Harvest Dispatcher at Alco Harvesting LLC – Santa Maria, California

Company Overview:

Alco Harvesting is a leading provider of harvesting services, dedicated to delivering high-quality produce to our clients efficiently and reliably. We specialize in leafy green vegetables and berry harvesting and transportation, ensuring that our clients receive the freshest products possible. We operate in the central and south regions of California and in Yuma, Arizona.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Harvesting Transportation Dispatcher to join our team.

Responsibilities include coordinating and managing the transportation logistics of harvested crops from the field to the cooling facilities and distributing of packing materials from the carton yard to the fields. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to effectively communicate with drivers and field crews.

Reports to:

Alco Harvesting Lead Harvest Dispatcher

Key Responsibilities:

• Dispatch Operations:
  • Coordinate and schedule transportation activities, including assigning trucks and drivers to specific routes, ranches and destinations
  • Monitor the progress of harvesting operations and adjust transportation plans as needed to ensure timely delivery of crops
  • Maintain communication with the transportation supervisor, field supervisors and harvesting crews to gather real-time information on crop availability and readiness for transport
• Route Planning and Optimization:
  • Develop efficient transportation routes to minimize fuel costs, travel time and environmental impact
  • Utilize route optimization software and tools to plan and adjust delivery schedules based on traffic conditions, weather forecasts and other relevant factors
  • Implement strategies to ensure the safe and secure transport of crops
• Communication and Coordination:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for drivers, providing clear instructions, route details, and any necessary updates or changes
  • Collaborate with internal teams, including harvesting crews, logistics personnel, and management, to ensure seamless coordination of transportation activities
  • Ensure driver compliance with relevant regulations and standards governing the transportation of agricultural products, including food safety and transportation safety requirements

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in transportation dispatching or logistics management, preferably in the agricultural or food industry
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse teams
• Proficiency in using transportation management software and route optimization tools
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and best practices for the transportation of agricultural products
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support harvesting operations
• Bilingual and fluent in both English and Spanish preferred

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework or certification in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field preferred

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, Dental, Rx, Vision and Life insurance and 401(K) with employer match retirement savings plans
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company
• Holiday and vacation pay

Join a dynamic team committed to delivering exceptional service and quality to our customers.

Alco Harvesting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you are passionate about transportation logistics and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to submit your application for consideration.

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