Quality Assurance Supervisor - Helm & Boardman

SUMMARY: The Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day quality control activities and regulatory compliance at the company’s fertilizer and herbicide manufacturing facilities located in Helm, CA and Boardman, OR. This role provides direct supervision to QC personnel at each site and ensures that all products meet established quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

The QA Supervisor plays a critical role in maintaining testing accuracy, enforcing compliance with food safety and chemical regulations, supporting audit readiness, and promoting a culture of quality throughout plant operations. This position works closely with Plant Management and the QA Manager to ensure consistent execution of quality systems across both facilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons:

1. Multi-Site Quality Oversight (Helm, CA & Boardman, OR)

• Support the QA Manager in overseeing quality systems across both manufacturing facilities.
• Provide direct supervision and guidance to the QC team at each site.
• Ensure consistent implementation of QA policies, SOPs, and testing procedures across locations.
• Conduct routine site audits and inspections to verify adherence to quality and compliance standards.
• Assist in standardizing laboratory practices and documentation across facilities.

2. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations applicable to fertilizer and herbicide manufacturing, including USDA Organic (NOP), FDA, EPA, and state-specific requirements.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and documented quality procedures.
• Support preparation for regulatory inspections and third-party audits.
• Maintain required compliance documentation and records.
• Monitor regulatory updates and communicate changes to plant teams.

3. Laboratory & Testing Management

• Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished product testing activities.
• Ensure proper sampling techniques and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Review and verify test results prior to product release.
• Investigate deviations, non-conformances, and out-of-specification results.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and functioning properly.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and data integrity.

4. Organic Certification & Traceability

• Ensure compliance with organic certification requirements for fertilizer products.
• Maintain traceability systems for raw materials and finished goods.
• Support mock recalls and ensure readiness for actual recall events.
• Verify supplier documentation and certificates of analysis (COAs).
• Ensure accurate product labeling and regulatory statements.

5. Environmental & Chemical Safety Compliance

• Ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of chemicals used in fertilizer and herbicide production.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) files and ensure accessibility.
• Support compliance with environmental air quality and hazardous material regulations.
• Coordinate with Safety and Operations teams to minimize compliance risks.

6. Training, Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Train and mentor QC staff on testing procedures, GMPs, documentation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate QC team performance and provide coaching and development.
• Track quality KPIs such as non-conformances, rework, and testing accuracy.
• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance product consistency and reduce waste.
• Promote a proactive quality culture throughout plant operations.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Quality Management, Agriculture, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Control within food, agriculture, fertilizer, chemical, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong working knowledge of USDA Organic (NOP), FDA, EPA, and applicable state regulations.
• Experience supervising or leading QC or laboratory personnel preferred.
• HACCP Certification required.
• FSMA PCQI Certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of GMPs, traceability systems, and regulatory documentation.
• Experience managing audits and regulatory inspections.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, quality management systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel between Helm, CA and Boardman, OR facilities as required.
• Embrace our G.R.E.A.T. core values: Always Growing, Relentless Solutions, Excellence with Empathy, Ambitious Adaptability, and Trustworthy Team spirit.

CORE COMPETENCIES & SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Strong regulatory and food safety knowledge
• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team development capability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Process improvement mindset
• Accountability and execution focus
• Strong communication and reporting skills
• Ability to influence quality culture at all levels

Overall Performance Metrics

• Reduction in non-conformances and audit findings
• Successful completion of regulatory inspections and certifications
• On-time closure of corrective actions
• Accuracy and completeness of laboratory documentation
• Traceability and recall readiness performance
• Reduction in out-of-specification product occurrences
• QC team performance and training completion rates
• Product quality consistency across both sites

WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

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 accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• • Work performed in both laboratory and manufacturing plant environments.
  • Frequent exposure to fertilizer materials, herbicide components, dust, noise, and industrial equipment.
  • Occasional exposure to chemicals and raw materials used in production.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, and walk production floors regularly.
  • Travel between Helm, CA and Boardman, OR required.
  • Extended periods of computer work for documentation and reporting.
  • Ability to analyze data and make quality-related decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Salary : $85,000 - $125,000