Farm Manager

Produce Careers•Santa Cruz County, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

A multi-generation, family-owned farming organization is hiring a Farm Manager to oversee vegetable row crop operations across 2,500 acres in the Pajaro Valley. Based in Santa Cruz County, this year-round, on-site role includes travel throughout nearby growing regions. The Farm Manager provides leadership in planning, executing, and continuously improving farm operations and reports directly to Ownership and the Vice President of Agricultural Operations (VP of Ag Ops). The role coordinates field crews and equipment operators, directs crop-production activities, manages irrigation and agricultural applications, and works with customers and harvest teams to support timely harvests. It also oversees field preparation and adapts daily operations to changing field conditions, weather, crop development, labor availability, and operational requirements. The position ensures compliance with food-safety, environmental, worker-safety, regulatory, and company requirements.

Requirements

Proven experience in farm management, particularly with vegetable row crops.
Strong leadership and organizational skills.
Deep understanding of farming practices and industry standards.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Nice To Haves

Passion for agriculture and commitment to excellence.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Coordinate tractor drivers and assign daily field tasks to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Direct planting schedules and oversee thinning, fertilization, and other crop-production activities.
Schedule irrigation and coordinate with pest control advisors and pest management companies to address crop needs.
Track pesticide, fertilizer, and other agricultural applications for accurate recordkeeping, compliance, and billing.
Coordinate with customers, harvesters, and harvest crews to monitor crop readiness and ensure timely harvest operations.
Oversee groundwork and field preparation, including ripping, disking, bed preparation, and other pre-planting activities.
Monitor field conditions and adjust schedules and priorities based on weather, crop development, labor availability, and operational requirements.
Communicate daily priorities to field crews, equipment operators, and outside service providers.
Ensure compliance with food-safety, environmental, worker-safety, regulatory, and company requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned that are within the scope and responsibilities of the position.