Intern, Field Operations and Grower Representative

TITLE

Intern, Field Operations & Grower Representative

LOCATION

Oxnard, CA

Compensation:

Pay range $19/hr. to $24/hr.

Housing allowance (for applicable students)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following although other duties may be assigned:

• Works closely with processing manager to assure coordination of field fruit deliveries.
• Determine daily crate volume by obtaining early morning on-site ranch estimates. Adjusts estimates throughout afternoon re-check of harvesting ranches. Immediately reports any significant volume changes.
• Obtains, records, and passes information to processing manager and plant manager on probable next day crate volume.
• Advises the plant manager and QC manager immediately when poor quality (soft, catfacing, contamination, etc.) is evident on any particular grower's ranch.
• Works with growers to get harvested freezer fruit delivered to the processing plant and/or receiving station as quickly as possible.
• Ensures proper contact and relationships with the growers.
• Assures that all crates and pallets are distributed to the growers on an as-needed basis to prevent grower stockpiling.
• At season's end, assures all crates and pallets are returned to the Oxnard plant yard for storage, inventory, and repair.
• Obtain pesticide reports from the growers when requested and deliver to the Plant Manager.
• Maintain proper inventories of crate and pallets at receiving stations. Assures crates and pallets are cleaned properly prior to grower distribution.
• Works with Oxnard plant supervisor/office personnel on any grower weight tag/ grading sheet discrepancies. Delivers and explains corrected documentation to the growers.
• Schedule trucking to pick up fruit from the receiving stations for timely delivery to the Oxnard plant.
• Works with our growers to ensure all of their daily deliveries are made early enough to permit same day processing.
• Addresses any and all other concerns/problems as directed by the Plant Manager.
• Works with Oxnard processing manager to establish daily production schedule.
• Coordinates distribution of raw fruit.
• Records yield data from experimental varieties and other research plots.
• Takes fruit samples as needed for lab evaluation.
• Conducts special tests, evaluations, and projects as requested by the QC Manager.
• Visually observes plant development and records.
• Inspects daily and audit grower field Good Agricultural Practices monthly using Field Sanitation Check list. Immediately follows up on deficiencies.
• Other duties as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Minimum Requirements:

• Be enrolled in a 4-year degree program, Food Science, Logistics or Agri-Business major highly desired
• Ability to read, write and speak Spanish
• Available April through the end of August

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:  

• Able to work weekends, overtime, and night shifts.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership skills.

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