Quality Control - Confidential #8553

We are a leading exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables located in Fresno, California.  We source a wide range of products from the US and overseas including citrus, grapes, pomegranates, blueberries and cherries. 

Our commitment to delivering the best product available to our customers and providing timely and accurate customer service is the foundation of our 30-years in business. 

The primary responsibility of this position is to evaluate and ensure commodities adhere to a predefined set of quality standards and meet customer requirements as well as USDA standards.   Among other requisites, this position will require an understanding of the various commodities that we handle as well as an understanding of various overseas markets.   Produce sales experience is greatly preferred. 

Salary:

Compensation will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors, as permitted by applicable law. Package includes 401K, Medical, Dental and Vision insurance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work as a member of the Quality Control team to inspect customer orders to ensure commodities meet customer’s specifications. 
• Prepare and generate field reports that are provided to customers in preparation of the start of any given season. 
• Prepare and generate commodity inspection reports to be forwarded to customers. 
• Provide timely customer service.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.  This could include assisting with customer visits to fields and packing houses, pickup customers at airports, etc.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and may perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements:
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Quality Control - inspections
• Understanding of Customer quality standards and expectations
• Preparing and sending QC reports
• Communication with sales, management, suppliers and customers.
• Work with the QC Team as needed and scheduled by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position will be considered. Typically, this includes:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience in Agriculture
• Second language a plus, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese or Korean
• 5+ years of direct or related experience in quality inspection and control within the produce industry is preferred.
• Produce sales experience is a definite plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The knowledge, skills, and abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully to perform the essential functions of this job. This list is not exhaustive, and additional qualifications may be required depending on business needs.

• Requires working knowledge of USDA grade standards.
• Working understanding of current Food Safety requirements for the various markets
• The ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• The ability to work independently and also in a team environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.  Excel and Word knowledge a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship building abilities
• Detail oriented and organized
• Excellent time management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively liaise with suppliers particularly in reference to conflict and or confrontational situations. 
• Ability to be on-call and to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Travel within the US and Overseas required for extended periods of time. 
• Depending on commodity season and location, exposure to weather elements either outside or in cold storage or packing house facilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The perishable industry is generally a stressful environment.  Nevertheless, as a company we strive to create an environment that supports employee growth, work life balance and fosters team work.

• Work Location: Office (10% to 20%) Packinghouses and fields (80% to 90%)
• Stress Level: Moderate to high, particularly high during peak seasons.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

A successful candidate is willing and able to meet the physical demands of this position.  These include: 

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking within packinghouses, cold storages and fields.
• Climb stairs
• Sustained frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hands, elbows, and arms.
• Frequently required to taste and or smell
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and focus.
• Drive for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift or move up to 50lbs overhead. 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

At-Will Employment Statement:

Employment is "at-will." This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or prior notice, in accordance with applicable state and federal law.