Position: Full time
Location: Lompoc/Santa Maria, California
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Ranch Manager is responsible for the scheduling, performance, and safety of assigned foremen and crews. This position reports to the District Manager. The Ranch Manager will provide Wish Farms, CA LLC with professional, disciplined, motivated, agricultural leadership to manage daily operations of multiple work crews performing various farming tasks at assigned worksites. The position is based in the Lompoc/Santa Maria area and may require seasonal occasional travel to other districts in California.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage and direct the activities of multiple agricultural work crews engaged in various farming tasks on Wish Farms ranches including but not limited to preparing fields, planting, irrigating, cultivating, packing, and harvesting
- Guide and support foremen and crews in basic agronomy and crop activities to ensure work is done safely and meets Wish Farms expectations
- Deliver on expected outcomes including yield, quality, efficiencies, compliance, etc.
- Learn and implement the latest and best production and harvest practices from within organization, as well as from external resources.
- Develop and advance knowledge and innovations that deliver competitive advantages
- Lead daily communication and coordination with crew leaders, support staff, and partners
- Provides forecast and production estimates to Wish Farms grower relations on a weekly basis and update daily with changes and adjustments
- Manage scheduling and performance of assigned crews
- Responsible for quality of work and efficiency with time and materials
- Responsible for recruitment and training of foreman and crews in order to perform and meet the demands of labor to support farm operations
- Responsible for crew safety, time and attendance, job assignments, and enforcement of company policies, instructions, and SOPs
- Responsible for the oversight of quality control and food safety of assigned crews
- Work in conjunction with District Manager and HR to enforce company policies and procedures in accordance with state, federal, and local laws
- Coordinate closely with District Manager and Human Resources regarding safety and training, hiring, disciplinary actions, promotions, terminations, incident/injury reports, and all other Human Resource related matters
- Work closely with District Manager on irrigation practices and monitoring fields for pest and disease pressure
- Coordinate with Wish QC Manager and Inspectors to maintain Wish Farms Quality Standards
- Responsible for ensuring company equipment is maintained in safe working order and secured
- Work closely with District Manager in finance control and cost savings initiatives
- Other relevant duties as assigned by management
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Five (5) years agricultural work experience in a supervisory position
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural or related field, highly desirable
- Technical knowledge and communication skills to manage large seasonal workforce on all aspects of crop production
- Proficiency in the setup, operation, and basic maintenance of agricultural equipment
- Ability to work a flexible schedule as determined by crop conditions and client requirements
- Ability to read and understand written instructions from suppliers, regulators, or management
- Ability to use a computer, tablet, and smartphone for multiple purposes including time keeping, record keeping, reporting, and communications
- Must be able to communicate fluently (verbal, written and presentation) in English and Spanish.
- Must have valid driver’s license and ability to be insured under company insurance program
- Position requires ability to spend varied lengths of time: standing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50lbs
