Intern-FSQA Operations

Title: Food Safety Quality Assurance Operations Intern Salary Range: $20.00 - $22.00 Hourly
Status: Non-Exempt Days/Shifts: M-F
Location: Bessemer City, NC Reports to: Sr. FSQA Manager
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GENERAL DISCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Operations Intern will help establish a baseline understanding of quality performance of romaine, iceberg lettuce and spinach at our processing facility, identify common failure points, and recommend procedural improvements to support more consistent quality outcomes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS / DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Learn basic quality attributes for romaine, iceberg lettuce and spinach and conduct quality evaluations
• Define and standardize defect names and categories (e.g. decay, wilting, discoloration, bruising) for each commodity, with relevant photo examples
• Establish a baseline quality profile for each commodity at receipt, and at finished product
• Identify where quality breaks down most often (arrival, storage, handling)
• Collect available data into a single, simple tracking format
• Compare and analyze quality trends across products, suppliers, and seasons
• Create If/Then Flow Diagram based on specs, capabilities and rejection data
• Make recommendations for the creation or modification of SOPs for product quality improvement
• Collaborate with R&D, Ag Operations, FSQA Supply Chain and Operations teams on quality-related issues
• Create and deliver a final presentation to the executive team
• Other duties as assigned

Internship Details

• Summer 2026, 12-week internship
• 100% onsite (not a remote internship)
• Pay Rate: $20 - $22 per hour
• No relocation or housing assistance provided

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Solid analytical, critical thinking, data reporting and statistical analysis skills strongly preferred
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills required
• Strong Organizational Skills, Computer Skills, and Communication Skills required
• Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear.
• Ability to maneuver around an array of equipment, bend, stoop, climb stairs, lift up to 25 pounds, identify and distinguish colors, and work in a cold environment.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground
• Ability to work in various weather conditions

WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Full time, 40-hour workweek, no overtime expected
• Flexible as needed with ability to work outside typical business hours (early morning or late evening may be needed on occasion)
• No travel expected

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Fall 2026 rising junior, senior or graduate student obtaining a degree in Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Horticulture, Biology, Food Science, Environmental Science, Post-Harvest, or a related field

EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) English
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Spanish
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) English
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Spanish
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)