Quality Control Technician (Tobacco) - Seasonal

Our Company

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, manages dark air-cured tobacco operations in the traditional growing areas of the United States. The company contracts directly with local farmers and exports globally.

The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long-term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary 

The Tobacco Sorter is responsible for working with the Agronomy department to inspect, open, feel, and sort tobacco leaves based on quality, texture, condition, and intended use. This seasonal role requires strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, dependability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a small team in a production-style agricultural environment.

• This is a seasonal position, typically scheduled from October through April.
• Work is generally three to five days per week, depending on receiving schedules and business needs.
• Typical hours are 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; however, start and end times may vary based on daily operations.
• Work weeks may vary depending on tobacco receiving volume and department needs.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Work with the Agronomy department to sort tobacco leaves into appropriate classifications, including wrapper, binder, straight strip, and filler.
• Use hands to open tobacco leaves, feel texture, and evaluate stretch, oil content, and overall leaf condition.
• Inspect leaves for imperfections such as holes, green spots, black spots, white spots, insect damage, dead areas, tears, and other quality concerns.
• Separate leaves according to established quality standards, specifications, and department direction.
• Handle tobacco carefully to avoid unnecessary damage during inspection and sorting.
• Work as part of a team of approximately six to seven employees to complete sorting activities efficiently and accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all safety procedures, department instructions, and company policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to follow verbal instructions and work safely in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify visible leaf defects and quality differences.
• Ability to use hands for repetitive sorting, opening, handling, and inspecting tobacco leaves.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality during the seasonal work period.
• Ability to work flexible days and hours based on receiving schedules and operating needs.
• Previous agricultural, sorting, grading, production, or quality inspection experience is helpful but not required.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, reach, and use hands for extended periods during sorting activities.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements throughout the workday.
• Ability to visually inspect tobacco leaves and identify differences in color, texture, condition, and quality.
• Ability to work in an environment that may include dust, dirt, and natural tobacco debris.

Preferred Requirements

Previous agricultural, sorting, grading, production, or quality inspection experience