Job description
Join Verdant Valley Farms, a leading producer in the Salinas Valley, as our Farm Operations Manager. You will lead day-to-day field operations, drive efficiency, and ensure sustainable crop production across multiple acres. This role blends hands-on leadership with data-driven decision making to maximize yields while safeguarding water resources and soil health.
Based in the Salinas region, you will collaborate with agronomy specialists, irrigation technicians, and harvest crews to deliver on strategic production targets.
Responsibility
- Plan and oversee all field operations including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and harvest schedules.
- Lead and develop a high-performing farm crew; ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Optimize irrigation and water use through precision agriculture technologies and soil moisture monitoring.
- Monitor crop health, disease and pest scouting, fertilizer planning, and yield forecasting.
- Manage equipment maintenance, procurement, and lifecycle planning for tractors, pumps, and implements.
- Develop and manage production schedules, labor planning, and budgets; track KPIs and provide actionable reporting.
- Implement sustainable farming practices, accurate record-keeping, and compliance with environmental and food-safety standards.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or equivalent field experience.
- 5+ years of experience in farm operations, agronomy, or production management.
- Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, soil science, crop management, pest control, and fertigation.
- Experience with data analytics and farm management software; ability to translate data into actionable decisions.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and safety management skills; proven ability to inspire teams.
- Ability to work outdoors in variable conditions; valid driver's license and experience operating farm equipment.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred for regional collaboration.