Quality Control Associate

Job Description Job Description

Summary and Objectives:

The Quality Associate is an entry-level position responsible for supporting basic quality control activities within a pallet manufacturing environment. This role assists QC Technicians and the QC Coordinator with routine inspection tasks, material handling, and documentation while learning the fundamentals of pallet inspection, defect identification, and standard quality procedures. The Quality Associate helps maintain consistent product quality and supports efficient production flow by following established checklists, reporting obvious quality concerns, and developing the skills needed to progress into a QC Technician role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist QC Technicians and Coordinators in performing basic inspections of raw materials, in-process pallets, and finished products

2. Learn and apply basic visual inspection techniques to identify obvious defects such as splits, warping, or damaged lumber

3. Assist with measuring pallet dimensions using tape measures and other basic tools under the guidance of QC staff

4. Sort, stack, and move materials and pallets to support inspection, staging, and rework processes

5. Tag or segregate visibly nonconforming materials and pallets as directed

6. Record basic inspection data and observations under the guidance of QC Technicians or the Coordinator

7. Maintain cleanliness and organization of inspection areas and workstations

8. Assist with rework tasks, including sorting, restacking, or minor repair of nonconforming pallets

9. Follow established inspection checklists and standard work instructions consistently

10. Report obvious quality concerns or unsafe conditions to a QC Technician, Coordinator, or Supervisor

11. Support basic data entry and recordkeeping for quality tracking and reporting

12. Assist with material handling and staging for inspection, rework, or shipment

13. Follow all safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE)

14. Participate in on-the-job training to develop inspection skills and quality knowledge

15. Perform other quality-related tasks as assigned by QC staff or the Supervisor

Minimum Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED preferred

No prior quality inspection experience required; this is an entry-level position

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and established procedures

Basic math skills (counting and basic measurement)

Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding manufacturing environment

Willingness to learn inspection tools, techniques, and quality standards

Strong attention to detail and reliability

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or other labor-intensive environment

Exposure to the pallet or wood products industry

Basic familiarity with hand tools such as tape measures and gauges

Interest in developing toward a QC Technician role

Basic data entry or recordkeeping experience

Core Competencies:

1. Humility (lacks ego, team agenda, transparent, trainable, servant orientation)

2. Hungry (extra mile, internally driven, self-starter, excellence, passionate, change agent)

3. People Smart (interpersonal, group dynamics, influential, self-aware, motivating)

4. Competent (knows and can accomplish the task at hand - job, challenges, requirements)

5. Integrity (honest, reliable, transparent, strong character, loyal, righteous)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The Quality Associate role requires continuous physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout the shift. The position involves frequent handling of lumber and pallets, with lifting requirements typically up to 40-50 pounds. The Associate must visually inspect materials and finished pallets for obvious defects, requiring attention to detail and close visual focus. Repetitive motions such as measuring, lifting, sorting, and stacking are common throughout the workday.

Work Environment:

This position operates on the production floor of a pallet manufacturing facility, with regular exposure to dust, wood debris, noise, and moving machinery such as saws, nail guns, conveyors, and forklifts. The environment may include varying temperatures depending on weather and facility conditions. The Quality Associate is required to follow all safety guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots. The role requires working efficiently in a fast-paced, production-driven setting while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality.

Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position that will be assigned to a certain shift (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Days and hours of work are normally Monday through Friday, with an 8-to-12-hour work period per day. Exact time of day depends on the assigned shift. Some overtime, night, and/or weekend work is required as needed.

Travel:

This position requires little to no travel.

AAP/EEO Statement:

All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related decisions are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Company Description

Tree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA, TX), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build a great team, valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.

Company Description Tree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA, TX), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build a great team, valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.