Food Safety Program Manager

About the California Strawberry Commission (CSC)

The California Strawberry Commission is an established leader among agricultural organizations. With the foundation of a 64-year-old organization and the energy of a startup, we represent more than 400 strawberry farmers, shippers, and processors. Together, we advance strawberry farming through innovative programs in workforce training, production research, and nutrition. We are committed to science-based, sustainable farming practices that support healthy people, farms, and communities.

About the Role

We are seeking a Food Safety Program Manager to lead training, outreach, and technical support efforts that promote safe and sustainable strawberry production throughout California. This full-time, in-person role is based in either Santa Maria or Watsonville and requires travel across the state’s strawberry-growing regions.

In this highly collaborative position, you’ll serve as CSC’s lead technical expert on food safety—developing bilingual training programs, providing regulatory guidance, and delivering practical tools to growers, shippers, and processors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver bilingual (English & Spanish) food safety trainings.
• Build strong relationships with industry members and provide technical guidance.
• Monitor regulatory updates and communicate implications to the industry.
• Support CSC leadership during food safety incidents or product recalls.
• Represent CSC in meetings with regulators, audit groups, and buyers.
• Create educational materials, web content, and presentations.
• Contribute to other outreach topics, such as labor compliance and pest management.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in food safety, agricultural training, or compliance.
• Bachelor’s in Food Science, Microbiology, Ag Science, or related field.
• Professional fluency in Spanish and English.
• Experience leading trainings in both languages, especially in agriculture.
• Familiarity with GMPs, GAPs, FSMA, LGMA, or similar standards.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organization and project management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools.
• Willingness to travel throughout California (overnight travel required).
• Able to lift 40 lbs and work in field conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to Santa Maria or Watsonville, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or cross-cultural outreach.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of PowerBI, Tableau, or ArcGIS.
• Familiarity with labor compliance or worker training.
• Experience creating online or digital learning content.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a mission-driven team that supports California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors. This role allows you to strengthen industry food safety practices, deliver timely insights, and promote continuous improvement while making a meaningful impact across the state.

What We Offer

✅ Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

✅ Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance

✅ Vacation & Sick Pay

✅ Holiday Pay

✅ 457 Retirement Plan & Profit Sharing

✅ Section 125 Plan

Apply Now

📧 Send your resume and cover letter to jsharrett@calstrawberry.org

Please include “Food Safety Program Manager” in the subject line.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The California Strawberry Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Our commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, and reasonable accommodations will be made upon request.

The CSC is an E-Verify Employer.