We have a unique opportunity for a Director of Farming - Cultural Activities in Bakersfield, CA.
As a Director of Farming/Cultural Activities you will be reporting to the Senior Vice President of Farm Operations. You are also responsible for managing all functions related to the growing cycle of table grapes. This position guides the Foremen in implementing cultural practices and managing employees, as well as coordinating with the Director of Crew Coordination and Entomologist. The Director of Farming/Cultural Activities also prepares budgets and forecasts.
A world-class agribusiness dedicated to innovation, exceptional excellence and the growth of its people, products and processes, Sun World International is known for its fresh table grapes, peppers, and citrus enjoyed by consumers worldwide. We are a dynamic organization that embraces an entrepreneurial culture, can-do attitude and collaborative spirit.
- Work some weekends and long hours when needed.
- Ride in vehicle on rough roads.
- Work in hot, dusty environment in summer.
- Work in cold, wet environment in winter.
- Occasionally lift items weighing 50 pounds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate all functions necessary to prepare soil, irrigation, equipment, materials and labor to plant and harvest table grapes.
- Coordinate and implement all cultural activities (shredding, irrigation scheduling, fertilizer schedule, Pest and Disease control programs, others as needed) to grow table grapes.
- Guide Foremen in implementing cultural practices and in managing employees.
- Prepare capital budgets for equipment needs, repairs, and new developments.
- Prepare crop budgets and aid others in forecasting yields.
- Communicate with sales and marketing on number of acres planted, total yields and harvest projections.
- Be aware of laws and regulations pertaining to chemical applications and abide by these regulations.
- Be aware of and implement labor law requirements.
- Coordinate with Director Farming Crew Coordination on all crew activity, keeping workers safe regarding reentry intervals and use labor efficiently.
- Coordinate with Entomologist, area foreman and contract applicators on all chemical applications to crops.
- Coordinate water and fertilizer use and implement applications on crops efficiently.
- Coordinate development of new vineyards and ensure proper implementation of land preparation, irrigation installation, planting, trellising and training of new vines.
- Other duties and projects may be assigned to you during the course of your employment, which may or may not directly apply to your other responsibilities.
THIS POSITION WILL BE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR:
- Keeping accident rates at or below the OSHA frequency rate for this type operation.
- No reentry or drift issues with crews working on SW property or neighboring properties.
- Farm related Food Safety audit scores to be at 95% or better.
- Crops will be clean of all preventable pests and diseases, mainly Powdery Mildew, mites and meallybug.
- Fertilizer applications to be within 5% of the fertilizer schedule.
- Water applications to be within 5% of the irrigation schedule.
- Keep all budgets at or below Plan.
- Know what pest control products to use, timing and rates for prevention on Powdery Mildew, meallybug and mites and other vine pests.
- Know what fertilizers are needed to produce table grapes, formulation of fertilizers, quantities and timing of application of these fertilizers.
THIS POSITION WILL CONSULT AND INFORM THE FOLLOWING:
- Sr. VP of Farming during the budgeting period to formulate an accurate budget and work plan and on a regular basis keep Sr. VP informed of progress.
- Entomologist/PCA to ensure timely writing of recommendations and correct products and rates are being applied.
- Application contractors or in-house application person to schedule applications timely and efficiently.
- Director of Crew Coordination to make sure crews are kept safe and hand labor is done timely and efficiently.
- Forecasting manager to help determine crop size and timing.
- Quality Assurance and Food Safety regarding food safety audit requirements and implementing these requirements.
- Finance and accounting departments with any changes in the budget if costs or yields vary from Plan.
- Various consultants for performing trials and learning from them on ways to improve yield and quality.
- Five years’ experience showing progressive increase in responsibilities.
- Bilingual English / Spanish a plus.
- Strong computer skills.
- Demonstrated negotiation and problem solving skills.
- Excellent oral/written communication skills.
- Confidence and highly professional demeanor.
- Ability to work independently.
This position requires that you be able to speak, read and write English at a level, which allows full communication and participation in a team situation.
