Primary Products Inspectors

Key Responsibilities

• Examine fresh fruits and vegetables at different production stages to ensure they meet required quality and safety standards.
• Inspect blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, radish, garlic and other produce for freshness, colour, size, maturity and visible defects.
• Detect signs of pests, plant diseases, mould, bacterial contamination, physical damage and deterioration.
• Take representative product samples and perform quality checks according to established inspection procedures.
• Use Brix testing equipment to measure sugar levels and determine produce maturity.
• Check grading, sorting, labelling and packaging processes for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor hygiene procedures in growing areas, packing sheds, storage facilities and loading zones.
• Ensure workplace practices comply with Freshcare, HACCP and applicable food-safety requirements.
• Review storage temperatures, transport conditions and handling procedures to protect product quality.
• Record inspection findings, test results, rejected products and corrective actions in accurate reports.
• Quarantine or reject produce that does not meet the required quality and safety specifications.
• Submit selected samples to laboratories for further quality, contamination or nutritional analysis.
• Work with supervisors to manage pest, disease and contamination risks.
• Train and guide permanent and seasonal workers in hygiene, safe handling and quality procedures.
• Check that inspection tools, weighing scales, moisture meters and testing equipment are properly maintained and calibrated.

Qualifications and Skills

• Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Science, Quality Management or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in fresh-produce inspection, horticulture, farming, food processing or quality assurance is preferred.
• Practical knowledge of fruit and vegetable quality, grading, maturity and product specifications.
• Familiarity with Freshcare, HACCP, workplace hygiene and food-safety systems.
• Ability to recognise plant diseases, pests, mould, contamination and other quality defects.
• Experience using Brix meters, weighing equipment, moisture meters and produce-sampling tools.
• Strong observation skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain clear inspection records and prepare accurate compliance reports.
• Good communication skills with the ability to provide instructions to farm and seasonal workers.
• Ability to follow workplace procedures and complete duties independently or as part of a team.
• Good organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to work in outdoor growing areas, packing sheds, cool rooms and storage facilities.
• Ability to perform physical duties, including standing, walking, bending and handling produce samples.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety, hygiene and consistent product quality.

• Competitive salary of $75,000–$85,000 plus superannuation.
• Secure full-time employment.
• Professional training and skill development.
• Career-growth opportunities.
• Supportive working environment.