JOB FILLED - In House Council - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

JOB FILLED - In House Council

Job Description: 

Location: Salinas, CA or Remote
Company: All SFCOS Companies
Reports to: Executive Management Team
Department: Human Resources
FLSA Status: Consultant or Temporary with potential for F/T

WHO WE ARE:

In operations since 1980, we are a family-owned vertically integrated full-service growing, labor, and harvesting company. We provide services to well-known growers and shippers who provide fruits and vegetables to the nation's leading grocery and food service users. We are proud to have gained the reputation of “Setting the Standard” in our respective industries. Our ownership consists of founders, Steve and Brenda Scaroni, and their two sons Matt and David Scaroni. Together we are well known in the industry for our hands-on leadership style. We have the pleasure to serve some of the most well-known and respected produce brands and help provide the labor to supply food throughout the nation. We owe our success to the efficiencies we create in every corner of our company and the people at each level who make it happen.

We employ about 80% of our work force utilizing the H-2A Guest Worker program. We are the largest privately-owned employer of H-2A Guest Workers in the United States; we manage over 50 housing sites, and coordinate transportation and food service to over 6,000 guest workers each year. We also have growing operations in Mexico, providing conventional and organic agriculture products that meet modern LGMA food safety standards.

Our Human Resources Department is focused on our most valuable asset: our employees. We have departments including H-2A, Occupational Safety, Food Safety, Payroll, Benefits and a Chaplaincy Program that provides pastoral counseling, care and crisis management to all employees. Our goal is to ensure we employ the most talented and motivated people at all levels that are focused on “Setting the Standard'' and preserving the supportive culture we’re known for.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are looking for In-House Counsel to oversee and direct all people functions of the corporation in accordance with Company culture and all state and federal government regulations and administrative rulings. In consultation with executive management, Counsel develops and implements current, annual, business, and financial objectives for the Human Resource organization. As a strategic partner, Counsel serves as a consultant to the executive management team on human capital related matters, which may include, but not limited to, educating and advising the executive management team, meeting with external parties, and lobbying governmental agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Counsels and advises the executive management team on state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law relating to the H-2A guest worker program, as well as other employment and labor related matters, such as hiring, performance, termination.
  • Effectively communicates and manages governmental affairs with the Federal and state governments, as well as labor advocacy groups.
  • Recommends best practices in relation to legal and compliance processes and programs, and ensures compliance with legal documentation and company policies in our California market.
  • Conducts audits of California-specific employment and labor laws.
  • Oversees outside counsel on all legal matters, including mediation and litigation; manages relevant external consultants on all California Legal issues.
  • Oversees and directs the work of junior counsel.
  • Provides expertise and insight on any employment-based questions and also in relation to the preparation of separation agreements.
  • Provides expertise and insight on any employment-based law changes which impact the business (including participation in various committees, industry associations and HR-related strategy meetings).
  • Consults with leadership on the development of their team's strategy related to employment and labor law compliance.
  • Stays apprised of relevant state and federal case law, regulations, statues, and pending legislation, as well as on external best practices and recommends relevant changes to leadership.
  • Performs pre-litigation work to minimize risks and maximize legal rights, in consultation with the executive management team.
  • Drives projects and tasks to completion through effective prioritization, work planning, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Identifies cost-saving opportunities and potential process improvements.
  • Direct and implement policies to maintain compliance for H2-A guest worker programs as it relates to HR and safety.
  • Oversee the completeness and accuracy of the employee handbook.
  • Enforce EEO policy, serve as the Company’s EEO and DOL (EEOC/OFCCP) representative.
  • Lead strategy implementation of affirmative action plans with HR leaders and communicate plans to senior and executive management.
  • Oversee OFCCP audit submissions in collaboration with counsel.
  • Manage periodic internal reviews/audits/investigations to ensure compliance with documented processes and procedures.
  • Provide consultation for training in compliance in relation to state and federal labor laws and or diversity. Coordinate with Learning and Development to provide necessary compliance training to HR, managers, and employees.
  • Partner with various leaders to ensure data integrity processes across systems.
  • Develop and mentor HR team members in the area of compliance.
  • Assist and support emergency response efforts

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Subject matter expert on topics relating to California and Federal statutes, regulations, and case law, as well as proposed/pending legislation as it relates to employment law, including but not limited to wage and hour law, agricultural law, the H-2A nonimmigrant visa program, PAGA, and health and safety.
  • Seeks feedback, reflecting upon personal behaviors and looking for growth opportunities. Displays composure, resilience and a positive approach to work.
  • Communicates clearly and effectively in written, non-verbal and verbal communication to inform, inspire, motivate and influence. Appreciates the importance of listening, empathy and respect.
  • Creates and maintains mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Actively consults, manages conflict and appreciates alternative perspectives and cultures.
  • Fosters a cooperative leadership style that empowers and motivates. Provides clear expectations and direction. Developing people in their roles and supporting future growth.
  • Shows ownership by making informed decisions, executes efficiently and takes responsibility for results. Pursues goals and takes initiative. Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
  • Uses market awareness to better meet the customers' needs (internal and external).
  • Demonstrates flexibility and embraces changes to adapt to shifting business needs and emerging technologies. Identifies opportunities for business improvements. Effectively implements changes in alignment with business goals.
  • Demonstrates conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
  • Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
  • Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

  • JD and overall broad legal knowledge of employment and labor law required preferably in California.
  • Admitted to practice law in California required.
  • Previous experience in a business environment, preferably in the Agricultural industry
  • Must have extensive applicable knowledge in various employment law areas, including but not limited to ADA, AAP, ADEA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA, ACPA, ERISA, MHPAEA, Equal Pay Act, FMLA, CFRA, GINA, HIPAA, FLSA, IRCA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PFL, PDL, Workers’ Compensation, OSHA, SCA, PCA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, USERRA, and FEHA.
  • Must have extensive and detailed technical expertise and application of relevant human resources principles, theories, and concepts.
  • Knowledge and proficiency of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, electronic mail, Google Apps, Smartsheet, and other word and spreadsheet programs.
  • Bilingual preferred

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid Driver License
  • Acceptable Driving Record (must meet minimum criteria to be covered on company’s auto insurance policy)

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires some travel throughout various locations where the company operates as well as to both state and federal regulatory offices throughout the United States.

To apply or find our more about this position, contact LSR@SFCOS.COM

Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Confidential Job: 
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