Senior California Farming & Operations Leader

Sun World International, LLC; Wasco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Insurance coverages

Job summary

Sun World International LLC in Wasco, CA seeks a Senior Manager - California Farming & Operations to lead farming and operations across Wasco, Cutler, and Coachella. You will manage the Farm Manager, specialists, facilities and external partners to deliver high-quality field programs and safe, compliant facilities.

We value strong leadership, strategic planning, and real-world crop management expertise, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and collaboration with Breeding and Business teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive agricultural operations experience, including 5+ years in people leadership.
• Strong knowledge of crop production systems, irrigation, nutrition, pest management, and farm operations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly between California research locations.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to farming teams across Sun World's California operations.
• Directly manage key personnel at the Wasco research site, including the Farm Manager and specialists.
• Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Develop talent, succession plans, and professional growth opportunities.
• Promote alignment across Farming & Operations, Breeding, and Business functions.
• Provide operational leadership for Wasco, Cutler, and Coachella sites.
• Oversee crop production plans, resources, scheduling, and field execution.
• Maintain facilities to high safety and quality standards.
• Partner with breeding teams to support field ops and breeding strategies.
• Lead Safety and Health efforts and ensure OSHA compliance.
• Identify risks and implement safety training and vendor liaison activities.
• Ensure compliance with pesticide regulations and re-entry intervals.
• Oversee crop management practices for breeding populations and trials.
• Manage external farm management partnerships and vendor relations.
• Drive automation, data-driven farming, and digital transformation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

People management

Communication

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, Biology, or related field

Job description

Sun World International LLC in Wasco, CA seeks a Senior Manager - California Farming & Operations to lead farming and operations across Wasco, Cutler, and Coachella. You will manage the Farm Manager, specialists, facilities and external partners to deliver high-quality field programs and safe, compliant facilities.

We value strong leadership, strategic planning, and real-world crop management expertise, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and collaboration with Breeding and Business teams.