Greenhouse and Farm Equipment Specialist

Sun World International, LLC•Wasco, CA

2d•$73,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Sun World International, a California-based agriculture and technology firm, is seeking an accomplished and hands-on Greenhouse and Farm Equipment Specialist. This role is crucial for translating strategic direction into daily operations, managing greenhouse operations, and overseeing farm equipment to support the company's table grape, stone fruit, and sub-tropical breeding programs. The company values creativity, innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit, and fosters a culture of excellence, leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, or related field
A minimum of 7 years of experience in greenhouse management, preferably with table grape plants or deciduous trees, vegetables, berries, or related crops
Knowledge of greenhouse fertigation systems and crop management
Demonstrated team supervisory experience
Excellent communication skills to keep leadership updated on progress and the ability to work constructively as part of a team
Strong problem-solving skills to resolve roadblocks single-handedly
Proven track record of managing complex projects autonomously
Ability to adapt and evolve operations as breeding and company strategies are updated
Proficiency in MS Office applications, digital data recording, and data management
Experience with the operation of medium tech greenhouses
Own decision making and problem solving
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage budgets and spend, develop capital plans, and plan to ensure operational excellence
Proficiency in English to communicate effectively in a global organization
Adaptability to work in outdoor environment in all weather conditions
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate farm vehicles/equipment

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Ensures successful growth and development of all greenhouse phases of crop growing cycles for a diverse portfolio of table grape, stone fruit, and sub-tropical crops.
Independently plan and schedule activities within the greenhouse and screenhouses to obtain uniform, fast growing, healthy young vines and trees for transplanting into breeding blocks.
Oversees successful planting, irrigation, nutrition, and pest management within greenhouses and screenhouses, providing feedback for improvements.
Stays current on innovations in greenhouse management through continuing education and networking.
Implements and follows clean plant protocols according to Sun World policies.
Manages pest control and fertilizer applications, either personally or through contract services.
Responsible for all farm equipment, including maintenance, planning of activities, and quality of jobs performed.
Manages maintenance for all equipment used in greenhouse and open field operations, including the greenhouses themselves.
Searches out and evaluates vineyard and orchard problems, making recommendations for effective, timely, and economic solutions, identifying opportunities for mechanization.
Provides safety training for personnel operating farm equipment.
Participates in safety and quality inspections and audits; serves as a member and/or supports greenhouse and farm equipment team members on the safety committee.
Maintains a safe work environment and provides required safety training in accordance with Cal-OSHA.
Ensures an organized, clean, and well-maintained greenhouse and farm equipment, including equipment, tools, and grounds.
Maintains all required spray records according to regulations.
Manages a team of seasonal greenhouse workers and works closely with Breeders and R&D related activities.
Supports hiring, managing, and supervising personnel, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal greenhouse and farm equipment staff and contract workers.
Plans and efficiently schedules labor and activities for greenhouse and farm equipment related jobs.
Provides feedback and guidance to greenhouse and farm equipment workers to yield the best results.
Enforces company policy and supervises to ensure all work is carried out safely and correctly.
Understands and trains employees in policy, procedures, and safety.
Performs employee evaluations and development planning.
Partners closely with plant breeders and relevant stakeholders to ensure activities are done correctly and timely to support breeding programs.