Job description
VerdantEdge Farms is seeking a results oriented Agronomy & Sustainability Lead to steer our crop programs across the Salinas Valley. This role combines hands-on agronomy with data driven decision making to maximize yield, quality, and resource efficiency while maintaining environmental stewardship.
You will partner with field teams, data scientists, and supplier networks to design and implement precision agriculture initiatives, monitor soil health, irrigation strategies, and crop nutrition plans, and translate field observations into actionable improvements.
We offer a collaborative culture, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to shape sustainable farming practices in a premier agricultural region.
Responsibility
- Develop and implement agronomy programs across multiple crops, with a focus on yield optimization and resource efficiency.
- Lead soil health assessment, nutrient management, and irrigation scheduling using precision ag tools and data analytics.
- Design experiments and field trials to test new varieties, inputs, and management practices; analyze results and provide clear recommendations.
- Collaborate with farm managers to translate insights into actionable field plans and KPIs.
- Lead sustainability initiatives targeting water use efficiency, reduced chemical inputs, and soil carbon management.
- Oversee integrated pest management plans in compliance with regulatory standards and environmental safety.
- Monitor and report on program performance, budgets, and ROI; present findings to leadership and stakeholders.
- Coordinate with vendors, breeders, and extension services to stay ahead of industry trends.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in agronomy, soil science, horticulture, or related field; master's preferred.
- Minimum 5 years experience in modern farming operations with hands-on agronomy and data-driven decision making.
- Experience with precision agriculture technologies, sensor data, GIS, and crop modelling.
- Strong understanding of sustainable farming practices, water management, and nutrient stewardship.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills; ability to translate data into practical field actions.
- Ability to work cross-functional with farm teams, suppliers, and researchers; proven leadership capabilities.
- Willingness to travel between sites as needed; valid driver's license.