Grower Services Representative

OVERVIEW

Ensure the delivery of high-quality fruit to the warehouse by managing grower relationships, coordinating field/harvest activities, and supporting quality, regulatory, and food-safety initiatives. Serve as the primary liaison between growers and the warehouse to maximize fruit quality, successful storage outcomes, and best possible grower returns.

Being a highly effective communicator and a person of high integrity are very important attributes for this position.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

FIELD OPERATIONS

• Manage assigned grower accounts and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Monitor field conditions, production activities, and quality factors from farm to warehouse.
• Communicate regularly with the Grower Services Manager and warehouse teams regarding crop volume, timing, and quality.
• Provide growers with timely updates regarding packouts, returns, policies, industry information, and performance data.
• Maintain knowledge of each grower's orchard characteristics and production environment.
• Deliver accurate crop estimates and seasonal updates.
• Coordinate and share all pre-harvest and post-harvest logistics information to support efficient receiving and storage.
• Ensure fruit is harvested at optimal maturity for intended storage and marketing needs.
• Communicate daily harvest status to warehouse management and receiving teams.
• Plans and adjusts harvest logistics to balance quality, storage, and timing; escalates only unusual or high-risk issues.
• Sets field guidance based on market standards and recommends schedule or storage changes to improve returns.
• Recruit and build relationships with potential new grower members as determined necessary.

QUALITY CONTROL

• Conduct field quality testing to confirm fruit meets required standards.
• Stay informed on market grades and quality expectations; communicate relevant criteria to growers.
• Support proper room loading and storage practices to optimize fruit condition.
• Analyze packout data and collaborate with growers to improve quality and returns.
• Support CA door sampling, CA room assessments, quality reporting, and packing order projections.
• Monitor regulatory and environmental changes that may impact growers or warehouse operations.
• Advises leadership on regulatory changes and updates grower policies for audits.
• Resolves grower concerns and disputes; negotiates within guidelines.
• Accountable for grower portfolio; decisions impact packout and returns.
• Operates with limited supervision; selects methods and priorities for field assessments and audit readiness based on risk.

FOOD SAFETY

· Collaborate with the Food Safety & Compliance Manager to implement and monitor Grower Food Safety and Sustainability programs and policies required by Federal, State, and buyer-led initiatives.

• Documentation and maintenance of Grower Food Safety program.
• Coordinate and conduct Grower audits, farm visits and corrective action follow-up.
• CSM Team member and technical advisor to the group.
• Ensure grower preparedness to pass 3rd party and regulatory audits.
• Advise and assist Growers on matters related to agricultural Food Safety and Sustainability pertinent to their farms.

· Conduct water sampling and MRL testing as determined by schedule.

· Provide Growers with annual training including but not limited to:

• Food Safety program updates
• Sustainability program updates

· Host 3rd party Grower trainings including but not limited to:

• First Aid
• Worker Protection Standard- Handler's Training

· Position will require incumbent to achieve and maintain several certifications and licenses necessary to perform Food Safety functions.

· Attend technical and industry trainings and seminars to stay current on Food Safety, IPM, and Sustainability issues.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the company positively within the community and industry.
• Observe warehouse operations to identify opportunities for improvement and provide recommendations.
• Become familiar with all federal crop insurance and support programs available to growers and communicate that information as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80, $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid driver's license?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Grower Service: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000