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Assistant Postharvest Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UPL Limited

PLC Programmer & Industrial Technician

Yakima, WA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

DECCO, an Advanta company is the global leader in providing postharvest solutions to reduce food ... Help with the construction, assembly, and proper use of all equipment and controls. Assist with ...

LSU AgCenter

Research Farm Specialist 2

Burden, KS · On-site

To assist with agricultural research in an experimental farm environment. LEVEL OF WORK ... postharvest storage, and educational programs. (50%) Mixes and applies liquid and granular ...

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Assistant Postharvest information

What does an assistant postharvest do?

An Assistant Postharvest works in the agricultural and food industries, helping to manage and improve the handling, storage, and quality of crops after they are harvested. Their duties often include monitoring storage conditions, assisting with packaging and transportation, and conducting basic quality control tests. They support senior postharvest technologists in research and implementation of methods to reduce losses and maintain product freshness. This role is important in ensuring that fruits, vegetables, and other produce remain safe and marketable from farm to consumer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an assistant postharvest in an agricultural setting?

As an Assistant Postharvest, your daily tasks often include monitoring the quality of harvested crops, assisting in the sorting and packaging process, and maintaining records of storage conditions. You may also help implement postharvest handling protocols to minimize spoilage and ensure produce meets quality standards. Collaboration with supervisors, quality control teams, and logistics staff is common to ensure products are handled efficiently from the field to storage or shipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant postharvest, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Postharvest, you need foundational knowledge in agricultural science, food storage, and postharvest handling, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, quality control systems, and data recording software is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in coordinating tasks and ensuring product quality. These skills are vital for minimizing losses, maintaining food safety, and supporting efficient supply chain operations.

What is the difference between Assistant Postharvest vs Postharvest Technician?

AspectAssistant PostharvestPostharvest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certifications in agriculture or food safetyHigh school diploma; certifications in postharvest handling or food safety preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, storage facilities, farms, or processing plantsStorage facilities, packing houses, farms, and research labs
Employer & Industry UsageFarms, food processing companies, research institutionsFarms, packing facilities, agricultural research centers

Assistant Postharvest roles typically involve supporting postharvest operations, handling produce, and assisting with quality control. Postharvest Technicians often perform more technical tasks, including detailed quality assessments and equipment operation. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but the Technician position usually involves more specialized responsibilities.

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Assistant Postharvest jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Postharvest job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant/Associate Professor - Postharvest Physiologist

International Society for Horticultural Science

Gainesville, FL • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor – Postharvest Physiologist

Job no: 539810
Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL, USA)
Category: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60230000 – AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES
Classification Title: Ast/Aso Professor

Job Summary

This 12-month, tenure-accruing position is 30% Teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and 70% Research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. The faculty member will develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research and teaching program in postharvest biology and biochemistry, and will engage in Extension activities.

Responsibilities

Teaching (30% FTE):

  • Co-teach a joint undergraduate/graduate course.
  • Develop a new graduate-level course on postharvest instrumentation.
  • Contribute to a team-taught plant biochemistry course.
  • Guest lecture in related courses.
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scientists/scholars.
  • Produce learning tools and engage in professional development related to teaching and advising.

Research (70% FTE):

  • Investigate basic physiological and biochemical processes regulating postharvest responses of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Florida.
  • Study quality from preharvest through postharvest operations and develop technological solutions, including AI, to enhance quality and shelf life.
  • Collaborate with postharvest genomics/genetics/technology, plant biochemistry, and interdisciplinary partners (plant pathology, food science, engineering, economics).
  • Secure extramural contract and grant funding and participate in Extension activities across the state.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in horticultural science, plant physiology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Strong record of publishing in refereed journals.
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal relationships.
  • Experience in securing extramural funding.
  • Support for the land-grant mission and commitment to UF core values.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Postdoctoral experience in postharvest physiology and biochemistry.
Employment Conditions

Position available August 15, 2026. Compensation commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

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