Position Title: Produce Inspector/Merchandiser

Department: Operations

Supervisor:Regional Director of Operations

FLSA: Non-exempt

Position Summary:

Inspector will be responsible for the quality, freshness, and compliance to product specification of fresh produce products shipped from farms around the world to the Company’s central receiving facilities.

Essential Functions:

• Must move at a reasonably fast pace to be able to inspect numerous loads of produce awaiting inspection as timely receiving and shipment of the product relies on the inspection process.
• Opens produce boxes of various sizes from top, middle and/or bottom of pallets in order to perform the inspection
• Removes produce from boxes and performs visual inspection of the produce.
• Inspects produce and follows company’s standards and guidelines to determine its freshness upon arrival in order to ensure the longevity and deliver quality produce to our customers.
• Rejects shipments that do not meet quality standards in accordance with PACA regulations and company standards.
• Will operate power equipment such as electric and manual pallet jacks to move pallets as needed for inspection.
• Maintains constant communication with Buyers and Logistics.
• Completes required daily reports.
• Maintains good relationships with cross dock, as well as dock foremen and runners, allowing them to find out about issues with product or pallets in a timely manner.
• May supervise one or two employees who are responsible for properly tagging pallets.

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree, OR
• High School Diploma or GED with at least 4 years of experience with produce, OR
• Any appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of produce grades and quality attributes
• Knowledge of PACA regulations
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and general public
• Ability to calculate figures, and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, mass and volume.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to company values and strong customer orientation.
• Computer Literacy (Internet Explorer, Outlook, Excel and Word)

Physical Requirements:

• Lift/Carry Abilities (measured for maximum or average load)
  • Lift – 50 lbs
  • Carry strength (50’ or less) – 50 lbs
  • Frequent lift/carry (> 12x/hour) – 50 lbs
  • Constant lift/carry (> 30x/hr) – 20 lbs
  • Push/Pull – 500lbs
• Physical Aptitudes (rated based on level of skill involved)
  • Agility/dynamic balance 80-100%
  • Finger dexterity – 80-100%
  • Manual dexterity – 80 – 100%
• Posture Tolerance (rated based on frequency or time involved)
  • Stand/walk – constantly
  • Reach above shoulder level – occasionally
  • Twist/turn head – constantly
  • Bend over/stoop – occasionally
  • Climb steps/ladder – occasionally
  • Kneel/squat - occasionally

Work Environment:

• Requires frequent exposure to cold temperatures
• Equipment in motion (forklifts, electric pallet jacks, scooters)

Acknowledgement:

I fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for this job. Furthermore, I find that I am capable of performing the required functions.