1

Potato Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caruso's - Cook I

Montecito, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

... potato dishes, sauce, stock and hot sandwiches in accordance with standards and plating guide ... Inspect the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment and supplies. Ensure ...

Cafeteria - Cook II

Montecito, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... potato dishes, sauce, stock and hot sandwiches in accordance with standards and plating guide ... Inspect the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment and supplies. Ensure ...

The Revere Room - Cook 1

Montecito, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

... potato dishes, sauce, stock and hot sandwiches in accordance with standards and plating guide ... Inspect the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment and supplies. Ensure ...

Potato Inspector information

What is a potato inspector?

A Potato Inspector is responsible for examining potatoes to ensure they meet quality and safety standards. This includes checking for size, shape, color, defects, and overall condition based on industry or government regulations. Inspectors may work in farms, processing plants, or distribution centers, documenting findings and ensuring only high-quality potatoes reach consumers. The role requires attention to detail, knowledge of inspection criteria, and sometimes the ability to operate testing equipment.

What are some typical challenges faced by potato inspectors during peak harvest season?

During peak harvest season, Potato Inspectors often encounter increased workloads and tight deadlines as large volumes of potatoes need to be evaluated quickly and accurately. The role may involve spending long hours standing in warehouses or outdoors, requiring physical stamina and attention to detail even under pressure. Inspectors must remain vigilant in identifying subtle defects or quality issues that can impact entire shipments. Collaborating closely with farmers, transporters, and quality assurance teams is essential to keep operations running smoothly and maintain high product standards. These challenges make adaptability and efficient work habits especially important during busy periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a potato inspector?

To thrive as a Potato Inspector, you need keen attention to detail, a solid understanding of agricultural standards, and experience with quality control procedures, often backed by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inspection tools like calipers, grading equipment, and digital record-keeping systems is commonly required. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in teams help inspectors excel. These skills are vital to ensure only top-quality potatoes reach consumers and to uphold food safety and industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Potato Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Potato Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Potato Inspector jobs in California? For Potato Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Potato Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Potato Inspector jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Potato Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Field Technician - True Potato Seed Production

Ohalo

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Location: Watsonville, CA
Department: Seed Production / R&D
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Field Technician to support True Potato Seed (TPS) production, with a strong focus on hand-pollination, emasculation, berry development, and seed extraction. Unlike vegetative (tuber) seed potato systems, TPS production relies on controlled sexual crosses between parent clones to produce botanical seed from berries. This role requires precision, patience, and comfort with delicate flower-level work in both field and greenhouse/screenhouse settings.
Key Responsibilities
Pollination & Crossing (Primary Focus)
  • Execute seed production planting in appropriate TPS production location across the US planting sites
  • Collect detailed data and maintain production records fully updated and report information as it happens.
  • Follow the pollen collection and seed production SOPs to ensure high quality outcomes.
  • Collect pollen from designated male parent plants at the correct flowering stage, ensuring viability (fresh collection, proper storage/temperature control)
  • Perform hand-pollination by applying pollen to female flowers according to prescribed crossing designs
  • Tag and label each pollinated flower/truss immediately with cross ID, parent line, and date to maintain traceability through berry set and harvest
  • Monitor flowering synchrony between male and female parent plants and flag timing mismatches to breeders/supervisors
  • Track pollination success rates, fruit (berry) set, and flower drop, recording data in field books or digital data collection tools
  • Monitor berry development and maturity (color change, softening) to determine correct harvest timing
  • Hand-harvest mature berries by cross/truss, keeping strict identity preservation and avoiding cross-contamination between crosses
  • Assist with berry processing: crushing/macerating berries, fermenting pulp, and washing to extract true seed
  • Dry, clean, and package extracted TPS seed lots according to protocol, ensuring accurate labeling for storage and germination testing
  • Support seed viability and germination testing procedures as needed

General Field & Greenhouse Support
  • Assist with planting, transplanting, and maintenance of parent clone plots (field, greenhouse, or screenhouse)
  • Conduct regular field/greenhouse inspections to monitor plant health, flowering stage, and pest/disease pressure
  • Rogue off-type or diseased plants to protect the genetic integrity of parent lines
  • Support isolation requirements between crossing blocks to prevent unwanted pollen contamination
  • Maintain irrigation, staking, and general crop upkeep for parent clone plots
  • Operate small field/greenhouse equipment as needed (sprayers, irrigation systems, hand tools)
  • Maintain meticulous, organized records in compliance with company and regulatory traceability standards
  • Help coordinate seasonal labor during peak flowering, pollination, and berry harvest periods
  • Follow all safety protocols, including proper PPE use when handling crop protection products, seed processing and field crop tasks.
Qualifications
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor degree held with agricultural /plant science / seed production background preferred.
  • 3+ years of experience in agriculture, horticulture, plant breeding, seed production, or related fieldwork (internship experience considered)
  • Strong attention to detail and steady hands for fine, flower-level work (emasculation, hand-pollination)
  • Ability to follow precise, protocol-driven procedures and maintain accurate identity-preserved records
  • Comfort working in greenhouse, screenhouse, and/or open field environments
  • Ability to work flexible hours, as flower receptivity and pollen viability are time-sensitive (often early morning)
  • Ability to stand, bend, and work at bench or plant height for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 30-50 lbs
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
  • Ability to travel 25% to different TPS production sites, some time up a week or more at times.

Preferred:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Botany, or related field
  • Prior experience with potato production, TPS/hybrid seed crossing, or other hand-pollinated crop systems
  • Familiarity with breeding nursery protocols, cross/pedigree tracking, or germplasm databases
  • Experience with pollination, seed extraction/fermentation processes and seed cleaning equipment
  • Experience with greenhouse pest/disease scouting and IPM practices
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform fine, repetitive hand movements (emasculation, pollen application, tagging) for extended periods
  • Ability to work at bench height and plant height in greenhouse or screenhouse settings, as well as bending/kneeling in open field plots
  • Comfortable working in warm, humid greenhouse conditions as well as variable outdoor weather
  • Ability to walk plot/greenhouse rows repeatedly throughout the day
  • Willingness to work early morning shifts during active flowering/pollination windows

Below is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience, education, skillset, and other relevant qualifications. This range is for the Watsonville, CA location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.
Anticipated compensation: $24-$27/hr
About Ohalo:
Ohalo™ aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.
Notes: If you previously applied for a job at Ohalo Genetics, we encourage you to restate your interest in the position by submitting your application.
No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.
This organization participates in E-Verify. Posters linked here.
No recruiters, please.