Fruit Ripening Technician

Ripening Technician

At West Pak, being a family-owned and operated company means, among other things, respect, integrity, support, and commitment to excellence. Our dedication starts with how we respect the land and the people who work it, and carries over into how we conduct all business. This same thoughtful care goes into how we handle our precious cargo. Our avocados are harvested at exactly the right time, packed to perfection, and delivered fresh for enjoyment worldwide.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The Ripening Technician is responsible for controlling avocado readiness through firmness (PSI) evaluation and ripening room execution. This role focuses on measuring, interpreting, and adjusting product condition to ensure consistent, customer-ready fruit with minimal variability.

Responsibilities

• This position is responsible for executing the avocado ripening process through data-driven decision-making and hands-on product management. The role includes evaluating fruit condition, determining product disposition, and ensuring consistency across pallets and shipments.
• Based on forecasted needs, plan, direct, execute, and adjust the ripening process using real-time product feedback.
• Establish and maintain ripening schedules, monitor room performance, and make adjustments based on fruit response rather than fixed timelines. Coordinate closely with the planning and operations teams on product readiness and availability.
• Perform firmness (PSI) testing using a penetrometer and use results to make decisions on product segregation, blending, or release.
• Reorganize and rebuild pallets as needed, including transferring cases between pallets to balance firmness variability and meet specifications.
• Collect representative samples from multiple pallet positions, including upper rack levels, requiring ladder use and working at height.
• Operate forklifts to load and unload ripe rooms, move inventory, and support pallet adjustments.
• Set and adjust ripening room conditions, including temperature schedules, and monitor fruit response to ensure proper progression.
• Maintain accurate daily inventory with clear visibility of fruit stage, room status, and product readiness (PSIs).
• Ensure all quality evaluations of inbound and outbound products are completed and documented according to requirements. Identify and report off-spec product, including issues related to firmness, condition, packaging, or appearance.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams regarding inventory levels, fruit readiness, risks, and any quality concerns that may impact shipments.
• Prepare and review reports on ripening performance, PSI trends, and product outcomes, and take corrective action as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This position requires availability to work weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (including International Education)
• One to two years of experience in either quality control, produce handling, or ripening
• Forklift experience required
• Experience using measurement tools and making data-based decisions preferred (penetrometer/PSI experience is a plus)
• Strong ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills and follow-through
• Basic computer skills
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with perishable goods preferred
• Comfortable with changing priorities and variable product conditions
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• The essential functions of this job require frequent standing, walking, bending, and upper body movement. The role requires repetitive use of hands for testing, sorting, and handling product.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevated rack levels to collect product samples.
• Lifting and carrying are required for loads up to 80 lbs., with or without assistance.
• The employee will work around moving machinery, forklifts, stacked pallets, and in high-traffic production areas.
• Work will take place in various environments, including cold rooms (38F) and warm, humid ripening conditions.
• Exposure to noise, moisture, and chemical products used in sanitation and operations is expected.

Work Hour Requirement

• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts is required
• Shifts typically start at 7:00 am and or 9:30 am, with fluctuating end times depending on department needs