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Fruit Ripening Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

Fruit Ripening Technician

Rockford, IL

$25.24 - $37.84/hr

Manage all activities related to banana handling and ripening, including conducting quality inspections, development of ripening cycles, actual ripening, and post ripening handling * Conduct required ...

Sysco Corporation

Fruit Ripening Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.24 - $37.84/hr

Manage all activities related to banana handling and ripening, including conducting quality inspections, development of ripening cycles, actual ripening, and post ripening handling * Conduct required ...

Calavo Growers Inc

Food Safety Specialist

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$51K - $87K/yr

Verify fruit ripening stage for certain customers, as needed. * Calibrate thermometers weekly, pH meters, and other food safety instruments. Collect ATP and environmental samples to verify sanitation ...

Mission Produce

Packer (Project Based)

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

... fresh fruit. Mission's global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward ... added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. For more ...

Mission Produce

Packer (Project Based)

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.94/hr

... services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. Job Summary ... Determine fruit and bag quality and sort according to company and customer quality standards.

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Fruit Ripening information

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How much do fruit ripening jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for fruit ripening in the United States is $32.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $39.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fruit ripening?

Fruit ripening refers to the process of transforming harvested fruits from an unripe to a ripe, edible state, often improving their taste, texture, and color. A fruit ripening specialist manages this process by controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to natural or artificial ripening agents like ethylene gas. Their role ensures that fruits reach optimal ripeness at the right time for sale or consumption, reducing waste and maximizing quality.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in fruit ripening roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in fruit ripening often face challenges such as monitoring and controlling environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and ethylene gas to ensure consistent ripening quality. Small fluctuations can impact fruit texture, flavor, and shelf life. To address these challenges, it's essential to follow established protocols, regularly calibrate equipment, and communicate closely with logistics and quality control teams. Staying updated on best practices and new technologies can also help improve efficiency and product quality.

What is the difference between Fruit Ripening vs Fruit Quality Inspector?

AspectFruit RipeningFruit Quality Inspector
Required CredentialsBasic horticultural knowledge, sometimes certifications in agricultureQuality standards certifications, inspection training
Work EnvironmentGreenhouses, farms, storage facilitiesProcessing plants, inspection sites, warehouses
Industry UsageInvolved in the biological process of fruit maturationAssessing and ensuring fruit quality and compliance

Fruit Ripening focuses on managing and controlling the natural process of fruit maturation, often involving environmental adjustments. In contrast, a Fruit Quality Inspector evaluates the quality, appearance, and safety of fruits to meet standards. While both roles are essential in the fruit industry, they serve different functions: one is about facilitating ripening, the other about quality assurance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fruit ripening technician?

To thrive as a Fruit Ripening Technician, you need a solid understanding of post-harvest physiology, quality control, and basic food safety, often supported by relevant vocational training or experience in produce handling. Familiarity with ripening chambers, gas monitoring systems (such as ethylene control), and temperature/humidity regulation equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring consistency and collaborating with supply chain partners. These skills are crucial to guarantee optimal fruit quality, reduce waste, and maintain food safety standards throughout the distribution process.
More about Fruit Ripening jobs
What job categories do people searching Fruit Ripening jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fruit Ripening jobs are:
Fruit Ripening jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fruit Ripening job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,709 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Fruit Ripening Technician

West Pak Avocado Inc

Dallas, TX • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Just Ripe! Department - Ripener

West Pak Avocado

Who We Are

At West Pak, being a family-owned and operated company means, among other things, respect, integrity, support, and commitment to excellence. Our dedication starts with how we respect the land and the people who work it, and carries over into how we conduct all business. This same thoughtful care goes into how we handle our precious cargo. Our avocados are harvested at exactly the right time, packed to perfection, and delivered fresh for enjoyment worldwide.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The Ripening Technician is responsible for controlling avocado readiness through firmness (PSI) evaluation and ripening room execution. This role focuses on measuring, interpreting, and adjusting product condition to ensure consistent, customer-ready fruit with minimal variability.

Responsibilities

  • This position is responsible for executing the avocado ripening process through data-driven decision-making and hands-on product management. The role includes evaluating fruit condition, determining product disposition, and ensuring consistency across pallets and shipments.
  • Based on forecasted needs, plan, direct, execute, and adjust the ripening process using real-time product feedback.
  • Establish and maintain ripening schedules, monitor room performance, and make adjustments based on fruit response rather than fixed timelines. Coordinate closely with the planning and operations teams on product readiness and availability.
  • Perform firmness (PSI) testing using a penetrometer and use results to make decisions on product segregation, blending, or release.
  • Reorganize and rebuild pallets as needed, including transferring cases between pallets to balance firmness variability and meet specifications.
  • Collect representative samples from multiple pallet positions, including upper rack levels, requiring ladder use and working at height.
  • Operate forklifts to load and unload ripe rooms, move inventory, and support pallet adjustments.
  • Set and adjust ripening room conditions, including temperature schedules, and monitor fruit response to ensure proper progression.
  • Maintain accurate daily inventory with clear visibility of fruit stage, room status, and product readiness (PSIs).
  • Ensure all quality evaluations of inbound and outbound products are completed and documented according to requirements. Identify and report off-spec product, including issues related to firmness, condition, packaging, or appearance.
  • Communicate clearly with internal teams regarding inventory levels, fruit readiness, risks, and any quality concerns that may impact shipments.
  • Prepare and review reports on ripening performance, PSI trends, and product outcomes, and take corrective action as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • This position requires availability to work weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (including International Education)
  • One to two years of experience in either quality control, produce handling, or ripening
  • Forklift experience required
  • Experience using measurement tools and making data-based decisions preferred (penetrometer/PSI experience is a plus)
  • Strong ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision
  • Strong organizational skills and follow-through
  • Basic computer skills
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with perishable goods preferred
  • Comfortable with changing priorities and variable product conditions
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

  • The essential functions of this job require frequent standing, walking, bending, and upper body movement. The role requires repetitive use of hands for testing, sorting, and handling product.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevated rack levels to collect product samples.
  • Lifting and carrying are required for loads up to 80 lbs., with or without assistance.
  • The employee will work around moving machinery, forklifts, stacked pallets, and in high-traffic production areas.
  • Work will take place in various environments, including cold rooms (38°F) and warm, humid ripening conditions.
  • Exposure to noise, moisture, and chemical products used in sanitation and operations is expected.

Work Hour Requirement

  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts is required
  • Shifts typically start at 7:00 am and or 9:30 am, with fluctuating end times depending on department needs