This role's schedule is 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday and will vary per business needs but will mostly be afternoon/evenings. 10 hour days are common so flexibility and the ability to work overtime is required.

Responsible for managing Quality Control related information for berries at the Berry Chill cooler in Watsonville. Responsibilities will include monitoring inventory rotation, conducting inspections of incoming and outgoing fruit. Incumbent will also assist with resolution of quality issues. The position reports directly to the Quality Manager and will take direction from the Strawberry Sourcing Manager.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Inspect fruit that arrives at the Cooler in accordance with QC standard operating procedure.
• Input quality results into log and system and generate reports.
• Make decisions based on the analysis of the fruit, applying basic knowledge of horticulture.
• Ability to utilize discretion, answer questions and make decisions in absence of Quality Manager.
• Work with Sales and Operations to make decisions and answer questions regarding the fruit or any segregation of the fruit.
• Commodity inspection of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
• Analyze data regarding fruit inspections, such as size and maturity of fruit, percentage of defects, etc.
• Communicate directly with the commodity manager on inventory rotation and slotting for sales orders.
• Review and confirm daily inbound grower receiving tickets.
• Daily update of cooler truck sign in sheet.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skill And Experience Requirements)

• Excellent communication skills required.
• Knowledge of berry fruits, such as production, pre- and post-harvest fruit behavior, etc. required.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office; intermediate level Excel and familiarity with Access required.
• Time-management, organizational skills and the ability to multi-task required.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Internal: Quality Control, Sales, Finance and Operations

External: Vendors, Growers and other cooler personnel

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 1-2 years of technical Agricultural experience required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift overhead up to 25 lbs. required.
• Ability to bend, reach, pull, push, scoot, climb ladders required.
• Must be able to work in cold weather for extended period of time.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time.

WORK HOUR REQUIREMENT

• Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays required

ROLE COMPETENCIES