Job Description

Exciting Facility Manager role near Bakersfield with a leading International ag business

A Brief Overview:

Primary responsibility of Facility Manager is the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team facilitating all phases of production and programs in the region. This role also negotiates contracts with area growers for test plots, grow outs and trials. Plays an essential part of the local production management team, managing crops from planting to harvest. This role encompasses multifunctional responsibilities, involving the development of proprietary agronomic methods and machinery.

The demand for this position necessitates dedicating 50+ hours weekly during peak seasons. Supports their Regional Production Manager directing fieldwork, transplanting, cultivation, scouting, sampling, and harvesting crops for evaluation. In addition to the management of the regional field technicians and onsite farm manager, this position is responsible for facility safety requirements, manages and implements all facility and safety OSHA requirements. Travel to other Regions to assist on projects as needed.

Essential Activities:

• Work with seed production department and plant breeders to develop and manage an annual station budget that supports research and production goals and objectives. Will be the implementation lead for all station budget activities.
• Ability to communicate and schedule activities for seed production and research and personnel, both at this and other locations.
• Negotiate with vendors and various contractors for facility services.
• Supervise and plan out duties for full-time and part-time positions at the facility to implement the seed production and research plan of work in the most efficient and safe manner and to ensure all equipment is safe and ready for seasonal operations.
• Meet regularly with their Regional Production Manager for planning and integration of production fields.
• Maintaining current facility and overseeing various new construction projects.

Qualifications

• Required – Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomic Business, Pest Management, Crop Biotechnology or related disciplines.
• Required 5-7 year’s experience in crop production and seed production.
• Required 5-7 year’s experience in operating a tractor and other heavy equipment.
• Required – California Private Applicator license
• Required – Valid driver’s license and record in good standing, commercial driver’s license is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of growing crops, the natural cycle, growth conditions and principles of crop production.
• Knowledge and understanding of various types and features of pests in plants and crops; different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Understanding of pollination and insects involved in pollination.
• Ability to organize and instruct labor crews.
• Ability to work in a team environment with good communication skills.
• Ability to work extended hours during the peak planting and harvest seasons and in adverse weather.
• Experience in Microsoft Office and ability to learn and use Farm Management System software.
• Comfortable working flexible schedules including weekends or off-hours during critical periods.
• Bilingual – Spanish

Travel Requirements:

The ability and readiness to travel to other regions with short notice is a requirement of this position 10% of your annual time.

Employee Benefits:

• Profit Sharing – Annually
• 401k - Eligibility after 3 months. 100% matching up to 6% of salary
• Health Insurance - Eligibility after 1 month, 100% paid for employee and 50% for dependents/spouse/domestic partner (Medical/Vision/Dental/Life & LTD)

Our people are passionate about what they do, the products they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family and culture that values collaboration, innovation, and dedication, this is the right company for you.

Please contact Tara Schwartz, Tara@producecareers.com