FirstFruits Farms, Washington’s largest Opal apple grower is ready to add a high caliber Post Harvest Quality Control Manager to our team. The Post Harvest QC Manager is responsible for protecting the quality of the fruit from post harvest storage through shipment. This position works collaboratively with the Production Manager, Orchard Managers, and Sales team to minimize fruit damage and maximize storage and quality. The Post Harvest QC Manager must be self-motivated and take initiative to analyze and address problems quickly with the production team. The ideal candidate will have several years of post-harvest fruit storage and controlled atmosphere experience; however, the ideal candidate could be someone with horticultural experience who is passionate about apples and looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity. The Post Harvest QC Manager must be dedicated to expanding their tree fruit knowledge and learning about season long storage plans for both conventional and organic apples.
Candidates must be strong team players capable of interacting across multiple levels of the organization, excellent communicator, teacher, well organized, and have a great attitude.
The Post Harvest QC Manager will supervise a team of individuals, including fruit storage, quality control, and refrigeration teams. The Post Harvest QC Manager reports directly to the CEO.
Due to the rapid growth in our operations, we currently have an opening for a full time Post Harvest QC Manager at our Prescott, WA location (close to the Tri Cities).
Strategic responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement an annual postharvest storage plan that maintains fruit quality throughout the storage term and supports key objectives outlined in the company’s packing plan and sales plan
- Utilize best management practices to evaluate and monitor fruit condition throughout the entire post harvest process, from receiving to shipping
- Manage and coordinate the activities of the Postharvest Management Quality Control Team, while assisting the team to meet organizational goals and objectives
- Help manage the department budget, tracking costs, and evaluating return-on-investment metrics
- Help coordinate the postharvest/production meetings to finalize weekly CA Room openings pack schedules
- Help monitor controlled-atmosphere conditions for all varieties throughout the storage process
- Coordinate a fruit sampling program to monitor fruit condition during the storage process
- Produce an annual report, evaluating storage regime outcomes, strengths, weaknesses and necessary changes and adjustments
- Develop and implement necessary export protocols to qualify fruit for Mexico, Taiwan, and China
- Manage all necessary record keeping and reporting systems
- Work with sales office to help manage aged inventories, and settle trouble reports
- Help identify strategies, methods, and systems to streamline processes and reduce operating costs
- Work with senior management to identify and implement processes aimed at improving communication, efficiency, productivity, and operational results
- Assist in the training and development of employees, including performance evaluation and discipline
- Support the company’s worker safety program and assist in the goal to reduce accidents and injuries
- Assist in the implementation of the company’s audited food safety, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship programs
- Work with senior management on an annual basis to outline strategies for selecting postharvest, packing and sanitation chemicals
- Maintain, update, and utilize a Process Safety Management plan for the safe operation of an ammonia refrigeration system
Requirements:
- Any combination of relevant education and/or tree-fruit experience; At least five-years of experience working with tree fruit storage or five-years of horticultural experience and the desire, energy, and ability to learn post-harvest fruit storage
- Prior experience leading teams
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work as a contributing team member
- Familiar with Project Safety Management and Risk Management plans as they relate to the safe operation of an ammonia refrigeration system
- Excellent organizational and communication skills – This is a key position requiring a consistent and persistent approach with people, processes, and systems
- Ability to set goals and priorities and then work to implement them successfully
- Ability to track trends, evaluate results and develop strategic reports that assist in making informed, solutions-based decisions
- Technical skills related to utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Must have a great attitude and a willingness to step outside of job title
- Ability to train, coach, motivate and discipline employees
- Must be able to read, write and communicate in English, being bilingual is a plus
- Some travel is required
- A valid Washington State Driver’s License
Benefits:
- Competitive wages (based on experience) starting at $70,000 per year
- Paid time off – vacation, sick and holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, long term disability & life insurance are all available with FirstFruits paying a significant portion of the monthly premium
- Onsite medical clinic and daycare
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
If you are ready to start your career with the leader in the Washington apple industry, please send us your resume and tell us why you love apples!
FirstFruits Farms is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
