South Valley Farms is seeking an experienced Farm Unit Manager to join our pistachio and almond farm team!
The Farm Unit Manager (FUM) is responsible for executing the crop plan in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to optimize production costs, yields, and quality—ultimately maximizing returns to the owner. This role oversees all crop production activities and expense management within an assigned geographic area and supervises Farm Leads, Equipment Operators, and seasonal labor crews. As a key representative of the Company, the FUM ensures alignment with management’s strategic objectives, enforces adherence to Company policies and procedures, and maintains full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulation
- Execute crop plans to meet operational targets, ensuring optimal irrigation, fertility, crop sanitation, and young tree survival rates exceed benchmarks.
- Ensure timely, effective, and cost-efficient pesticide and herbicide applications.
- Maintain non-crop vegetation and protect the physical condition of farm properties.
- Monitor accomplishment rates and hold team members accountable for achieving productivity and quality goals. Identify crop issues, implement approved corrective actions, and report outcomes to management.
- Communicate significant issues or variances to management within 24 hours, including recommended corrective actions.
- Achieve or exceed yield, quality, and cost-per-unit targets in alignment with business objectives.
- Review and report on major operations annually; contribute to budget planning and variance analysis.
- Champion a strong safety culture by modeling safe behavior and ensuring compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
- Train, supervise, and evaluate employees to ensure readiness and safe, efficient performance.
- Maintain a visible and consistent presence in the assigned farm unit during operations; delegate responsibilities appropriately.
- Complete all required reports and data submissions accurately and on time.
- Protect and maintain company assets, including equipment, supplies, and infrastructure.
- Collaborate with other departments and support cross-unit and company-wide initiatives.
- Identify and implement process improvements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- College degree in agriculture or related field or five (5) years of noted equivalent work experience in comparable agriculture operations.
- Experience managing or coordinating seasonal labor or FLC crews preferred.
- Strong understanding of crop requirements, including irrigation, fertility, pest/disease, and production practices.
- Basic understanding of budgeting, cost tracking, and agricultural business operations to support informed decision-making and effective resource management.
- Experience supervising employees in an agricultural setting, with a focus on productivity and safety.
- Working knowledge of farm equipment (tractors, sprayers, mowers, etc.) including safe operation and basic maintenance.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team to maximize resource utilization (labor, equipment, time)
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with subordinates, peers, and leadership.
- Detail-oriented with a proactive mindset and strong observation and problem-solving skills.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Possession of a current California Private Applicator Certificate where applicable.
- Familiarity with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), food safety protocols, and OSHA standards.
- Flexibility to work different shifts (days, nights, swing, weekends) and extended hours as needed (55–60 hrs./week).
- Familiarity with precision ag tools or ag data platforms (soil moisture sensors, mapping, task tracking) preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
- The physical demands below describe what is generally required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
- Perform work that includes standing, walking, and traversing uneven terrain while conducting field inspections, supervising crews, and overseeing agricultural operations.
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, typically in non‑routine situations or when assisting field staff.
- Periodically position self to access work areas, equipment, or materials, including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, balancing, and navigating steps or equipment platforms.
- Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity and coordination to operate controls, open and close gates, handle tools or materials as needed, and use electronic devices in both office and field settings.
- Maintain effective verbal and visual communication to exchange information, provide instruction, and identify operational or safety issues.
- Have Possess adequate visual acuity to observe crop conditions, equipment operation, personnel activity, and environmental hazards, including near and distance vision, depth perception, and peripheral awareness.
- Physical exertion is generally intermittent, with primary responsibilities focused on supervision, coordination, planning, and decision‑making rather than routine manual labor.
- The work environment below describes conditions the employee may encounter while performing this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made when appropriate.
- Work is conducted in both office and outdoor agricultural environments, requiring regular presence in fields, facilities, and operational work sites.
- The role involves exposure to varying weather conditions, including temperature extremes, sunlight, wind, and changing seasonal conditions.
- Regular presence around moving agricultural machinery, vehicles, tools, and mechanical equipment, requiring strong situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
- Potential exposure to airborne particulates such as dust, pollen, soil, and plant materials.
- Occasional work on uneven, muddy, slippery, or elevated surfaces, with possible exposure to vibration or electrical hazards.
- Periodic exposure to agricultural chemicals, including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fuels, in accordance with training, labeling, and safety procedures.
- Noise levels may range from moderate to loud depending on equipment use and operational activities.
- Work schedules may vary based on operational and seasonal demands and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, extended hours, or on‑call responsibilities during peak periods.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided in accordance with applicable laws and company policy, and proper use of required PPE is expected when performing tasks that warrant it.
AgReserves, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Qualified applicants must be legally and lawfully authorized to be employed and work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship - AgReserves, Inc. is not sponsoring visas at this time.
AgReserves offers medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance coverage. Additionally, employees can contribute to an FSA, and to an employer matched 401(K). Employees can apply for Tuition Assistance for continuing education purposes. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a discretionary profit-sharing bonus. For more detailed information please visit our benefits site: www.agreserves.com/benefits . AgReserves, Inc. complies with the current state minimum wage laws for all positions, regardless of the pay ranges posted.
Additional Benefits may also include: Company Vehicle, Company Housing, Company Cell Phone, Relocation Assistance.
