Cooling Operations Supervisor

Ocean Mist Farms•Castroville, CA

11d•$77,350 - $84,400•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred
Continuing education in safety and industry practices preferred
Current Ammonia Safety Training Institute (ASTI) Certification preferred
Forklift certification preferred, with 2-3 years of prior forklift experience

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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