Technical Assistant (BSc / Quality / Food Technology)

University of Fort Hare; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established fruit exporter in Paarl is looking for a Technical Assistant to join their Quality team. The successful candidate will need a BSc in Food Technology and must be fully bilingual. Responsibilities include obtaining specifications, advising producers on technical aspects, ensuring post-harvest quality through pack house visits, and participating in food safety protocols. This role is essential to maintain quality in the supply chain and to assist in the implementation of new technologies.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification required.
• Must be fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans.

Responsibilities

• Obtain customer specifications and implement product specifications.
• Ensure post-harvest quality through pack house visits.
• Research new technology for producers and customers.
• Monitor food safety as part of the HACCP team.

Skills

Bilingual communication

Technical advising

Customer relationship management

Education

BSc in Food Technology

Job description

My client, a well established fruit exporter based in Paarl is seeking to employ a Technical Assistant to join their Quality team. The successful candidate will have a relevant tertiary qualification (BSc) or similar in Food Technology.

Duties

Pre-season Planning:

• Obtain customer specifications.
• Implementation and communication of product specifications to producers.
• Advise on technical aspects to farming units.
• Updating chemical list from various countries and customers.
• Advise on chemical sprays.
• Management and building of customer and producer relationships.
• Update variety information of producers
• Obtain information of new varieties and advise producers accordingly

In-Season Responsibilities:

• Pack house visits to ensure post-harvest quality.
• Updating Commercial Manager on fruit quality on farms.
• Email technical reports to customers.
• Monitoring quality reports from customers.
• Taking of chemical samples and monitoring results.
• HACCP team member with the responsibility for food safety as required by the company IFS system
• Monitor new variety trial blocks and advise producers where necessary

Post-Season:

• Research and transfer of new technology to producers and customers.
• Feedback to producers on quality.
• Assist Citrus business unit with quality control
• Attend technical seminars

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Must be fully bilingual