately
• Strong numerical judgment (quickly estimating % defects, quality levels)
• Experience with quality tools (penetrometer, refractometer, etc.)
• Comfortable using:
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and basic systems
• Digital cameras and reporting tools
  

Physical Environment

• Regular lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Work performed in a cold environment (~35°F)
• Must be flexible with schedules, including weekends and holidays
  

We Also Provide a Variety Of Benefits Including

• Competitive wages paid weekly
• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
• Associate discounts
• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits
• Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

Our Values – Click below to view video: ACI Values

A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.