Farm Manager

Wine Industry Expo; Wasco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun World International LLC seeks a Farm Manager for its Wasco, California research center to lead a premier vineyard and orchard program. You will direct agronomic activities, ensure healthy growth of table grapes, stone fruits, and other crops, and manage data collection for breeders’ research.

The role requires 5+ years of farming experience with supervisory responsibilities, strong irrigation knowledge, and budgeting skills to drive operational excellence on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Viticulture, Horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years farming experience, preferably in grapes or deciduous fruit crops.
• Two or more years of supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems and farm budgeting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage agronomic activities to grow uniform, healthy vines and trees.
• Oversee pruning, thinning, tying, grafting, planting, and harvest operations.
• Direct pest control, herbicide applications, and soil fumigation per safe practices.
• Maintain irrigation systems and field infrastructure for open-field crops.
• Coordinate erosion control, trellis install, irrigation install, and frost protection.
• Identify vineyard/orchard issues and provide timely, cost-effective solutions.
• Collect and maintain field data using digital tools.
• Lead safety programs, inspections, and staff training on procedures.
• Supervise field teams and coordinate with breeders and R&D to support projects.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting & planning

Communication

Data management

English proficiency

Farm equipment operation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Digital data recording

Job description

Sun World International is a global leader in the breeding, development, and licensing of premium fresh fruit varieties. We partner with growers in more than 30 countries to bring innovative table grape, stone fruit, and other produce varieties to market. Sun World was recently named a 'Best in State Company' in California by Forbes. Come grow with us!

We are seeking a Farm Manager for our main research center located in Wasco, California. In this role, the new hire will manage a best-in-class research farm with the goal of delivering healthy, vigorous and uniform fruit trees and vines in support of our breeders’ research programs. We are looking for professionals who are passionate about agriculture, innovation, sustainability, and the use of field technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensures successful growth and development of all phases of crop growing cycles for a diverse portfolio of table grape, stone fruit, and sub-tropical crops:

• Manages and schedules agronomic activities to maintain uniform, fast growing, healthy and productive vines and trees.
• Oversees successful cultivation, thinning, pruning, tying, suckering removal, canopy management, grafting, planting, and replanting, fertigation, weed control and harvesting.
• Manages, personally or through contract services, pest control and herbicide applications and soil fumigation in accordance with safe viticultural and orchard practices.
• Manages irrigation maintenance for the open field
• Oversees and coordinates erosion control, trellis installation, irrigation installation, frost protection, vineyard and orchard establishment, fence installation & maintenance.
• Search out and evaluate vineyard and orchard problems and make recommendations that provide effective, timely and economic solutions to deliver quality fruit.
• Track down and timely resolve challenges that emerge at the vineyard and develop detailed recommendations that will result in timely and cost-effective results for quality output.
• Stay current on innovations in viticulture and orchard management through continuing education and networking.
• Work with farming teams to develop and maintain system improvement and improved practices where required.

Responsible to gather and maintain all field related data utilizing digital tools

Ensure worker safety:

• Participates in safety and quality inspections and audits; serves as a member and/or supports the vineyard/orchard team members on the safety committee.
• Maintains a safe work environment.
• Ensures an organized, clean, and well-maintained farming operation including equipment, tools, and grounds.
• Maintains all required spray records according to regulations.
• Train workers in work procedures, safety policies, and use of machinery and tools.

Manage a team of field workers and technicians and work closely with breeders and R&D activities:

• Support hiring, managing and supervising personnel, including full-time, part-time and seasonal vineyard/orchard staff and contract workers.
• Plans and efficiently schedules labor and work that involves moving team and crew members to top priority work in the field
• Provides feedback and guidance for vineyard and orchard workers to yield the best results.
• Enforces company policy, supervises to ensure all work is carried out safely and correctly.
• Understand and train employees in Policy, Procedures and Safety.
• Performs employee evaluations and development planning.
• Partner closely with plant breeders to ensure activities are done well and on-time to support the breeding programs.
• Communicate effectively with R&D team members to ensure research blocks are well maintained, plants are properly labeled, and cared for, and that research projects are successfully executed from a farming operations perspective.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, or related field.
• 5+ years’ of farming experience, preferably in table grape vineyards, and/or deciduous fruit trees. Consideration will also be given to those with experience with vegetables, citrus, almonds, et team supervisory, budgeting and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in team leadership and decision making skills. Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience is required.
• Solid understanding of vineyard/orchard/farm management practices and procedures.
• Ability to manage budgets and spend, develop capital plans, and plan to ensure operational excellence.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated excellence in team leadership and decision-making skills.
• Ability to adapt and evolve the operations as breeding and company strategies evolve.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, digital data recording and data management.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• This position requires proficiency in English to communicate effectively in a global organization.
• Adaptability to work in outdoor environment in all weather.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate farm vehicles/equipment.

PREFERENCES:

• Ability to develop business reports, develop and track progress on key initiatives and measure success across metrics and key performance indicators.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.
• Pesticide applicator certification (PCA) is highly preferred.
• Hands on experience with smart agriculture devices (sensors, weather stations) and software for decision making and data management.

Work schedule

Fully onsite in Wasco, CA.

Sun World International LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic forbidden under federal, state or local law.