Cowiche Growers Inc
Grower Services Representative
Cowiche Growers Inc, Cowiche, Washington, United States, 98923
Job Summary
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 & RESPONSIBILITIES 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.
Plan and adjust harvest logistics to balance quality, storage, and timing; escalates only unusual or high‑risk issues.
Set field guidance based on market standards and recommend 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.
Advise leadership on regulatory changes and update grower policies for audits.
Resolve grower concerns and disputes; negotiate within guidelines.
Accountable for grower portfolio; decisions impact packout and returns.
Operate with limited supervision; select 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.
Document and maintain Grower Food Safety program.
Coordinate and conduct Grower audits, farm visits and corrective action follow‑up.
Be a 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.
Provide growers with annual training including but not limited to: Food Safety program updates, Sustainability program updates.
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.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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Being a highly effective communicator and a person of high integrity are very important attributes for this position.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 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.
Plan and adjust harvest logistics to balance quality, storage, and timing; escalates only unusual or high‑risk issues.
Set field guidance based on market standards and recommend 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.
Advise leadership on regulatory changes and update grower policies for audits.
Resolve grower concerns and disputes; negotiate within guidelines.
Accountable for grower portfolio; decisions impact packout and returns.
Operate with limited supervision; select 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.
Document and maintain Grower Food Safety program.
Coordinate and conduct Grower audits, farm visits and corrective action follow‑up.
Be a 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.
Provide growers with annual training including but not limited to: Food Safety program updates, Sustainability program updates.
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.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr