Agriculture Trainee

Reporting to the Agriculture Operations Manager, the Agricultural Trainee will be responsible for broadening their understanding of McCain Agriculture and the responsibilities of a Field Representative. Within set timelines, it is expected the Trainee successfully assume increasing levels of Field Representative responsibly including but not limited to fostering grower relations, field visits, storage inspections and harvest yield sampling.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster beneficial grower/supplier relationships that enable business development. Proactively inspect and monitor fields and raw product storage facilities for food safety, environmental conditions and product quality.
• Coordinate with the Agriculture Food Safety Manager for North America on McCain Food Safety Initiatives relevant to the location. Extend programs to the farm and ensure grower compliance.
• Identify and communicate key improvement areas with respect to production, quality, and food safety, to grower/suppliers.
• Inspect, gather, analyze, and report potato crop data and field activities of contract grower/suppliers.
• Proactively collect and process grower/supplier field and storage records including seed source data, chemical application records, & agronomic data.
• Drive change within McCain Foods and within our grower group as new technology and apps are adapted and integrated into our business.
• Utilize databases as decision-making tools, recommend actions and follow through to reach or exceed goals in managing raw potatoes into the plant.
• Participate in cross-functional teams with our production partners to gain knowledge and drive continuous improvement in French Fry manufacturing.
• Attend and actively participate in local and national agricultural production meetings to gain knowledge of current and upcoming agricultural practices.
• Drive the Safety Agenda in the work environment.
• Other duties assigned by scheduler and/or Department Manager.
• Gain valuable exposure to various Agriculture strategic initiatives such as cost savings activities and regenerative agriculture.
• Learn the basics of finance: budgeting, forecasting, pricing.
• Gain exposure to supply chain raw management

KEY QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience preferred.
• 1 – 2 years working experience, preferably within agricultural or food manufacturing.
• Interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and nurture strong cross-functional and departmental relationships.
• Ability and willingness to utilize digital tools for analysis and planning.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to operate a forklift, tractor, and pick-up truck to perform job duties. A valid driver’s license is required.

Travel

• Mostly local within the growing region but an ability to travel as business needs require.