Senior Assistant Farm Manager

Fondomonte California is currently seeking a Senior Assistant Farm Manager to join our California team. This position will collaborate with the Farm Manager in the preparation and implementation of crop planning for all sites while ensuring that all cultivations, planting, irrigation, fertilizing, weed and pest control, and harvesting are carried out and in accordance with the required standards/ quality controls.

Starting salary range $85,000 - $100,000 plus bonus potential DOQ. Company vehicle and a full benefits package provided. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and implement strategic direction for the farms under control in conjunction with the Farm Manager ensuring the maximization of yields and thus performance on all crops grown.
• Ensure the efficient management of all irrigation, not limited to the scheduling of all irrigation events and the associated mandatory reporting requirements.
• Study crop production to discover and develop best methods of planting, cultivation, harvesting, irrigating, improving crop quality, controlling pests, and effects of various climatic conditions on crops.
• Collaborate with the Farm Manager in preparing and implementing a cropping plan for all sites. Ensuring that all cultivations, planting, irrigation, fertilizing, weed and pest control, and harvesting are carried out in a timely fashion and in accordance with the required standards/ quality controls.
• Ensure that all farming sites accountable; achieve or surpass the production & yield obligations, as well as physical and financial targets as agreed.
• Develop a management team by training, mentoring, and coaching to ensure that a suitable level of skills is available at all times to manage the sites accountable.
• Ensure health and safety protocols and procedures are always adhered to minimize risk and exposure to employees and the company. Promote a health and safety culture within the business.
• Coordinate business activities between farm sites to ensure the most efficient management of the resources available to him/her.
• Assist in the monitoring of costs on all sites and ensure internal controls are in place to comply with the requirements as directed by Farm Management and the Finance Department.
• Monitor the performance of the sites in achieving their financial and physical budget and take corrective action in situations where there are deviations.
• To supervise and ensure implementation of company policies in all arable farms/sites accountable.
• Monitor and assess the performance of all farm staff accountable.
• Ensure and follow all policies and procedures not limited to financial and/or operational controls. 

Qualifications:

• BS in Agriculture or equivalent qualification
• Must have Agronomic and Entomology experience in commercial agriculture specific to field crops
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) Desired
• 5 years’ experience in a management position within large scale agriculture
• Current Private Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Microsoft Office
• Strong knowledge of crop cultivation and harvesting including proper irrigation techniques.
• Work safely with the use of chemicals in applying pesticides to crops and using general farm equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Team player with a high level of self-initiative
• Great listening, communication, and verbal skills
• Capable of working under pressure
• Display positive and professional attitude toward peers and leadership team
• Time management and ability to prioritize task given
• Ability to work flexible hours to include, but not limited to, early AM/PM, nights and weekends and hours that could fluctuate day-to-day
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions required

Benefits:

Annual performance-based bonus. Company vehicle provided.

We provide an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance. In addition, we have a retirement program that encourages our employees to save for the long term, with generous matching employer contributions. 

Additional Requirements:

This position requires working at least one weekend day per week as well as several holidays. Ability to be “on call” 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season and harvest schedule, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, reach, push, and/or pull; climb and balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl
• Ability to lift 40+lbs and work in the field, an outdoor environment, or office.

Fondomonte is committed to providing equal opportunity for all. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.