What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Control Specialist position at AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP?
The Quality Control (QC) Specialist at AMVAC’s Axis manufacturing plant is responsible for executing and supporting a broad range of quality control functions within the laboratory and manufacturing environment. This role combines analytical testing expertise with ownership of quality systems and processes, including investigations, documentation, and compliance activities.
The QC Specialist serves as a key link between laboratory operations and the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring that data generated in the lab is accurately interpreted, investigated, and applied to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance. This role requires both technical laboratory capability and the ability to support and lead quality-related activities across the site.
AMVAC, an American Vanguard Corporation is a diversified agricultural and specialty products company focusing on crop protection, turf and ornamental markets, and public health applications. We hone our talent, strategy and seasoned experience to better serve the expanding needs of a modern world.
Job Duties
- Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing, including techniques such as GC, HPLC, and wet chemistry, on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products
- Interpret analytical results to determine compliance with established specifications and investigate atypical or out-of-specification results
- Troubleshoot analytical methods, instrumentation, and laboratory processes as needed, and support method verification, transfer, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Lead or support quality investigations related to out-of-specification results, nonconforming materials, and customer complaints
- Conduct root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies and develop appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
- Ensure investigations are thoroughly documented, completed in a timely manner, and aligned with company procedures and quality standards
- Execute and support Quality Management System (QMS) activities, including document control, change management, and deviation or nonconformance tracking
- Participate in internal audits and support audit readiness activities, ensuring compliance with internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and company quality policies
- Collaborate cross-functionally with production, R&D, procurement, and logistics teams to resolve quality issues and support product quality decisions, including material disposition
- Communicate analytical findings, investigation outcomes, and quality recommendations clearly and effectively to relevant stakeholders
- Support laboratory operations as needed, including management of laboratory inventory, procurement of supplies and reagents, and maintenance of an organized and compliant laboratory environment
- Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to QC Technicians and other laboratory personnel, as applicable
- Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in laboratory operations, data integrity, and quality processes
- Participate in initiatives to enhance efficiency, standardize practices across sites, and strengthen overall quality system performance.
- Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to laboratory safety procedures is required - The role routinely uses laboratory equipment, analytical instrumentation, and chemicals commonly used in analytical testing
- Available to work nights / weekends / rotating shifts as needed
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong working knowledge of analytical laboratory techniques: GC (gas chromatography); HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography); wet chemistry
- Ability to accurately interpret analytical data and determine compliance with established specifications (GC; HPLC; other instruments)
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot analytical methods, instrumentation, and atypical results, along with a solid understanding of laboratory best practices, safety standards, and data integrity principles
- Proven capability to lead or support quality investigations, including out-of-specification results, nonconforming materials, and customer complaints, using structured problem-solving approaches such as root cause analysis
- Ability to develop, implement, and document corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), assess risk, and make sound, data-driven quality decisions
- Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including document control, change management, and deviation or nonconformance processes, along with experience supporting or participating in internal or external audits
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance expectations within a manufacturing or laboratory environment
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, R&D, procurement, and logistics, and to communicate technical information, investigation outcomes, and quality recommendations clearly and effectively
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Experience supporting laboratory operations such as inventory management, procurement of supplies, and maintenance of an organized and compliant laboratory workspace
- Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, training, or mentorship to QC Technicians, chemists, and other laboratory personnel, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for quality outcomes and continuous improvement
- Must pass pre-employment background check and physical
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline
Experience Requirements
- 3 years of analytical laboratory experience
- Experience operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, or similar systems
- Experience supporting laboratory investigations or quality system activities preferred
- Experience working in a manufacturing or quality control laboratory environment preferred
BENEFITS
AMVAC, an American Vanguard company, offers exceptional benefits and drives success by investing in our employees’ future.
- Industry leading Medical (PPO Insurance), Dental, and Vision care with low out-of-pocket costs
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
- Employee Stock Purchasing Plan (ESPP) offered
- Vacation; Holidays and more!
AMVAC, an American Vanguard company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.