Quality Assurance Coordinator

Department: Quality Assurance

Location: Northwest Hazelnut Co

Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular Full-Time

Shift: Full-Time, Day Shift (Monday–Friday, 8–10 hour shifts; occasional weekends, evenings, and harvest coverage)

Reports to: Quality Assurance Supervisor

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Hourly: $19.00 - $22.00

ABOUT US:

We are the largest processor and marketer of hazelnuts in the United States. Our company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the hazelnut industry. We are proud to say that our founders aimed to secure great financial returns for farm families by working with local growers. Our company’s commitment to the community, sustainability, and ethical practices have been a standard of our operation. We are a local, family-owned company, and we keep that family atmosphere at our core. Global reach. Zero drama and a great team!

About the Role

The Quality Assurance Coordinator is an integral part of the day-to-day operation of the plant. High standards of professionalism are expected. This role verifies and maintains the facility’s SQF Food Safety and Quality Management System as part of the overall quality program within HGO. The Coordinator champions food safety and quality culture, keeps programs current, and supports Shift Leaders, Supervisors, and Management so product meets our standards.

HGO is a seasonal food processing facility. During harvest, quality control personnel may be required to provide 24-hour, 7-day schedule coverage.

The Quality Assurance Coordinator Responsibilities Include:

Food Safety and Quality Programs

· Responsible for the maintenance and ongoing improvement of the following food safety programs: SQF, FSMA, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, Halal, and Organic.

· Be the champion of food safety and quality culture and promote awareness of SQF requirements throughout the facility.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all SQF-related programs, including HACCP, prerequisite programs, and corrective actions.

· Review, revise, and control SQF documents and records.

· Attend and participate in ongoing training, as required by regulatory and SQF standards.

Monitoring, Audits, and Response

· Report failure to meet Quality and Food Safety Standards to the Shift Leaders, Supervisors, and Management and document any corrective action taken.

· Plan, conduct, and document internal audits of the SQF system and facility programs.

· Coordinate product traceability, recall, and withdrawal exercises.

· Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to food safety and quality.

· Work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Production Support

· When the production schedule dictates, perform general labor duties, including preparing and packaging product into market-ready containers using machines, pneumatic tools, scales, tape guns, labeling machines, and various hand tools.

· Manually transfer product weighing 50 pounds or more from one location to another.

· Work on an inspection belt sorting product.

· Perform plant cleanup duties using brooms, shovels, water hoses, vacuum cleaners, and various hand tools.

· Any other tasks, as assigned.

Qualifications

· Leadership: 1 year (Required).

· Food manufacturing: 2+ years (Preferred).

· Quality Assurance: 2+ years (Preferred).

· Bilingual Spanish/English Required.

· Strong computer literacy for the functions of the position, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.

· Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

· Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.

· Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends or evenings, as needed for audits, special projects, or harvest coverage.

· Open to applicants who do not have a college diploma.

· Work authorization: United States (Required).

WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US:

• Join one of the fastest-growing companies in the hazelnut industry and find opportunities to grow in your career!
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays according to company policy.
• 401(k) plan with an exceptional 233% employer match on the first 6% contributed by the employee.
• We invest in your development!
• Benefit conditions: a waiting period may apply. Only full-time employees are eligible.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods across processing and quality areas; occasional lifting and manual transfer of product weighing 10–25 pounds, up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable in a processing environment (cool/humid, loud—PPE required).
• Employees are issued PPE, which may include a face mask, gloves, boots, and lab coat, and are required to wear it while working in the processing plant. Hands must be washed before entering production or the lab.
• Exposure to allergens (hazelnuts, etc.); must follow strict protocols.
• Ability to talk/hear in a manufacturing setting.
• Full-time role with potential for extended hours, weekends, evenings, or shift coverage during harvest, audits, or special projects.
• This role is on-site. Remote work is not available.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Ability to Commute:

• Hubbard, OR 97032 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hubbard, OR 97032: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person