Cooling Operations Supervisor

The Cooler Operations Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations across Receiving and Shipping, Cooling, and the Carton Yard. This position ensures the accurate intake and temperature management of product, efficient product flow through cooling, and timely, organized outbound shipments. The role supervises staff, monitors compliance with food safety and safety standards, and maintains communication across departments and customers.

This position will rotate approximately one month at a time through Receiving and Shipping, Cooling Operations, and the Carton Yard. Assignments may be scheduled during either the morning or evening shift based on operational needs. The facility does not operate 24 hours a day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Receiving Operations

• Schedule and train receiving staff to ensure proper coverage across shifts
• Verify field tickets for accuracy, issue pallet tag numbers, and ensure field ID matches the harvest location
• Work closely with Grower Accounting to confirm correct field identifications
• Collaborate with growers on daily pack-out reports and address their specific needs

Shipping Operations

• Schedule and train shipping personnel, ensure shipping personnel input correct information into the Famous system when drivers check in
• Oversee the proper placement of temperature recorders in the system and on trucks
• Verify correct Phytosanitary Certificate (Phytos) entries before scheduling county inspections
• Monitor the aging report throughout the day and night to maintain product freshness
• Ensure loaders follow procedures, including timely truck loading, temperature checks, proper documentation, and trailer cleanliness
• Adjust inventory as needed and send reports as required
• Ensure all food safety documentation is completed and signed (e.g., nightly cleaning logs, forklift checklists, maintenance records)
• Keep the shipping office organized and maintain accurate time and attendance records for hourly employees

Cooling Operations

• Schedule and train staff in cooling procedures, ensuring all product is cooled properly and efficiently using Hydro- Vacuum Tubes, Ice Injecting, and Forced Air Cooling. Ensure all employees receive proper training on cooling methods
• Monitor cooling rotation to ensure optimal temperature is reached in the shortest amount of time
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Supervisor to maintain ice production and ensure all cooling equipment is functioning properly

Carton yard Operations

• Supervise and provide daily direction to Carton Yard personnel
• Prepare employee schedules and coordinate staffing based on operational needs
• Assign daily tasks and monitor employee attendance and performance
• Ensure cartons and packaging materials are received, stored, organized, and distributed to the appropriate departments
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to management
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area
• Ensure employees follow company safety policies and established procedures
• Coordinate with Cooling, Receiving, Shipping, and other departments to support daily operations
• Assist with employee training and address routine operational or staffing concerns
• Maintain basic records related to staffing, inventory, and daily activities

Grower & Customer Relations

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with growers to address concerns and ensure smooth operations
• Work closely with internal departments to coordinate shipping schedules and resolve issues
• Act as the primary point of contact for grower inquiries related to receiving, cooling, and shipping
• In the absence of the Plant Manager and Assistant Plant Manager, manage the entire operation

Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred; continuing education in safety and industry practices preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in agricultural cooling, receiving, and shipping operations
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience with a strong ability to lead and train teams
• Current Ammonia Safety Training Institute (ASTI) Certification preferred
• Forklift certification preferred, with 2-3 years of prior forklift experience
• Strong math, reading, and communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish required
• Must be available to work a monthly rotating schedule, including morning and evening shifts, based on operational needs
• Ability and willingness to travel to the Coachella, CA facility and growing regions as needed
• Ability to stay up to date on industry techniques and operational best practices
• Working knowledge of computers and software such as MS Word & Excel as utilized in an agricultural environment
• Advanced computer proficiency, particularly in Famous software
• 10-key calculator by touch, telephone, computer keyboard, fax, photocopy machine and other clerical and office equipment
• Valid class “C” California Driver’s license is required and must be insurable; ability to operate a motor vehicle