Sustainability and Food Safety Specialist – Watsonville, CA

Introduction:

At California Giant Berry Farms, our vision and mission are to be the most resilient fresh berry company in the world and deliver the best quality berries and nourish our communities. Guided by our core values of Community, Quality, Philanthropy, Fairness, and Mutual Respect, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and supported.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to celebrating diversity and fostering a culture of equity and belonging. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We believe that the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees drive innovation and contribute to achieving our mission and vision. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us through the phone number or contact us on our website. Together, we are building a workplace where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Summary Description:

The Sustainability and Food Safety Specialist will oversee and implement comprehensive food safety and sustainability programs for California Giant Inc agricultural operations. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards. While being able to collaborate with growers to improve sustainability practices and enhance food safety protocols.

Essential Job Duties / Responsibilities: 

Sustainability:

• Work with growers to collect and analyze grower data on sustainability metrics.
• Assist growers in documentation management and data gathering related to sustainability initiatives.
• Create training materials and manuals for growers.
• Conduct sustainability risk assessments and communicate findings to relevant teams.
• Lead Fair Trade certification audit process
• Collaborate with agricultural operations on research projects related to sustainability and farming.
• Serve as the lead in sustainability practices, social and worker welfare compliance audits.

Food Safety:

• Assist food safety programs as needed (e.g., GAPs) for internal growing, harvesting, and cooling operations.
• Support the Global GAP certification and assist in creating program guides.
• Assist with compliance with all relevant food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, OSHA).
• Create and execute training programs for growers, harvesters, and cooler personnel.
• Assist food safety team members with specific audit response or corrective action plans
• Understanding knowledge of FSMA 204 data compliance
• Develop a food safety culture training for growers’ cooler facilities in English and Spanish
• Serve as a food safety resource for all growing regions
• Support programs including traceability, recall and crisis management.
• Manage and maintain food safety-related projects as assigned by Food Safety Manager.

Skills and Qualifications: 

• S. Degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or Agriculture
• 3+ years of experience in food safety
• 1+ sustainability certifications (e.g., Fair Trade USA)
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in food production sustainability and/or food safety with exposure to auditing and research.
• Ability to monitor and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (Sustainability, Fair Trade).
• Effectively communicate scientific and technical information to diverse audiences.
• Create bilingual presentations on industry best practices.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Risk-based thinking mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of food microbiology, agrochemical use, and basic sanitation techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant Federal and State regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite. Data analysis and strong research background required.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Self-driven and able to work independently.
• Must be Bilingual in Spanish/English.
• Ability to work onsite
• Ability to travel to growing regions as required
• Travel required, both domestically and internationally
• Valid Passport
• Ability to work weekends
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1+ Power BI
• Familiarity with Global GAP add-ons to core solutions
• Experience in plant science or agriculture is highly desirable
• PCA, CCA licenses
• Applied knowledge of production agriculture
• Strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Salary: $75,266.00 – $94,083.00 USD Annual