Produce QA Inspector

Shaw’s and Star Market; Methuen (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive weekly wages

Access to up to 50% earned wages early

Associate discounts

Health and financial well-being plans

Paid time off (vacation, holidays, or

Training and development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

Albertsons Companies in Methuen, MA is seeking a Produce QA Inspector. The role focuses on inspecting incoming produce, evaluating samples for defects, and ensuring strict freshness standards in a fast-paced distribution environment.

You will record findings, communicate issues to Inventory and warehouse teams, and support banana ripening operations as needed. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented position in a cold environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or 1–2+ years of relevant inspection experience.
• Experience in USDA or third-party inspections, grower/shipper operations, or produce/floral retail.
• Ability to visually assess quality, color, and defects.
• Familiarity with quality tools (penetrometer, refractometer, etc.).
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming produce and floral shipments for quality and compliance.
• Evaluate samples to identify defects and determine quality levels.
• Record findings accurately and communicate withInventory teams and warehouse leadership.

Skills

Visual quality assessment

Numerical quality judgment

Penetrometer

Refractometer

Excel and Word proficiency

Reporting tools

Camera usage

Education

High School Diploma

Equivalent experience substitution

Tools

Penetrometer

Refractometer

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Digital cameras

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 – ACI Values

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