My client, a well established fruit exporter based in Paarl is seeking to employ a Technical Assistant to join their Quality team.  The successful candidate will have a relevant tertiary qualification (BSc) or similar in Food Technology.

Duties:

Pre-season Planning:

• Obtain customer specifications.
• Implementation and communication of product specifications to producers.
• Advise on technical aspects to farming units.
• Updating chemical list from various countries and customers.
• Advise on chemical sprays.
• Management and building of customer and producer relationships.
• Update variety information of producers
• Obtain information of new varieties and advise producers accordingly

In-Season Responsibilities:

• Pack house visits to ensure post-harvest quality.
• Updating Commercial Manager on fruit quality on farms.
• Email technical reports to customers.
• Monitoring quality reports from customers.
• Taking of chemical samples and monitoring results.                                                              
• HACCP team member with the responsibility for food safety as required by the company IFS system
• Monitor new variety trial blocks and advise producers where necessary

Post-Season:

• Research and transfer of new technology to producers and customers.
• Feedback to producers on quality.
• Assist Citrus business unit with quality control
• Attend technical seminars

Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Must be fully bilingual