Food Safety Coordinator

The Food Safety Coordinator is responsible for overseeing, maintaining, and continuously improving the farm’s food safety systems and compliance with CanadaGAP, TRM, and CFIA Safe Food for Canadians requirements. This role manages documentation, audits, water testing, sanitation schedules, and staff training across the season, ensuring all food safety protocols are followed, documented and up-to-date.

Responsibilities:

• Download, review, and sign manuals and update all forms; ensure familiarity and completion; adjust current processes according to any new requirements
• Complete annual CFIA Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence renewal
• Review past seasons’ audit reports and develop plans for improvement
• Train market staff and migrant workers on food safety
• Direct grading and washing equipment assembly and sterilization when each new washed and graded crop is ready for harvest
• Review and verify completion of food safety forms related to harvest, barn and monthly inspections, repairs, spray records, daily tools, truck box inspections, packing, cleaning and sterilization
• Ensure correct forms are being used and all sections are completed accurately
• Retrain employees as required when gaps or errors are identified; document retraining
• Manage water testing and monitoring program: handwashing, product washing, cleaning and sterilization sources and equipment
• Inspect barn, buildings, surroundings, and fields for compliance, cleanliness, signage, and other relevant activities

Schedule:

May through September: extended work week may be required

Reporting:

This role will be independent but requires weekly (at least) meetings with supervisors and other upper management employees. This role will also require regular collaboration with barn crew leaders. Support and guidance are readily available.

Location & Working Conditions:

• On site at Thames River Melons, 765875 Township Road 5, Innerkip ON
• Travel may be required; having access to your own vehicle is required
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing work arrangements are essential

Hours:

Full time – 35 – 40 hours/week

Exact schedule to be discussed

• Education in food safety, agriculture, environmental health, quality assurance, or a related field is considered an asset
• Previous experience working in food safety, agricultural operations, compliance, or quality control is preferred but not required
• Familiarity with CanadaGAP, TRM, CFIA Safe Food for Canadians (SFC), or similar food safety programs is an asset; training can be provided for the right candidate
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable reviewing forms, tracking compliance records, and ensuring processes are followed consistently
• Confident communicating expectations and providing training or retraining to staff in a clear and respectful manner
• Ability to observe workflows, identify areas for improvement, and follow through on corrective actions
• Strong written communication skills for documentation and recordkeeping
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively with management and seasonal teams
• Proficient in basic computer systems (Google Workspace or Microsoft Office)
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and take initiative

Thames River Melons is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, provincial, or local laws.

Compensation: To be discussed during interviews