QC Specialist

Peace River Citrus Products•Bartow, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Control Specialist ensures that product, packaging, and process standards comply with quality and food safety requirements at Peace River Citrus Products’ beverage base blending and packaging facility in Bartow, Florida. The role conducts quality audits by testing, collecting data, and analyzing raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. The position follows a 2-2-3 schedule from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with work schedules and overtime determined by business needs. The specialist performs product and process testing, monitors production and sanitation activities, maintains laboratory equipment and documentation, and supports compliance with FDA, USDA, GMP, and company Quality System requirements. The role may also assist blenders and perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Citrus and/or laboratory experience, or additional education that includes laboratory experience.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand instructions in English.
Ability to work eight-hour shifts, 12-hour shifts, or other schedules determined by business needs, including overtime as required.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks at a laboratory bench.
Ability to detect color changes in chemical testing.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Proven ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Good judgment and ability to make timely, sound decisions.
Ability to understand the big picture, think conceptually and strategically, and deliver measurable results as a hands-on contributor.
Commitment to excellence and high standards.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work with all levels of management and execute tasks independently with support from the senior manager.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work in an environment with constantly changing priorities.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with Windows-based applications, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Word.

Responsibilities

Analyze incoming ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products against specifications, including testing characteristics such as Brix, acid, flavor, color, pulp, taste, oil, ascorbic acid, and foreign material.
Monitor and inspect production lines to ensure product quality and package integrity meet specifications.
Verify the accuracy of product codes, labels, cases, cartons, packages, sleeves, seals, and shrink-wrap.
Check fill temperatures, fill weights, and fill heights of finished products.
Perform complete package quality inspections as required.
Collect samples for quality testing.
Perform microbiological analysis on incoming ingredients and finished products.
Complete documentation for quality checks, maintain accurate daily reports, and file Quality and Production paperwork.
Place raw materials and finished products on hold and monitor sorting of held product as needed.
Monitor quality checks performed by production.
Maintain analytical equipment and perform required daily calibrations.
Prepare standard solutions and reagents and use proper chemical handling procedures.
Monitor laboratory supply inventory and notify appropriate personnel when reordering is necessary.
Monitor and inspect sanitation activities and analyze CIP and acid sanitizer solutions.
Maintain equipment and work-area cleanliness in compliance with GMP standards.
Assist blenders as assigned by Supervisors or Team Leaders.
Comply with FDA, USDA, GMP policies, standard operating procedures, and requirements under the PRCP Quality System.
Perform tasks safely to support Quality, Food Safety, and Cost objectives.
Participate in the quality improvement process.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.