Reiter Affiliated Companies (RAC), an international berry company, is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Southern California District. We currently have a career opportunity available for a Jr. Ranch Manager. The position will be headquartered in Santa Maria, CA and will report to the Production Manager.
The Berry Ranch Manager performs the vital function of developing and operating RAC’s berry farm operations in a manner that is economically successful, strategically oriented, and technically innovative. Under the direction of the Production Manager, the Jr. Ranch Manager will maintain a RAC farm and develop plans for the farm, directly managing many of its operations. The Jr. Ranch Manager will be responsible for executing day-to-day cultural growing practices and harvest activities in order to ensure successful crops.
- Manages and supervises, with hands-on involvement, all farming activities, including irrigation system installation and management, land prep, planting, fertilization and pesticide applications, pruning, and harvesting.
- Identifies and sources labor; develops and manages crews, ensures proper training, and cultivates high morale.
- Learns and implements the latest and best production practices from within the RAC organization, as well as from university and other outside industry resources; develops and advances knowledge and innovations that deliver competitive advantage.
- Responsible for collection and submission of production data, test block data, and any other required crop information.
- Participates in weekly and monthly crop status reviews with Production Manager.
- Communicates with Driscoll’s to ensure accurate estimates of crops and to deliver high quality to the cooler in a timely manner.
- Oversees operating budgets; assess the capital budget needs; manage costs; and deliver expected profitability.
- Responsible for submission of production data and any required crop information.
- Ensures compliance with all labor laws, prime audits or food safety, company policy and workers safety.
- Maintains a well-organized, clean and safe work environment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- High School Diploma or equivalent education required.
- Minimum 1 year experience in production agriculture.
- Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred.
- Ability to operate farm equipment.
- Operate and maintain drip irrigation systems.
- Implement fertilization and pest management programs.
- Engage in hands on pruning and harvest activities.
- Demonstrated strength in operational administration.
- Self-starter; ability to work independently as well as with growers, team members and management.
- Detail oriented, with effective verbal, writing and presentation skills
Travel required between RAC’s various districts; industry conferences; etc. 20% travel.
When applying please submit a cover letter and resume as one document.
