Strawberry Farming Operations Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Farming Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the overall operations at the Low Elevation field locations in the CA Central Valley.  Tasks include but are not limited to:  supervision of the screen houses and foundation fields, supervision of crew operations during pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest activities; supervision of field operations such as planning for new field establishments and maintenance; planting; pest scouting and pesticide applications; weed control; and training/oversight of general laborers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee the operations, coordination and supervision of field operations throughout the year, including but not limited to, land prep, fumigation, planting, cultivating, irrigating, pest scouting, pesticide applications, fertilization, cutting flowers, runner setting, and weed control. 

• Oversee and provide input into land analysis, crop rotation, crop yields, land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilizer and spray programs, weed and disease control, crop growth over time and all requirements that fall into pre, post and harvest execution. 

• Monitor the fields and crop growth on a regular basis to ensure most effective execution of labor and resources.

• Oversee and maintain computerized records of field layouts and crop yields/acre, as well as equipment and supply inventories, and maintenance and usage records for equipment and machinery.

• Oversee compliance and reporting with all regulatory agencies.

• Oversee the training program for all operators to ensure the safe operation and handling of equipment, machinery and chemicals. Maintain records of such.

• Provide input in the budget process, and monitor and execute tasks within the parameters of the budget.

• Keep immediate supervisor apprised of any concerns or issues that may arise.

• Assist with low elevation harvest as delegated.

• Provide direct supervision over staff to include discretionary authority to determine methods of work; plan, assign and direct the work; and, in coordination with human resources and corporate policy, recommend personnel actions (performance reviews, discipline, discharge, etc.).  Emphasis is to be placed on maintaining staffing at the appropriate levels to operate at peak efficiency and in developing continuity in key positions.

• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS NEEDED:

• Expertise in planning and implementing crop rotations and sustainable farming practices

• Proficiency in identifying and controlling pests, diseases and other risks using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies

• Ability to work with large datasets, including collecting, analyzing and interpreting data related to crop yields and soil conditions

• Strong knowledge and comfort using agricultural software and databases for managing crop data

• Ability to use precision agriculture tools like GPS, drones and remote sensing technology

• Ability to design and implement experiments to test new crop varieties, fertilizers and pest control methods

• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) to ten (10) years’ operations management in areas of agronomy, biology, biotechnology, manufacturing, engineering, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in the following areas: Agronomy, Biology, Plant Science, Ag Business/ Economics

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires constant movement and ability to sit and stand for long periods, stand, lift, bend, stoop, reach, climb, and twist.