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 Ranch Manager. The position will be headquartered in Oxnard, 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. The Ranch Manager will be responsible for all aspects of RAC’s farming operations, including overseeing ranch development, managing the ground prep and planting process, hiring and management of operational and harvest labor, and 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, sources, and hires labor; develops and manages crews; ensures proper training; manages performance.
- Learn and implement the latest and best current production practices from within the RAC organization, as well as from university and other outside industry resources; develop and advance knowledge and innovations that deliver competitive advantage.
- Develops and manages 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.
- Responsible for the development of harvesting supervisors for succession plan
- Participate in weekly and monthly crop statement reviews
- Continued communication with Driscoll’s to ensure accurate estimates of crops and to deliver high quality to the cooler
- Maintains a well-organized, clean and safe work environment
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- High School Diploma or equivalent education required.
- 1-3 years of experience in production agriculture.
- Direct berry crop farming experience preferred.
- 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
- Ability to develop and manage personnel
- Demonstrated strength in operational administration
- Understanding of agricultural financial measurements
- 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 Requirements:
- Travel required between RAC’s various districts; industry conferences; etc. 20% travel
