Quality & Safety Assurance Specialist
Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Quality & Safety Assurance Specialist is responsible for maintaining product quality, employee safety, and regulatory compliance throughout all cultivation, processing, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution activities. This position supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality assurance programs, food-grade manufacturing practices, workplace safety initiatives, and state cannabis regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to maintaining a culture of quality, compliance, and safety in a highly regulated environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Monitor and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across cultivation, manufacturing, packaging, and storage operations.
- Conduct routine quality inspections and audits to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Verify product labeling, packaging, lot tracking, and inventory controls.
- Review batch production records and quality control documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Investigate quality incidents, product deviations, complaints, and non-conforming products.
- Assist with product recalls, corrective actions, and preventive actions (CAPA) when necessary.
- Support testing programs and ensure products meet state-mandated laboratory testing requirements.
- Maintain quality records and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
- Assist with internal and external audits by regulatory agencies and third-party inspectors.
Workplace Safety
- Conduct regular facility safety inspections and identify potential hazards.
- Monitor compliance with OSHA standards, company safety policies, and applicable state regulations.
- Investigate workplace incidents, injuries, near misses, and safety concerns.
- Develop and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Coordinate safety training programs and maintain training records.
- Support emergency preparedness and response programs.
- Ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout the facility.
- Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical safety documentation.
Training & Employee Support
- Assist with onboarding and training of new employees regarding quality standards, GMP practices, sanitation, safety procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Conduct refresher training and competency assessments.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Serve as a resource for employees regarding quality, safety, and compliance questions.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate quality and safety records.
- Generate reports on audits, inspections, incidents, corrective actions, and compliance activities.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality and safety.
- Assist management with preparation for regulatory inspections and license renewals.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Quality Assurance, Occupational Safety, Food Science, Manufacturing, Biology, Environmental Health, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in quality assurance, compliance, manufacturing, food production, pharmaceutical production, cannabis operations, or a related regulated industry.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation practices, and quality management systems.
- Understanding of workplace safety principles and OSHA regulations.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic recordkeeping systems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
- HACCP, SQF, Lean, Six Sigma, or quality management certifications.
- Experience conducting internal audits and corrective action investigations.
- Knowledge of Minnesota regulations or other state regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with seed-to-sale tracking systems.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in cultivation, manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective clothing.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures and humidity levels associated with cultivation and manufacturing operations.
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary: $50,000-$55,000
· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
· Life Insurance
· Paid Time Off (PTO)
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
