Ranch Operations Lead

Manulife Financial; Corning (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife Financial is seeking a Ranch Foreman to oversee day-to-day farm operations in California. You will lead the FLC crew with Ranch Manager guidance, ensuring safe, efficient tasks from irrigation to harvesting.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, field inspections, and daily reporting. Candidates should have farm labor experience, a CA driver license, and a Private Applicator certificate or ability to obtain one. Office and field duties may require travel between ranch locations.

Qualifications

• Must have 2 years’ experience in farm labor, preferably in tree crop.
• High School Diploma or GED required or 4 years of firsthand experience.
• Solid understanding of farm functions and procedures.
• Irrigation systems, spray and pruning knowledge.
• Valid CA driver license with a clean driving record is required.
• Private Applicator Certificate or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers and leadership.
• Critical thinking, decision making, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to travel between ranch locations.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds.
• Capable of working a flexible schedule, as workload requires.
• Must know basic computer skills.
• Previous work experience working with equipment operation safety, maintenance, and basic repair is required.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations, while performing work assignments and adhere to all policies and procedures as specified in company manuals and as directed in the employee handbook.
• Be a self-starter-ability to work independently as well as with other team members and management, along with all type of individuals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, communicate, and direct farm employee crew in a positive way to succeed and produce results.
• Maintain safe work practices.
• In collaboration with Ranch Manager, assist in the direction and coordination of the overall operations of the ranch including maintenance, irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting.
• Provide leadership to FLC crew and directing them to ensure completion of necessary tasks using safe and efficient approach.
• Inspect and observe fields, to determine upcoming jobs such as cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, and spray applications according to time of year.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency of all work activities.
• Report all safety, compliance, or any other issues immediately to Ranch Manager.
• Train personnel in work procedure, safety policies, and the use of machinery.
• Accurate record keeping of equipment maintenance, pesticide inventory, and irrigation schedules.
• Report to management daily to determine cost per acre.
• Perform all duties assigned by management.
• Work in collaboration with Ranch Manager and Area Manager to carry out daily tasks in an efficient manner, with assistance provided by the FLC crew.
• Report to Ranch Manager daily to assist to the best of ability in creation of daily plan.
• Communicate daily with FLC Foreman to execute daily task in an efficient and safely manner.

Skills

Farm operations

Safety compliance

Leadership

Communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Self-starter

Flexible schedule

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Manulife Financial is seeking a Ranch Foreman to oversee day-to-day farm operations in California. You will lead the FLC crew with Ranch Manager guidance, ensuring safe, efficient tasks from irrigation to harvesting.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, field inspections, and daily reporting. Candidates should have farm labor experience, a CA driver license, and a Private Applicator certificate or ability to obtain one. Office and field duties may require travel between ranch locations.