Job Description:
With approximately 30,000 acres in California, Sun Pacific® is the largest grower/shipper of navel oranges in the world, the largest grower/shipper of kiwi in North America, the 2nd largest grower/shipper of mandarins in North America, the largest tomato grower in California and renown for high quality table grapes. Our core focus is on farming, providing us with deep expertise in every aspect of growing these crops, including all cultural aspects, pest control, irrigation technologies and specialized equipment use, all tied together with sophisticated information systems.
Our team is growing and currently looking for a Farm Area Advisor to lead our farming operations throughout central California.
Position Reports to:
Farm Managers for covered region report directly to the Farm Area Advisor. The Farm Area Advisor reports directly to farming management/board.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Responsibilities & Duties:
The Farm Area Advisor will evaluate, plan, organize, and manage all designated farming operations. The Farm Area Advisor will provide leadership and coordination of general farming administration, accounting, budgeting, and planning of 6,500+ acres of citrus, Cuties® mandarin, Mighties® kiwi, and other crop as assigned in Kern, Tulare, and neighboring northern counties. The following are essential duties and responsibilities:
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Assist with strategic and operational planning.
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Direct all activities necessary to operate and support our farms at maximum efficiency.
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Direct and coordinate overall operations of the department which include farm development, irrigation, application/pest management,pruning, training, and harvesting.
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Recruit, train, develop and manage farming managers and personnel.
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Manage all contract labor for farming operations.
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Contribute towards profitability and growth of the company.
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Work with other departments and outside contractors to optimize efficiency of farming operations.
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Ensure practices and protocols contribute towards consistent and premium quality of crop.
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Manage chemical applications as prescribed by PCA.
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Manage maintenance, repair and replacement of all farming structures, equipment, and supplies;
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Manage harvest intervals with packinghouse interaction.
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Ensure compliance with all State, and Federal OSHA, EPA, USDA, food safety, and all other applicable laws and regulations.
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Learn and coordinate the farming of a new mandarin variety, company-wide working with various farm managers and advisors.
Skills:
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Knowledge in food safety programs and protocols (GAP, HACCP, GMPs and related).
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Computer literate in MS Office and ag-specific software programs, such as Agrian.
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Ability to effectively lead positively, motivate, and communicate to employees.
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Effective and proficient data/spreadsheet analysis, reporting, and communication skills.
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Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities and tasks.
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Ability to work in farming environments, extensive hours, weekends, and be very flexible to compliment operations for continued success.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years experience with planning and management of farming, harvesting, and post-harvest operations in citrus and other crops.
- Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural field of study or equivalent.
- Knowledge of agricultural methods, pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and crop growth/management.
- Possession of a CDL and an acceptable driving record insurable by the Company’s insurance policy.
