Quality Assurance Grading Specialist

Butterball•Huntsville, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for poultry grading and certification activities under the Alternative Poultry Grading (APG) Pilot Program ensuring officially graded or certified products meet applicable USDA quality standards, specifications, labeling requirements, and facility procedures outlined in the approved QA Grading Manual. Performs quality evaluations and for identified nonconforming products notifies the appropriate personnel, recommends process adjustments, places products on hold, and supports restriction of shipment when products do not meet established standards or certification requirements. Follows approved procedures, maintains accurate records, and helps protect the integrity of the official grading and certification activities. At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We proudly believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily. Whether you choose to work at one of our five (5) manufacturing facilities in NC, AR, MO, farms in AR, NC, and KS, corporate office in NC, IL, or in the field, we believe we have an opportunity for everyone to succeed. At Butterball, we believe in fostering a culture where every team member is valued, has the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to our success. Join us in our Purpose and apply for an opportunity today!

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
3 + years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role
Must complete required QA Grader training and demonstrate grading proficiency; training must be completed upon hiring or assignment to the role and refreshed on a recurring basis, at least annually
Working knowledge of applicable poultry grading standards, product specifications, defect criteria, and plant quality procedures
Basic understanding of labeling controls, product holds, rework procedures, and equipment verification requirements
Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures, sampling plans, specifications, QA Grading Manual requirements, and quality standards consistently
Skilled at performing accurate visual inspection and product evaluation in a fast-paced production environment
Strong attention to detail, recordkeeping accuracy, and ability to document findings clearly
Firm interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills with the ability to communicate quality concerns promptly with a diverse population (i.e., production, QA, USDA representatives, etc.)
Sound judgment with the ability to recognize nonconforming products, communication appropriately, and support appropriate corrective actions
Ability to maintain consistency in applying quality procedures and standards without bias
Ability to work assigned production shifts and provide adequate coverage when officially graded or certified products are produced
Firm time management, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in poultry processing, quality assurance, grading, inspection, food safety, or production

Responsibilities

Performs random, unbiased sampling and quality evaluations of officially graded or certified poultry carcasses, parts, and further processed products to verify compliance with USDA grading and certification requirements, Grade A standards, Federal Purchase Program Specifications, commercial specifications, End Product Data Schedules, and facility quality standards.
Evaluates products at designated grading stations for defects, contamination, adulteration, readiness-to-cook requirements, and other quality or certification criteria to ensure ongoing compliance throughout production.
Records sample results, timestamps, production downtime, retained product quantities, and other required verification data accurately and promptly.
Communicates unacceptable results, excessive defects, process concerns, or required adjustments to the designated contact or QA leader.
Initiates or supports product hold procedures for products that fail to meet grading or certification requirements and verifies proper identification, segregation, disposition, and reinspection of retained product.
Assists in maintaining product hold logs, training records, label logs, production volume records, and other documentation required by the QA Grading Manual.
Verifies that official USDA grade marks, shields, stamps, or certification markings are used only on eligible products that meet requirements.
Supports verification of scales, thermometers, water meters, and other measuring equipment when applicable.
Participates in USDA plant reviews, comparative samples, quarterly audits, and corrective action activities as needed.
Follows approved Plan, Do, Check, Act procedures and help identify preventive and corrective actions to maintain program integrity.
Maintains effective communication and collaboration across internal and external partners (i.e., QA leadership, production team, USDA Graders, USDA Auditors, etc.).