Quality Control Inspector for Walnuts

We are seeking seasonal Quality Control Inspectors to join our QA/QC team during Walnut harvest season. QC Inspectors monitor product quality throughout receiving, processing, and packing, ensuring compliance with USDA/DFA grading standards, customer specifications, and food safety programs. This role is essential in protecting our reputation for premium-quality walnuts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform incoming inspections on walnut lots, including sampling, sizing, moisture testing, and grading for defects and color.
• Inspect product during processing for compliance with USDA/DFA and customer specifications.
• Document all inspection results in QC logs and digital tracking systems.
• Identify and report non-conformances to supervisors for corrective action.
• Verify correct lot labeling and maintain traceability throughout the production process.
• Conduct in-line inspections on packing lines to ensure weight accuracy, product integrity, and packaging compliance.
• Work closely with production leads and forklift drivers to pull representative samples.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and organized QC workspace.
• Follow GMPs, HACCP guidelines, and SQF program requirements at all times.

Qualifications:

• Prior QC or QA experience in food processing preferred (nuts, produce, or similar agricultural products).
• Knowledge of USDA/DFA walnut grading standards a plus (training provided).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.
• Ability to follow established inspection protocols and communicate findings clearly.
• Basic computer skills for entering inspection data.
• English proficiency required; bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs. regularly, 50 lbs. occasionally.

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly rate (DOE) with overtime opportunities during peak harvest.
• On-site training on USDA/DFA grading standards, food safety, and QC procedures.
• Work in a modern facility with advanced inspection and sorting technology.
• Opportunity to return for future harvest seasons or transition into year-round QC roles.

Skills

Quality Control (QC)

Product Inspection

HACCP Procedures

SQF Certified

USDA/DFA Grading Standards

DeRuosi Nut is a walnut processing facility located in the fertile San Joaquin County. Our facility processes a wide variety of both inshell and shelled walnuts including; Chandler, Howard, Hartley, Tulare and Livermore.

In 1947, Michael DeRuosi Sr. was drawn to California by the promise of fertile agricultural ground, reminding him of the lands his family had farmed for generations. After serving in WWII, he purchased an existing fruit dehydrator in Escalon, California, to begin his journey in the food processing industry. The plant processed a range of commodities over several decades, including raisins, apricots, prunes, and eventually walnuts. As a family-run business, Michael DeRuosi III began assisting his grandfather at the age of 12, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the food processing industry.

After graduating with a business degree, Michael DeRuosi III embarked on a successful career in various industries, including real estate and banking. In 1994, he returned to partner with his grandfather, and together they founded DeRuosi Nut, specializing in processing California walnuts. Since then, the company has grown conservatively and steadily into one of California's premier walnut processors, now processing nearly 50 million pounds of California walnuts annually.

DeRuosi Nut's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a well-deserved reputation in the food processing industry. They are dedicated to producing the highest quality product, and their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. As they continue to expand and innovate, DeRuosi Nut remains a trusted name in the industry, delivering top-notch products to customers worldwide.