Harvesting Coordinator

at  VegPro International

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Plant Manager, the Harvesting Coordinator will play a critical role in the planning & production of the lettuces to be harvested. The Harvesting Coordinator will operate the gutter systems of a highly technologically advanced greenhouse. His role will also consist in coordinating the harvesting to appropriately supply the packing operations.

Main responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct and control harvesting operations according to established standards (productivity, costs, yield and product quality)
• Conduct daily greenhouse tour to prepare harvest forecast for the upcoming days and weeks
• Execute and adapt the weekly/daily harvest plan.
• Analyze harvest data to meet standards and optimize harvesting operations (length register, Cut to cool yield, etc.)
• Attend Vegpro’s weekly planning meetings and communicate any changes that occur during the week
• Supervise the quality of the overall work of his/her team, and ensure that deadlines are met
• Resolve operational issues that may arise during the day and communicate any irregular situations
• Recommend work methods, tools or equipment to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of harvesting operations (e.g., Guide to Good Harvesting and Weeding Practices)
• Participate in the development of criteria for the implementation of a program (variety, cultivar, growth curves, yield)
• Complete and/or verify the necessary reports for his/her department
• Compile crop forecast data and harvest statistics in DataTrace
• Validate harvest files from DataTrace once a week
• Ensure that the information in the product receipt and harvest reports is accurate
• Check the cut to cool ratio every day
• Manage employees under his supervision
• Determine general labour needs, ensure the necessary follow-ups
• Verify and approve the hours of employees and/or agency staff
• Organize and participate in the onboarding of new employees
• Mobilize all employees and agency staff
• Assess and ensure the development of employees’ skills
• Perform sound management of disciplinary measures and follow up with the immediate supervisor
• Ensure the application of company policies and procedures (overtime, absences, etc.)
• Respect and ensure compliance with OHS, Good Agricultural Practices and Food Safety policies and procedures
• Report any dangerous situation or potential contamination to the immediate supervisor
• Write workplace accident reports and participate in investigations as required
• Manage the materials/equipment needed for harvesting
• Prepare purchase orders for the purchase of equipment for employees during harvesting and give to the person in charge of purchasing (hats, gloves, aprons)
• Keep a record of the use of harvesting equipment (boxes, pallets, plastic, blades, tags)
• Write work orders in the event of mechanical breakdowns and ensure follow-up
• Plan the harvesting equipment needed for transportation to Florida
• Perform all other related tasks

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS SOUGHT

• Studies in horticultural production, agriculture, agronomy or environmental technology
• Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience in a similar position
• Experiences in a greenhouse or vertical farming will be considered as a strong asset
• Fluency in oral and written French and English
• Knowledge of Spanish is an asset
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to work long hours
• Mobilizing and decision-making leadership
• Organizational and priority management skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ease of communicating with employees and giving clear instructions

• Plan, organize, direct and control harvesting operations according to established standards (productivity, costs, yield and product quality)
• Conduct daily greenhouse tour to prepare harvest forecast for the upcoming days and weeks
• Execute and adapt the weekly/daily harvest plan.
• Analyze harvest data to meet standards and optimize harvesting operations (length register, Cut to cool yield, etc.)
• Attend Vegpro’s weekly planning meetings and communicate any changes that occur during the week
• Supervise the quality of the overall work of his/her team, and ensure that deadlines are met
• Resolve operational issues that may arise during the day and communicate any irregular situations
• Recommend work methods, tools or equipment to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of harvesting operations (e.g., Guide to Good Harvesting and Weeding Practices)
• Participate in the development of criteria for the implementation of a program (variety, cultivar, growth curves, yield)
• Complete and/or verify the necessary reports for his/her department
• Compile crop forecast data and harvest statistics in DataTrace
• Validate harvest files from DataTrace once a week
• Ensure that the information in the product receipt and harvest reports is accurate
• Check the cut to cool ratio every day
• Manage employees under his supervision
• Determine general labour needs, ensure the necessary follow-ups
• Verify and approve the hours of employees and/or agency staff
• Organize and participate in the onboarding of new employees
• Mobilize all employees and agency staff
• Assess and ensure the development of employees’ skills
• Perform sound management of disciplinary measures and follow up with the immediate supervisor
• Ensure the application of company policies and procedures (overtime, absences, etc.)
• Respect and ensure compliance with OHS, Good Agricultural Practices and Food Safety policies and procedures
• Report any dangerous situation or potential contamination to the immediate supervisor
• Write workplace accident reports and participate in investigations as required
• Manage the materials/equipment needed for harvesting
• Prepare purchase orders for the purchase of equipment for employees during harvesting and give to the person in charge of purchasing (hats, gloves, aprons)
• Keep a record of the use of harvesting equipment (boxes, pallets, plastic, blades, tags)
• Write work orders in the event of mechanical breakdowns and ensure follow-up
• Plan the harvesting equipment needed for transportation to Florida
• Perform all other related task