Crop Operations Manager

Job Description:

Sakuma Bros.Farms, Inc. is part of the family-owned farming and processing operation with over 85 years of experience in the small fruit industry. Home based in Burlington, WA, the company is located in the premier berry growing area of the Pacific Northwest. The vertically integrated businesses include Sakuma Bros. Processing, Inc. and Norcal Nursery, Inc. The berry processing operations engages in packing, marketing, sales and distribution of fresh and frozen berries grown by the Sakuma family as well as many area growers, for both the domestic and international markets.

Sakuma Bros. is currently seeking a Crop Operations Manager in Burlington, WA. The main responsibility of this position is to direct all farm chemical and fertilizer operations and applications and to supervise all spray operators and equipment operators.

We offer a competitive wage and benefit package. Please send your resume and cover letter via the "Apply Now" button below, and go to www.sakumabros.com to submit an application.

Position Reports to:

Farm Operations Manager

Requirements:

Knowledge and skill in managing chemical, fertilizer and irrigation applications in the small fruit and tree industry.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, and labor relations.
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing crop output.
Knowledge of farm equipment and machinery and the ability to operate and to effectively train others in the safe operation of such.
Skill and ability to motivate, develop and direct people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Skill and ability to evaluate systems – identify measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the company.
Skill and ability to communicate and provide information to supervisors, peers or subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail or in person.
Skill and ability to communicate with persons outside the organization, representing the farm to customers, the public and other external sources, by telephone, in written form, e-mail or in person.
Skill and ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
Ability to speak conversational English and Spanish is required.
Must adapt, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Performs proactive crop protection analysis and evaluation on a regular basis. Evaluates current farming practices and makes recommendations based on the results of the evaluation. This includes regular analysis of soil, water and leaf/plants to determine type and quantity of applications required for maximum production.

Directs and coordinates worker activities related to chemical and fertilizer applications and record keeping. Consults with the appropriate manager to ensure clarity of intent and clarity of desired outcomes. Reads, interprets, and translates chemical labels to spray operators as needed. Monitors and oversees spray applications to ensure safety and accuracy.

Coordinates growing activities with the appropriate departments to ensure clarity of intent and clarity of desired outcomes.

Records information, such as farm management practices and production results. Enters finished spray records into the ChemRec program. Keeps accurate records of employee time, equipment usage, routine maintenance and fuel usage.

Inspects equipment to ensure proper functioning. Recommends machinery, equipment and supplies necessary to operate the farm spray program. Verifies operator knowledge of tasks and specifics of the operating and loading procedures. Provides appropriate training and education on the safe use and operation of equipment and spraying techniques. Ensures that each operator has appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment).

Determines best customer source for chemicals, fertilizer, etc., based on knowledge and background in the industry.

Provides direct supervision over staff to include discretionary authority to determine methods of work; plan, assign and direct the work; in coordination with human resources and corporate policy, recommend personnel actions (promotions, salary and wage adjustments, demotions, discipline, discharge, etc.); administer routine performance appraisals; and interview/select employees. Emphasis is to be placed on maintaining staffing at the appropriate levels to operate at peak efficiency and in developing continuity in key positions.

Develops and maintains effective communications between Corporate Management, other employees, and any other individuals that affect the operations of the farm.

Perform related duties as required. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Agronomy or Production Management desired, and a minimum of five (5) years work experience that demonstrates successful experience in the small fruit industry.
Commercial Pest Control Consultant and Private Applicator license desired. An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the primary responsibilities of the position may be substituted.

Qualifications:

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS: