Quality Assurance Inspector

From its headquarters in Salinas, Markon Cooperative, Inc. provides fresh produce purchasing, logistics, information and marketing services exclusively to its five member distributors (Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Company, and Shamrock Foods Company) and their foodservice customers.

A leader in food safety, quality control and innovation, Markon is also mindful of the produce industry's impact on people – from field workers to consumers. At Markon, we put people first, and we offer a culture that values team work, loyalty, and a commitment to excellence.

Join our company and let’s redefine fresh, together!

We are seeking an experienced, passionate Quality Assurance Inspector to play an essential role on the Quality Assurance team. The ideal candidate under general direction, exhibits independence and personal discretion to provide critical field-level product inspection. Determines approvals which assure quality and food safety. Responds to rapidly changing field situations. Maintains accurate and timely inspection records. Participates regularly in the preparation, delivery and posting of educational videos in coordination with the Marketing department’s social network programs. Assists as needed with preparing field tour logistics and conducting field tours. At the Senior level, exhibits advanced experience, expertise and decision-making ability; assists with the training and support of Inspectors and requires minimal direction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FIELD AND FACILITY INSPECTION

• Continually upgrades knowledge and expertise to deliver high level field results that guarantee safety and quality.
• Performs inspections in Markon branded fields; rejects substandard products.
• Inspects coolers/processing facilities and finished products.
• Makes decisions and recommendations based on the results of inspections.
• Relocates to alternate sites/regions with the seasons.

OFFICE SUPPORT

• Emails pictures and information to other Inspectors and internal staff to enhance internal decision-making.
• Works with Product Management Teams to set, monitor and achieve daily production goals.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

• Helps to research customer complaints, providing timely feedback and/or corrections.
• Prepares quality updates to be used in member-correspondence.
• Participates regularly in the preparation of educational videos for Markon’s social network marketing.
• Assists in preparing and carrying out logistics for customer field tours.
• Must be comfortable discussing job functions and answering any questions in a group setting.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that provides the skills needed to successfully complete the essential functions; typically, through a Bachelors or Associates degree and/or expertise in the field of agriculture and food safety.

COMPUTER SKILLS
Computer literate, including knowledge of database entry and the ability to learn new programs.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Able to respond to basic inquiries, to read and write succinct and clear memos and reports and to present information to others. Conversational Spanish desired.

REASONING ABILITY
Defines problems, establishes facts and draw valid conclusions to guide actions and decisions.

REQUIRED LICENSE/OTHER

• Valid current driver’s license and a clean driving record required.
• Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates competency in job knowledge and essential responsibilities.
• Communication Skills - Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills.
• Customer Service Skills – Demonstrates tact, courtesy, and attention with internal and external contacts.
• Judgment & Problem Solving - Decisions and actions are sound, evaluates solutions and selects appropriate courses of action, involving others as necessary; ensures safe use of all Inspector equipment.
• Planning & Organizing – Develops short and long range goals and uses various tools to enhance personal effectiveness and team success
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Builds an environment that fosters teamwork and positive, supportive cooperation.
• Reliability - Consistently demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, professionalism and dependability, ensures work is completed in a timely manner.
• Leadership Skills – Models high standards of leadership; willingly exerts extra effort as needed to get the job done, demonstrates ‘big picture” thinking, commitment and flexibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ENVIRONMENT

• Approximately 90% of the time is spent outdoors in both fair and inclement weather and on a variety of uneven terrains.
• May work near moving mechanical parts/equipment that can be loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently: drive, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stand and walk; grasp with hands and fingers and lift up to 60 lbs.
• Continuously: handle or feel objects and tools, see (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus), hear and speak; key (i.e., computer, calculator).

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Frequently: computer, telephone, writing instruments, lettuce knife, hand scale, pulp thermometer,  and field truck.

TRAVEL
Daily driving and routine travel within close proximity; temporary seasonal work in other   California locations (e.g., Huron, Oxnard, Santa Maria), seasonal relocation to Yuma, Arizona for 4 to 5 months