Job description
HarvestGate Farms is seeking a seasoned Agriculture Operations Manager to lead field operations across our Salinas Valley cultivation sites. This role combines agronomy excellence, people leadership, and data-driven decision making to maximize yield while conserving water and inputs.
As a key member of our agronomy team, you will oversee crop protection, irrigation scheduling, harvest planning, and compliance with industry standards. You will partner with R&D, supply chain, and field crews to deliver consistent quality and profitability.
Responsibility
- Lead day-to-day field operations across multiple crops in the Salinas Valley, ensuring safety and productivity.
- Develop and execute precise irrigation, fertigation, and nutrient management plans to optimize water use and yields.
- Monitor crop health using scouting data, sensors, and drone imagery; implement timely interventions.
- Manage field crews, scheduling, training, and performance feedback while maintaining compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborate with R&D and agronomy teams to evaluate new varieties, inputs, and cultural practices.
- Track key performance indicators, maintain accurate records, and provide regular operational reporting to leadership.
- Coordinate harvest planning, post-harvest handling, and packaging to ensure product quality and on-time deliveries.
- Manage vendor relationships, equipment maintenance, and budget adherence.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of field operations or farm management experience in commercial agriculture.
- Strong knowledge of soil science, irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler), nutrient management, and integrated pest management.
- Proficiency with farm management software, data analytics, and basic GIS or mapping tools; advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities; proven safety and compliance track record.
- Willingness to travel between sites and work outdoors in varying weather conditions; valid driver's license.