Farm Quality Control Supervisor at Aldelano Organic Foods Ltd

Reports to: Farm Manager / Quality Control Supervisor

Position Overview:

The Quality Control (QC) Personnel will be responsible for ensuring that all bell peppers and habanero peppers produced on the farm meet the company\'s quality standards. This role includes inspecting the peppers throughout the growing and harvesting process, conducting sensory evaluations, and ensuring compliance with safety, hygiene, and agricultural standards. The QC personnel will work closely with farm workers and management to ensure high-quality produce is delivered to customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Inspection and Grading:

• Inspect bell peppers and habanero peppers throughout the growing season to ensure they meet industry standards for size, color, shape, and ripeness.
• Grade harvested peppers based on size, color, and quality criteria, identifying and removing damaged or substandard produce.
• Monitor and report on pest and disease damage, taking corrective action to ensure minimal impact on crop quality.
• Document all findings and track quality trends for continuous improvement.

Harvest and Post-Harvest Quality Control:

• Conduct quality checks at harvest to ensure only mature and healthy peppers are harvested.
• Verify that harvested peppers are handled, packed, and stored properly to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
• Ensure proper sanitation of harvesting equipment and packing facilities to prevent contamination.

Sensory Evaluation and Testing:

• Conduct sensory evaluations (taste, texture, and smell) of both bell peppers and habaneros to maintain the expected flavor profile.
• Perform physical and chemical testing, such as moisture content, firmness, and capsaicin levels (especially for habaneros), to ensure consistency.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards.
• Monitor pesticide and chemical residue levels to ensure compliance with safety thresholds.
• Report any discrepancies or potential issues to the farm manager and assist in corrective actions.
• Ensure workers follow safety protocols when handling chemicals, machinery, and during harvest.

Training and Support:

• Assist in training farm workers and harvesters on proper handling techniques and quality standards.
• Provide feedback and coaching to farm workers on the importance of maintaining high-quality standards during planting, growing, and harvesting.

Record-Keeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of quality control inspections, including findings and corrective actions taken.
• Prepare daily or weekly reports summarizing quality assessments, pest management, and compliance status.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities for process improvement in quality control.

Collaboration with Other Departments:

• Work closely with farm management, packing house staff, and sales teams to align quality standards with customer expectations.
• Provide feedback on product quality to aid in marketing and sales efforts, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: BSc Agriculture
• Experience: Previous experience in quality control, agriculture, or food production is preferred.
• Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with agricultural practices related to bell pepper and habanero production.
  • Knowledge of food safety standards, including GAP and HACCP.
  • Understanding of pest management, crop diseases, and quality grading criteria.
• Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent observation skills.
  • Ability to identify defects and quality issues in peppers.
  • Good communication skills for providing feedback to farm workers and management.
  • Basic computer skills for record-keeping and reporting.
  • Physical ability to perform fieldwork, including bending, lifting, and walking for extended periods.