Field/Grower Manager

Position DescriptionReports to Title:Director of Agricultural OperationPosition Title:Field/Grower ManagerDepartment:Field ProductionLocation:Turlock, CADate:5/24/2024 Purpose:For over 30 years, SupHerb Farms has provided fresh-from-the-garden flavor and innovative product formats for foodservice operators and food manufactures. We offer our clients on-trend specialty IQF vegetable and herbs, purees and clean-label culinary pastes that bring crave-ability to life on menus and in food products. Flavor isnt just what we do, its who we are.This position is responsible for developing strong relationships with grower partners and guiding these growers in strategies and practices which produce high quality herbs that our customers desire. Must provide knowledgeable customer service to growers on organizational and industry developments, research, and field management through timely updates and/or obtaining answers to grower questions. Will be required to bring field and industry intelligence back to leadership. Primary Accountabilities: The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.Manage growers/suppliers in a manner that strengthens the relationship between SupHerb Farms and its growers, and promotes the production of high quality, high yielding herbs.Position must participate in a fast moving, complex environment by effectively communicating field/grower information to the agricultural team regularly and accurately.Monitor herb crops during the growing seasons and effectively communicate agronomic instructions to growers.Act as liaison between processing facility and growers, educating and advising them on quality standards and farming practices.Maintain and develop relationships among current and potential contracted growers.Review and enforce company quality standards to growers.Responsible for risk analysis, field selection, and contract initiation of future field production.Provide insights and direction in crop planning.Diligently complete all activities associated with food safety and food safety certifications.Effectively communicate harvest details to growers.Constantly work toward the improvement of safety, quality, and production.Represent the company within the industry and local grower events.Oversees the performance of growers and monitors their application of good agricultural practices, report issues to Director of Agricultural Operations.Responsible for understanding and complying with applicable quality, environmental and safety regulatory considerations as well as ensuring grower understanding and compliance.Advise growers on agricultural practices, providing updates on industry production research, offering guidance on best practice farming techniques.Prepare field maps and reports.Perform pre-harvest crop inspections before every harvest.Promote and implement continuous improvement within the Field team. Regular and predictable attendance is required.Other duties as assigned.Experience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Minimum 5 years experience working and managing in agriculture or related field.Field specific knowledge in agriculture science, agronomy, or pesticides preferred.Demonstrated negotiation management and conflict resolution experience.Valid California drivers license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program required.Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, ability to learn to use specific software as needed.General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, Quality, Food Safety Programs.Experience/knowledge of IQF processes preferred.Proven collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills.Travel to local and regional fields will be required on a daily basis. During main season (March October) weekend work may be required.Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish preferred.What Youll Need to Succeed:Passionate about a purpose driven career.Strong verbal, written, listening and communication skills.Demonstrated ability in public speaking.Leadership in a strong team environment.Experience in dealing with confidential materials and situations.Ability to work under pressure.Time management and planning abilityProfessional and friendly demeanorStrong customer service skillsFinancial and business acumenAbility to travel to fields and growing regions.Education & Certification:Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Agricultural Business, or Biology or related field.Willing to develop and/or obtain various certifications including but not limited to: Crop Advisor Certification (CCA), Water Resource Management. Physical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to stand, walk on cold, wet environment.Specific vision abilities required for this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.While performing job functions employee will regularly be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions, occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, vibration. Noise level can be loud.While performing the functions of this job, employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; and frequently required to sit; occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste or smell. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs., regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Travel Requirements:Up to 10% I am able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. ______________________________________ _____________________________Signature Date ADD THE FOLLOWING TO JOB POSTING:Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and background checks.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA: Hiring Pay Scale: $80,000.00 to $115,000.00SupHerb Farms is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.