Organic Farm Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Title: Packing House Line Technician

Reports To: Plant Manager

Location: Cheriton, VA – seasonal travel required to FL

Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt

COMPANY SUMMARY

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. Our Cheriton, VA and Parrish, FL facilities operate as C&E Family Farms and specialize in fresh market green beans. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options, we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

JOB SUMMARY

Assist in the operation of the packing line and maintenance during production.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pre-pack Start Up: Comes in one (1) hour before the shed start up to start chillers, chlorinator and line test.
• Inspect and maintain packing line equipment.
• Food Safety Monitoring: Documents hydro-cooler water temperature and ORP. Inspects packing line equipment for possible contamination.
• Box Closers: Maintain and adjust.
• Refrigeration: Monitors coolers and chillers and has basic knowledge of the system and repairs.
• Product flow into the plant shall be maintained at a speed that allows for efficiency without sacrificing quality.
• Variable speed equipment will be monitored and maintained at a speed that will achieve optimal efficiency with minimum product loss.
• Assist the Plant Manager with quality control.
• Jockey crate vans, bean trailers and refrigerated trailers to appropriate staging areas.
• Electric trouble-shooting: Can wire a 3-phase motor and has a basic understanding of control voltage and circuitry.
• Directs workers engaged in the general cleaning and upkeep of buildings, including buffing, dusting, and sweeping.
• Upkeep of the tool room and tools.
• Completes service reports.

Competencies

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• General understanding of refrigeration.

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to travel and stay in Florida for the spring and fall green bean season. Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, dust, outside weather, and chemicals that could be hazardous if not properly handled.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.