Reports to: Incoming & Outgoing Quality Assurance Specialist
Responsible For: N/A
Job Summary: The Quality Assurance Orchard & Scouting Operations Support is responsible for the weekly monitoring of insect pest and diseases at the farms throughout South-Western Ontario. Monitoring involves maintaining insect traps, insect and disease identification, counting and recording insect trap counts, collection and observation of leaf samples, record keeping and reporting. Extensive on-the-job training will be provided throughout the season. This role requires an individual who exemplifies the company values of humble, driven, and solutions oriented.
Humble – Employees that are team players and are respectful of others and the job at hand. Great team players lack excessive ego or concerns about status. Humble employees are quick to point out contributions of others and slow to seek attention of their own.
Driven – Employees who are motivated and focused on self improvement. Driven or hungry employees are always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. They never have to be pushed by a manager to work harder because they are self-motivated and diligent.
Solutions Oriented – Employees who focus on solving, and preventing problems from occurring, not just identifying them. This is equal parts of problems with systems and processes and the common sense that an employee has about people. They are aware, act appropriately, ask good questions, and listen to understand.
Role and Accountability:
- Lead and oversee scout performance while in the field; ensure accurate scouting practices, proper data collection and adherence to protocols.
- Conduct weekly orchard visits for insect and disease identification, sample collection and analysis, and insect trap maintenance.
- Prioritize tasks, direct scouting team members in the field, and ensure daily objectives are met.
- Train and support new and seasonal scouts during field activities; reinforce standards and provide on-the-spot coaching as needed.
- Organize and submit reports accurately and on time; communicate issues with a solutions-oriented approach.
- Follow direction from Quality Assurance and contracted IPM Specialists with clear reporting on task progress and scheduling and works with other members of the Scouting team, and clear and professional communication with Growers.
- Organizing paperwork and reports to meet the objectives and goals set out by the Quality Assurance and contracted IPM Specialist.
- Submitting the reports for approval in a timely manner and communicating any challenges with a solutions-oriented approach.
- Leads by example, fostering teamwork, mutual respect, and continuous improvement throughout all operational activities.
- Fulfill a rotating schedule based on grower needs and staffing requirements. Some weekend or on-call availability may be required.
- Assist with post-harvest QA and storage evaluations (e.g., defects, storage performance).
- Work with QA Manager, HACCP Specialist, and Food Safety & Regulatory Specialist to support development and updates of QA SOPs and internal documentation.
- Support QA audits, certifications, and compliance document preparation.
- Assist in QA-related special projects, internal process improvements, or cross-functional support (orchard, packline, inventory).
- Analyze historical scouting and QA data; support reporting and grower feedback.
- Assist with inventory, cleaning, and prep of field equipment and supplies.
- Execute daily responsibilities to meet departmental goals while adhering to company values (Humble, Driven, Solutions-Oriented).
- Provide feedback and suggestions to improve processes within the scope of the role.
- Attend relevant department and company-wide meetings, including Level 10 meetings, contributing to organizational alignment and effectiveness.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to address challenges, develop solutions, and align strategies with company goals.
- Utilize Microsoft To-Do (or similar) for task tracking and reminders, ensuring productivity and accountability.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to walk lengthy distances in uneven terrain.
- Computer skills, including the use of an ipad, are necessary.
- Must be able to lift or move items over 22.5kg (50lbs) and work indoors and/or outdoors.
- Must be able to work independently under minimal supervision.
- Exhibit professionalism and strong people/communication skills when representing the Company to growers and clients.
- Genuine interest in horticultural crop production and pest management is important.
- Ability to think on your feet – respond to issues as they arise and solve them in a timely manner with minimal disruption.
- Prioritizing –ability to determine which issues need immediate attention to maintain fruit quality and reporting.
- Ability to work variable shifts including early mornings, weekends and holidays is required.
Education and Experience:
- Agricultural experience or background in an orchard setting is considered an asset.
- G licensed or higher, with access to own vehicle daily is required
In accordance with the Ontario Human rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The Company is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require any type of accommodation during the recruitment process.
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