Job Description
Golden Valley Farms is a premier agricultural operation located in the heart of California's Central Coast. We are dedicated to sustainable practices and high-quality crop production. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced General Farm Manager to lead our Salinas Valley operations.
As Farm Manager, you will oversee all aspects of crop production from planting through harvest, manage a large seasonal and permanent workforce, and ensure compliance with all safety and food safety regulations. This role is perfect for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is passionate about modern agriculture.
We offer a competitive compensation package, including performance bonuses, health benefits, and a company vehicle. If you are ready to take the next step in your agricultural career with an industry leader, we want to hear from you.
Responsibility
- Plan, organize, and direct all day-to-day farming operations including land preparation, planting, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting.
- Manage and supervise crew leaders and a workforce of up to 100+ seasonal employees, ensuring productivity, safety, and adherence to company policies.
- Develop and manage annual operating budgets, monitor expenses, and implement cost-control measures to achieve financial targets.
- Oversee irrigation scheduling and maintenance of drip irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water usage and conservation.
- Implement and maintain strict food safety protocols in compliance with the Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) and third-party GAP audits.
- Coordinate with the sales and logistics teams to ensure timely harvest, cooling, and shipment of products to meet customer specifications.
- Maintain detailed records of crop inputs, yields, labor, and equipment maintenance; utilize farm management software for reporting.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies and sustainable farming practices to improve efficiency and crop quality.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in row crop production management, specifically in California's Central Coast growing environment.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, and manage a large, diverse workforce (bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred).
- In-depth knowledge of drip irrigation systems, soil science, pest identification, and IPM strategies.
- Strong business acumen with experience in P&L management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
- Must possess a valid CA Driver's License and have a clean driving record.
- Experience with farm management software (e.g., AgCode, FarmLogs, or comparable) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.