Job description
Verdant Valley Farms is seeking a results-driven Agricultural Operations Manager to lead field operations, optimize production, and drive sustainable farming practices in Fresno, California.
In this role, you will oversee daily farm activities, coordinate planting and harvest schedules, manage irrigation and soil health programs, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and partner with agronomy and sales teams to align production with market demand. The successful candidate will leverage data-driven methods and modern agritech to maximize yield, quality, and resource efficiency.
Responsibility
- Oversee day-to-day field operations across multi-crop projects, ensuring on-time planting, cultivation, and harvest.
- Manage irrigation systems, soil health programs, fertilizer applications, and crop protection plans to optimize yields and minimize environmental impact.
- Lead safety, quality, and regulatory compliance for all farm activities, maintaining accurate records and audit readiness.
- Develop and monitor production schedules, labor plans, and equipment utilization to maximize operational efficiency.
- Analyze operational data to identify improvements, implement precision agriculture tools, and reduce waste.
- Collaborate with agronomy, procurement, and sales teams to align production with demand and customer specifications.
- Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and capital projects to support scalable growth.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field (or 5+ years of hands-on farming leadership in lieu of degree).
- 5+ years of farm operations experience, including crop production, irrigation management, and equipment maintenance.
- Strong knowledge of precision agriculture technologies, soil health management, and integrated pest management.
- Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to coach and develop staff.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making abilities.
- Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory compliance (OSHA, WPS, environmental regulations).
- Ability to travel between fields and, when required, to partner facilities; valid driver's license.