Job Description:
The Ranch Manager will plan and oversee all farming activities and day to day functions of two small ranches. The ranch manager will direct a ranch supervisor and seasonal employees involved in planting, irrigation, harvest, and plant maintenance and will provide oversight of harvesting crews.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- Four-year degree in Agronomy, agriculture management or college degree in a related field; and 5 years farm managing experience in blueberries or related crop or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Hands-on, working knowledge of irrigation systems and farm equipment.
- Knowledge of organics, tomatoes or bell peppers a plus.
- Previous experience with FLCs.
- Good communication and recordkeeping skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook).
- Bilingual in Spanish/English is required – speaking, reading and writing.
- Ability to train employees; team oriented.
- Excellent organizational and project time management skills.
- Flexible to changing priorities and responsibilities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong organizational skills and follow-up skills.
- Ability to work with all levels of management.
- Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
- Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business applications and reports, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, owners, clients, customers and the general public.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Schedule and manages day-today farming and plant maintenance operations, including irrigation, weed control, pest management, fertilization and cultivation activities.
- Assures implementation of crop management programs to maximize yields.
- Creates crop plans that include land analysis and prep work, crop growth and yields over time, work schedules, planting schedules, irrigation, etc.
- Walks the fields daily and makes recommendations.
- Responsible for best equipment maintenance, coordinating and assisting with equipment repairs and maintenance.
- Coordinates harvesting activities and labor crews, enforcing all field safety, production and quality control/food safety standards.
- Assists in developing ranch SOPs and best practices.
- Mentors the ranch supervisor and other staff.
- Develops relationships with vendors and company staff.
- Ensures outside vendors adhere to company protocols and procedures.
- Ensures adherence to all labor laws by field staff.
- Prepares and implements weekly work schedules of all farming activities and special projects.
- Recruits and interviews potential new employees with VP/Director; train new employees as needed.
- Works with the VP/Director and company HR on farm labor contracts and special projects.
- Approves ranch payroll and seasonal payroll.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company’s policies and applicable state and federal laws.
- Plans, assigns and directs work; appraises work performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addresses complaints and resolve problems.
- Handles HR issues with the VP/Director and company HR office as needed.
- Verifies input of farm operation data into Ag software.
- Provides input into company budget process.