JOB TITLE:  Post Harvest Analyst

LOCATION:  Watsonville, CA

Job #:  8026
 

Driscoll Strawberry Associates (Driscoll’s) is the berry industry market-leader, with the greatest sales revenue and brand recognition in the berry category.  As one of the most differentiated brands in produce, Driscoll’s fosters relationships with top retail, wholesale and foodservice operations.  Driscoll’s is developing a worldwide presence as a brand leader in 5 continents and holds fruit patents and trademarks in 41 countries.  We currently have an opening for an outstanding Post Harvest Analyst.

In this position, you will conduct research on post harvest handling and impact of cultural practices on product quality. In this critical position, you will apply scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, eating quality and cold chain optimization for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.  You will also collect and analyze data to evaluate operational difficulties and make recommendations to solve problems.  Also, you will develop and follow modeling and evaluation processes to determine the effectiveness of current operational activities to determine problem areas and develop solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Requires a bachelor's degree and 4-7 years of experience in the field or in a related area.  Must have a solid understanding of experimental design and application.  Skills with data collection methodology and analysis are necessary.  Proficiency in spreadsheet and database software is required.  The candidate should be familiar with a variety of the field's technical concepts, practices, and procedures.  Candidate must have extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and perform a variety of tasks.  Will lead and direct the work of technical staff.  A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Initiation, organization, execution and analysis of results of experiments directed towards assessing and improving the post-harvest handling of berries.  This would include harvesting methods, cold chain procedure, transport and “in-market” handling.

• Provide design input and experimental protocol for all new packaging.  This would include setting all test parameters, test execution, analysis and reporting of results, and participation and approval of final packaging decisions.

• Conduct, or coordinate with off site locations, weekly shelf-life assessments of all berry commodities from all growing areas.  Analyze results and report to Product Quality staff.

• Initiation, organization, execution and analysis of results of experiments directed towards assessing and improving the eating quality of all berry commodities.  This would include assessing the impacts of cultural practices, variety development and climatic variation.

• Direct supervision of technical/support staff and, in situations relating to product quality, provides supervision of other departments or partners (Growers, Customers).

• Completes and submits written reports accurately and on a timely basis to PQ Director.

• Trains and supports the area Product Quality Inspectors in both strawberries and raspberries and responsible for work scheduling, and safety training of these employees.

• Directs post harvest testing situations to determine the overall fruit quality.

• Participates, and is responsible of annual budget preparation for Post Harvest Research.  Advises the Department Supervisor of any situation that may need Department Supervisor’s attention or involvement and supports Department Supervisor’s position.

• Reviews and signs all time cards and mileage reimbursement information submitted by the support staff.

• Performs other duties as instructed by supervisor.

We offer a year-round supply of organic and non-organic (conventional) berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.  In addition, Driscoll's offers conventional long stem strawberries and golden raspberries.  We are a third-generation, family-owned and operated company and our mission is to “Continually Delight Berry Consumers.”  This position is located in Watsonville, CA and has competitive salary, profit sharing, health and 401(k) plans.
 

We look forward to hearing from you!

If interested in applying, please go directly to our company website at www.driscolls.com and find our job listings under “About Us” or submit your resume via email: