Sun Pacific began in 1969 with the purchase of 72 acres of oranges in Exeter, California. Today Sun Pacific owns more than 40,000 acres in California and ships 35 million boxes of fresh fruit annually. As the acreage has grown, so has our expertise and attention to detail in farming and packing the highest quality product. Today, with over 3,000 employees, Sun Pacific is the largest grower/shipper of navel oranges in the world, and the largest grower/shipper of table grapes, mandarins, and kiwi in North America.
JOB SUMMARY: The Farm Area Director will lead and advise farm managers within the assigned central farming area to effectively evaluate, plan, organize, and manage assigned citrus farming enterprises.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Farm Managers for citrus farming enterprises report directly to the Farm Area Director. The Farm Area Director reports directly to the President of Farming.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are essential duties and responsibilities:
- Assist with strategic and operational planning;
- Direct all activities necessary to operate and support farms at maximum efficiency;
- Direct and coordinate overall operations, which include farm development, irrigation, application and pest management, pruning, training, and harvesting;
- Recruit, train, develop and manage farm managers and personnel;
- Manage all contract labor for farming operations;
- Contribute towards profitability and growth of the Company;
- Work with other departments and outside contractors to optimize efficiency of farming operations;
- Ensure practices and protocols contribute towards consistent and premium quality of crop;
- Manage chemical applications as prescribed by PCA;
- Manage maintenance, repair, and replacement of all farming structures, equipment, and supplies;
- Manage harvest intervals with packinghouse interaction;
- Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, such as but not limited to labor and employment law, Cal/OSHA, EPA, USDA, food safety, and all other applicable ordinances, laws and regulations; and,
- Perform all other duties, tasks, and projects, as assigned by the Company.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years experience in planning and management of farming, harvesting, and post-harvest operations in citrus and/or other similar crops;
- Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural field of study, or equivalent; and,
- Possession of a valid driver’s license, and an acceptable driving record insurable by the Company’s insurance policy.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge in agricultural methods, pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and crop growth/management;
- Knowledge in food safety programs and protocols (GAP, HACCP, GMPs and related);
- Computer literate in MS Office and ag-specific software programs, such as Agrian;
- Ability to effectively lead positively, motivate, and communicate to employees;
- Effective and proficient data/spreadsheet analysis, reporting, and communication skills;
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities and tasks; and,
- Ability to work in farming environments, extensive hours, weekends, and be very flexible to compliment operations for continued success.
