Food Safety Manager - Field

Description

a. Develop and implement food safety policies, procedures, and programs for field operations, in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

b. Conduct regular audits and inspections of farm fields, harvesting equipment, and packing facilities to assess compliance with food safety protocols, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Harvesting Practices (GHP).

c. Provide training and guidance to growers, harvest crews, and other field personnel on proper food handling, hygiene practices, and sanitation procedures.

d. Collaborate with growers to develop and maintain farm-specific food safety plans, including risk assessments, preventive controls, and corrective actions.

e. Monitor and document environmental conditions, such as water quality, soil amendments, and pest management practices, to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.

f. Collect samples of soil, water, and produce for microbiological, chemical, and physical testing, following established protocols.

g. Investigate food safety incidents, pest infestations, and other field-related issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions as needed.

h. Maintain accurate records of inspection findings, test results, training activities, and other relevant data to demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations.

i. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, customers, and third-party auditors regarding field food safety matters.

j. Stay informed about emerging food safety issues, technologies, and best practices in the produce industry, and recommend continuous improvements to field operations.

k. Coordinate with Fieldmen and Farm Managers on collection of produce and water for sampling. 

l. Maintain the highest level of cleanliness in the field and ensure records and logs are completed on daily inspections and activities in the field.

m. Assist Food Safety department to ensure company quality standards and regulations are being met and prepare for 3rd Party certifications in the field.

n. Train employees, supervisors, and sanitation personnel in chemical use, food safety guidelines, proper sanitation of field equipment, and techniques for the most efficient and effective sanitation.

o. Coordinate with Food Service Director to develop and implement new methods, procedures, training of employees, and systems to improve sanitation performance.

p. Conduct and document field food safety inspections and/or audits and take corrective action or preventative measures when necessary. 

q. Follow-up with implemented programs and records to ensure compliance with GAP by all employees.

r. Responsible for establishing procedures for obtaining, recording, and maintaining records required by customers and government regulatory agencies.

s. Coordinate governmental entity visits to the field.

t. Assist with pest control program of the field.

u. Prepare a monthly pre-audit for improvements in food safety and employee conduct for the field.

v. Conduct and lead Field Food Safety Committee Meetings.

w. Proactively identify and appraise conditions which could produce food safety risks in the field.

x. Create and implement operational guidelines, procedures, and training regarding the safe use of hazardous field equipment.

y. Must be willing to work flexible hours (including evenings, weekends, and holidays) as needed.

Requirements

1) QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Education / Certification / License(s):

i. Bachelor's degree in agriculture, food science, microbiology, or related field; advanced degree. (Preferred) 

ii. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or similar certification in agricultural sciences. (Preferred)

iii. Valid Texas driver’s license (Required)

b. Language: Bilingual - English & Spanish (Preferred)

c. Experience:

i. Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural food safety management. (Preferably in the produce industry)

ii. Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office applications.