QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas; Searcy (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist role with the State of Arkansas supports the quality management team by performing foundational QA tasks, inspections, and data documentation. This entry‑level position offers hands‑on training and exposure to the full QA process.

Under supervision, you will assist with inspections, collect data, and help implement corrective actions to ensure compliance with standards and regulations. Great for recent graduates seeking to start a QA career.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Experience in quality assurance reviews, documentation and reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Technology, Quality Assurance, Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine inspections and testing using approved methods.
• Collect and record samples and test data to monitor product quality against benchmarks.
• Maintain logs of quality test results, inspection checklists, non‑conformance incidents.
• Prepare quality reports and summarize findings for senior QA team.
• Input and validate quality data using spreadsheets or specialized software.
• Support trend analysis to identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with production, operations and engineering to address quality issues.
• Participate in quality training and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Quality assurance experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Technology, Quality Assurance, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Quality assurance software

Job description

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Position Number: 22101486
County: White
Posting End Date: October 8, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary:

Frequent in-state travel is required, and overnight stay as needed.

Inspects and evaluates community-based programs for initial licensure compliance and for voluntary or non-voluntary closure. Provides technical assistance for proposed and existing community-based programs.

Inspects and evaluates proposed and existing programs by conducting on-site physical plant inspections of facilities and operations.Incorporates Life Safety Codes into onsite inspections. Reviews construction plans, takes measurements of new construction and existing sites.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Professional written and verbal communication

Experience in quality assurance reviews, documentation and reporting

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Quality Assurance

Classification: Quality Assurance Specialist

Class Code: PQA03P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 – $77,163

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist supports the quality management team by performing foundational quality control tasks. This role is integral to guaranteeing that products or services meet internal quality standards and comply with industry regulations. The specialist works under the close supervision of experienced quality professionals, helping to conduct inspections, document findings, and implement basic corrective actions as needed. This is an ideal position for recent graduates or candidates starting their careers in quality assurance, as it offers hands‑on training and exposure to the full quality assurance process.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist with routine inspections and testing of products or processes using approved methods.Collect and record samples and test data to monitor product quality against established benchmarks.Maintain detailed logs of quality test results, inspection checklists, and non-compliance incidents.Assist in preparing quality reports and summarizing findings for review by the senior quality assurance team.Input and validate quality data using spreadsheets or specialized software.Support personnel with preliminary analysis of quality trends to identify potential areas for improvement.Ensure adherence to agency quality standards, procedures, and safety protocols.Aid in internal audits by preparing supporting documents and aiding with follow‑up on corrective actions.Collaborate with production, operations, and engineering teams to communicate quality issues and propose enhancements.Participate in training sessions and quality improvement initiatives to maintain current knowledge of industry best practices.

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to clearly report findings and collaborate effectively with team members and supervisors.Familiarity with quality assurance software, spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel), and general computer skills.Basic analytical skills to assist in identifying quality deviations and supporting the resolution process.Openness to training and a strong desire to build a career in quality assurance.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Technology, Quality Assurance, Engineering, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.