Quality Control (QC) Specialist

Position Summary

The Quality Control Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all plants and nursery products meet company quality standards before being shipped to customers. This position plays an important role in maintaining plant health, order accuracy, customer satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, knowledge of nursery plants, and the ability to work closely with production, distribution, and logistics teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Plant Quality Inspection

• Inspect plants for overall health, appearance, size, and quality.
• Identify signs of disease, pests, damage, or poor plant growth.
• Ensure plants meet company standards before being approved for shipment.
• Verify proper plant labeling, varieties, and container sizes.
• Identify and report plants that do not meet quality requirements.

2. Order Accuracy and Verification

• Verify that customer orders contain the correct plant varieties, quantities, and sizes.
• Inspect completed orders before loading and shipping.
• Ensure plants are properly organized and prepared for transportation.
• Communicate discrepancies to the appropriate departments.
• Assist with correcting order errors before shipment.

3. Shipping and Distribution Quality

• Inspect plant racks, pallets, and shipping materials for proper loading and stability.
• Ensure plants are handled carefully to prevent damage.
• Monitor loading practices to maintain plant quality during transportation.
• Coordinate with distribution and logistics personnel to ensure shipments meet customer expectations.

4. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of quality inspections and identified issues.
• Document damaged, unhealthy, mislabeled, or incorrect plants.
• Report recurring quality concerns to management.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to reduce plant waste, shipping errors, and customer complaints.

5. Team Communication and Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with production, inventory, distribution, and logistics departments.
• Communicate quality expectations to team members.
• Assist in improving quality control procedures.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Promote accountability and consistency in nursery quality standards.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in horticulture, nursery operations, agriculture, or quality control preferred.
• Knowledge of plant varieties, sizes, and quality standards preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to identify plant damage, disease, and quality concerns.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills for inspection reports and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced nursery environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work around nursery equipment, forklifts, and loading areas while following safety procedures.

Performance Expectations

The Quality Control Specialist is expected to:

• Maintain consistent plant quality standards.
• Minimize incorrect or damaged plant shipments.
• Reduce customer complaints and product returns.
• Identify and communicate quality issues promptly.
• Support accurate and timely order fulfillment.
• Contribute to improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Position Objective

To ensure that every plant leaving the nursery meets company quality standards, orders are accurate, and customers consistently receive healthy, properly identified, and high-quality nursery products.