Examine fresh fruits and vegetables at different production stages to ensure they meet required quality and safety standards.
Inspect blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, radish, garlic and other produce for freshness, colour, size, maturity and visible defects.
Detect signs of pests, plant diseases, mould, bacterial contamination, physical damage and deterioration.
Take representative product samples and perform quality checks according to established inspection procedures.
Use Brix testing equipment to measure sugar levels and determine produce maturity.
Check grading, sorting, labelling and packaging processes for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Monitor hygiene procedures in growing areas, packing sheds, storage facilities and loading zones.
Ensure workplace practices comply with Freshcare, HACCP and applicable food-safety requirements.
Review storage temperatures, transport conditions and handling procedures to protect product quality.
Record inspection findings, test results, rejected products and corrective actions in accurate reports.
Quarantine or reject produce that does not meet the required quality and safety specifications.
Submit selected samples to laboratories for further quality, contamination or nutritional analysis.
Work with supervisors to manage pest, disease and contamination risks.
Train and guide permanent and seasonal workers in hygiene, safe handling and quality procedures.
Check that inspection tools, weighing scales, moisture meters and testing equipment are properly maintained and calibrated.
Qualifications and Skills
Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Science, Quality Management or a related discipline.
Previous experience in fresh-produce inspection, horticulture, farming, food processing or quality assurance is preferred.
Practical knowledge of fruit and vegetable quality, grading, maturity and product specifications.
Familiarity with Freshcare, HACCP, workplace hygiene and food-safety systems.
Ability to recognise plant diseases, pests, mould, contamination and other quality defects.
Experience using Brix meters, weighing equipment, moisture meters and produce-sampling tools.
Strong observation skills and excellent attention to detail.
Ability to maintain clear inspection records and prepare accurate compliance reports.
Good communication skills with the ability to provide instructions to farm and seasonal workers.
Ability to follow workplace procedures and complete duties independently or as part of a team.
Good organisational and problem-solving abilities.
Willingness to work in outdoor growing areas, packing sheds, cool rooms and storage facilities.
Ability to perform physical duties, including standing, walking, bending and handling produce samples.
Commitment to workplace health and safety, hygiene and consistent product quality.
Benefits
Competitive salary of $75,000–$85,000 plus superannuation.
S A Grewal Pty Ltd operates in Victoria’s agriculture and horticulture industry, specialising in fresh fruits and vegetables. The company manages key produce processes, including cultivation, harvesting, quality inspection, sorting, grading, packagin... Read More