Farm Manager

Ac-Foods; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ac-Foods in Stockton, CA is seeking a Farm Manager to lead blueberry and almond farming operations, delivering production, quality, cost, safety, and operational objectives.

You will develop annual cultural plans, oversee harvests, manage irrigation and water use, and coordinate teams and partners to meet budgeted targets while upholding EATS values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Five+ years of agricultural operations experience including production, labor, budgets, and leadership.
• Commercial blueberry and almond production experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Valid California driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the company’s insurer.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee blueberry and almond farming operations.
• Develop and execute annual cultural farming plans including irrigation, fertility, pest and disease management, pruning, mowing, replanting, weed control.
• Monitor crop development, yields, fruit quality, and operational performance; identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate maintenance, repair, and replacement of farming structures, irrigation systems, equipment, and supplies.
• Plan and manage harvest activities and labor resources; schedule jobs and establish piece rates as appropriate.
• Promote safety, quality, and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

Skills

Operations leadership

Crop management

Resource planning

Communication

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word)

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Farm Manager leads and oversees farming operations, with responsibility for the successful production and harvest of blueberry and almond crops. The position is accountable for delivering production, quality, cost, safety, and operational objectives through sound farming practices and effective resource management. The Farm Manager develops high-performing teams, coordinates closely with agronomy and business partners and aligns with the company’s values of Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, and Stewardship (EATS).

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Farming Operations & Crop Management

• Direct and oversee blueberry and almond growing operations, ensuring work meets established production specifications and quality standards.
• Develop and execute annual cultural farming plans, including irrigation, fertility, pest and disease management, pruning, mowing, replanting, weed control, and other crop-management activities.
• Ensure fertilizers, soil amendments, and crop-protection materials are applied in the correct amounts and at the appropriate times according to written recommendations and PCA direction.
• Monitor crop development, yields, fruit quality, and operational performance; identify risks and implement timely corrective action.
• Coordinate maintenance, repair, and replacement of farming structures, irrigation systems, equipment, and supplies through appropriate team members and vendors.

Harvest Management

• Plan and manage blueberry and almond harvest activities in coordination with supervisors, labor providers, packinghouse, cooler, logistics, and other business partners.
• Coordinate harvest timing, labor, equipment, transportation, and other resources required to achieve volume, quality, and cost objectives.
• Schedule jobs, establish piece rates as appropriate, review crew documentation, and ensure accurate and timely operational records.
• Provide timely harvest forecasts and communicate material changes, risks, and opportunities to company leadership and relevant departments.

Irrigation & Water Management

• Develop and execute irrigation schedules based on crop needs, weather, soil moisture, system capacity, and water availability.
• Monitor irrigation systems, wells, pumps, water use, and energy consumption; address routine issues and elevate significant risks or capital needs to the Director of Farming.
• Maintain required records and support compliance with SGMA, ILRP, NMPs, Farm Evaluations, and other applicable water regulations.

Sustainability & Regenerative Farming

• Implement regenerative, organic, biodiversity, and integrated pest-management practices in coordination with the Director of Farming and Agronomy.
• Maintain records and corrective actions required for Bee Better, Organic, Regenerative Organic, and other applicable certifications.
• Maintain pollinator habitat and biological controls, track farm-level performance, and report compliance risks and improvement opportunities to the Director of Farming.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage annual cultural and harvest budgets to support efficient and profitable farm operations.
• Monitor actual performance against budget and forecast, taking corrective action when needed.
• Support strategic and operational planning and identify opportunities to improve productivity, crop performance, and cost efficiency.

People Leadership

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, coach, and develop farm personnel.
• Oversee daily workflow, delegate responsibilities, and establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
• Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations and address disciplinary matters in accordance with company policy.
• Ensure timecards and other required personnel records are accurately reviewed and approved.
• Coordinate effectively with Harvest, Spray, Shop, Administration, and other teams to maximize operational efficiency.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote a strong food safety, worker safety, and quality culture throughout farming operations.
• Achieve, sustain, and continuously improve product quality, quality systems, personnel safety, food safety, employee development, and financial results.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and all applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including OSHA, EPA, USDA, food safety, and agricultural regulations.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of commercial blueberry and almond production and harvest operations.
• Knowledge of agricultural workplace hazards and safe operating practices.
• Demonstrated skill in employee supervision, delegation, coaching, and accountability.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks as crop and workload conditions change.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate with employees, leadership, contractors, and vendors.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to identify and implement practical solutions.
• Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence and use operational data to support decisions.
• Commitment to safe work practices and the company's EATS values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible agricultural operations experience, including responsibility for production, labor, budgets, and team leadership.
• Commercial blueberry and almond production experience preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Valid California driver's license and driving record acceptable to the Company's insurance carrier.
• Valid California Private Applicator Certificate, or ability to obtain and maintain the applicable certification.
• Bilingual verbal and written English/Spanish skills.

Travel Requirements

• Travel is generally limited, with occasional overnight travel and periodic travel to Oregon based on business needs.