Advisor, Post-Harvest Technical

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Responsible to lead, evaluate, and optimize the daily operations related to chemical application and decay control within the post-harvest produce sector. This role is responsible for ensuring the effective and compliant use of post-harvest treatments to maintain product quality, extend shelf life, and minimize loss. The position involves assessing current practices, recommending improvements based on industry standards and scientific research, and directing teams to implement best-in-class procedures that support food safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Essential Job functions/ Duties:

Customer Facility Evaluations

Conduct routine visits to customer packing facilities following a scheduled route. Assess fruit condition and decay levels weekly, evaluate current decay control practices, and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with the Sales Manager and customers to implement enhancements that reduce postharvest losses.

Customer Facility Evaluations

Conduct routine visits to customer packing facilities following a scheduled route. Assess fruit condition and decay levels weekly, evaluate current decay control practices, and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with the Sales Manager and customers to implement enhancements that reduce postharvest losses.

Chemical and Wax Application Monitoring

Monitor wax and chemical application rates during packinghouse operations. Report discrepancies to the supervisor and, upon approval, coordinate with Service Technician Representatives to adjust application systems. Verify that target rates are achieved post-adjustment. Collect fruit and liquid samples to assess fungicide residue levels and ensure compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Conduct field titrations to determine fungicide concentrations in aqueous solutions.

Fungicide Resistance Surveillance

Collect airborne spore samples within packinghouses to evaluate resistance to postharvest fungicides. Analyze findings to guide treatment strategies and maintain efficacy of decay control measures.

Customer Facility Evaluations

Conduct routine visits to customer packing facilities following a scheduled route. Assess fruit condition and decay levels weekly, evaluate current decay control practices, and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with the Sales Manager and customers to implement enhancements that reduce postharvest losses.

Technical Support and Research Assistance

Support various technical activities including:

Assisting in research trials and efficacy testing of new and existing decay control materials.
Preparing titration solutions for Service Technicians and regulatory maturity tests (CDFA) for citrus and grapes.
Preparing Dye Injury Test solutions.
Participating in annual pesticide handling training sessions.
Performing other technical duties as required in laboratory, packinghouse, and office environments.

Comprehensive Decay Management

Take responsibility for evaluating, preventing, and controlling all forms of fruit decay in customer packinghouses. Address issues related to fruit condition, handling, storage, and sanitation. Monitor and assess chemical and fungicide applications and suggest process improvements.

Sample Collection and Analysis

Collect fruit and fungicide solution samples for analysis. Report findings to customers and ensure that treatments are effective and compliant with industry standards.

Safety and Compliance

Complete all required safety training programs and adhere to company safety procedures. Promote and support safe work practices across all operational areas.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Certifications/Licenses, and Experience:

2 – 5 years’ experience in interpreting scientific publications on fruit quality and decay control practices and chemical treatments and being able to implement such knowledge in the packinghouse environment while communicating that information to average people, packinghouse personnel, packinghouse managers.
2 years of experience in the post-harvest industry including fruit handling and applied research.
Familiar with the laboratory environment and safety practices.
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Food Safety, Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, Plant Science, Microbiology, or other closely related field or equivalent.
Required Pest Control Adviser License w/ a minimum Category “B” Certificate
Required California Department of Pesticide Regulation QAL license and a PCA license w/ a Category “G” Certificate
Required valid driver's license
Possesses knowledge of basic fruit physiology in cold storage, de-greening rooms, etc.
Possesses knowledgeable with Food Safety Regulations
Possesses knowledge of postharvest diseases, their prevention, and control.
Ability to be Bilingual English-Spanish
Possesses knowledge of fungicide resistance assessment and management
Possesses knowledge of Pest Control Advisor, Qualified Applicator License
Possesses good Communication Skills
Ability to understand fruit postharvest handling in a Packinghouse environment
Possesses Biological Science orientation
Ability to implement and validate new chemical treatments to satisfy decay control practices
Ability to interpret and advise onto how to handle fruit appropriately to our customers

Well, what is this job really about?

We are looking for an individual who values hard work, fresh ideas and a commitment to excellence. At Sunkist, we value trust, respect for each other, communication and sharing information, generating ideas and creative solutions, working in teams and developing people to add value.

At Sunkist we believe that our strength and longevity is a result of the hard work and dedication from our employee’s contribution Behind our history of innovation and commitment to market leadership is a company devoted to providing continued education, excellent benefits and good working conditions. We provide all the resources you need to support your professional development, including:

A variety of choices for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts.
401K retirement savings plan, Match+
Paid holiday and vacation benefits
Internal and external training
Educational assistance
An open job posting system

DISCLAIMER

This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between Fruit Growers Supply and its employees.

Su is an equal opportunity employer. Employment opportunities are open to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, immigration status, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. AAP/M/F/V/D

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