Position   Summary:

The Director of Farming (Oregon) has significant autonomy and responsibility in assisting the Senior Vice President of Blueberries   & Nuts with managing multi-site blueberry and nut operations. This position will work closely with all members of the farm leadership team, including Farm Supervisors, related business entities, vendors, and office staff, in planning, directing, and coordinating the overall management activities of farming operations. The role is essential to support organizational goals and model best practices,   guided by our values of Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, and Stewardship (EATS). 

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs farming activities with each Farm Supervisor, ensuring the overall health of plants are maintained at a level optimizing long-term productivity.
• Implements water schedules and makes recommendations and adjustments, accordingly, including properly interacting with water districts and accounting for water deliveries and ordering of that water.
• Provides or assists Farm Supervisors with irrigation direction for the various crops throughout farming operations, including but not limited to the scheduling and planning of all irrigation demands.
• Approves, implements, monitors,   and assures timelines and accuracy of activities, such as irrigation,   fertilization,n chemical application, and harvest to ensure adherence to safety regulations or standards and to help resolve issues when they are found.
• Assists in the direction of crop production operations, including but not limited to pruning, shredding, mowing,   replants, and rodent control.
• Ensures Farm Supervisors are held accountable for all operational activities, including those related to other companies and outside vendors, are done according to company standards.
• Approves and implements correct application of fertilizer and chemical deliveries from Agronomist procurement procedures and /or recommendations, including pest management, fertilizer, and soil amendment for the various crops throughout the company.
• Researches and understands crop requirements, production practices, and types of diseases and makes recommendations on these factors.
• Partners with the Agronomist to evaluate weather or soil conditions, to develop plans or procedures or to discuss issues such as changes in fertilizers, herbicides, irrigation, or cultural techniques.
• Requests data collection with respect to region or farm operations and/or as requested by SVP of Blueberries   & Nuts.
• Follows and communicates cultural budgets and approves material invoices for designated farms.
• Develops relationships with staff from different departments and outside suppliers to meet the company’s expectations.
• Works with the farming team and other company departments to estimate labor requirements for jobs and to plan work schedules accordingly, to request or purchase supplies, tools, or equipment, or to report farm conditions, crop yields, machinery breakdown, labor problems, or employee issues.
• Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with law, regulations, or standards, and informs those in charge of requirements.
• Manages and schedules necessary harvest operations with the harvesting department, Farm Supervisors, and vendors.
• Serves as a mentor and coach to company employees and outside labor crews to improve overall employee job knowledge and work performance.
• Enforces company safety rules and policies.
• Communicates and reports employee problems and discipline issues as well as request crew staffing needs to the appropriate Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) and/or the company’s human resources department.
• Takes immediate action in resolving and addressing employee issues or complaints.
• Assists in the creation or modification of cultural farming budgets. 
• Assists with the development expectations for managing farm operations budgets, forecasts, and crop development and practices.
• Develops, organizes, and monitors an adequate plan for the control of agronomics, seasonal cultural practices, which includes safety and standard operating procedures.
• Assists with managing water regulations, including SGMA and Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs (ILRP),   Nitrogen Management Plans (NMP’s), and Farm Evaluations.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of pest and disease control and effectively communicates and plans a prevention program when necessary.
• Ensures company policies and procedures are followed by each farm and department.
• Ensures the compliance of   Safety, Health and Operational requirements are met with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Manages and maintains performance records of the overall irrigation infrastructure systems with the pursuit of producing real time data and possible cost analysis, i.e., micro irrigation systems.
• Calculates the cost analysis of energy and the associated cost of water.
• Manages well management performance and indicator records for all companies’ water wells and booster equipment and annual well tests.
• Understands soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations developed by the Agronomist.
• Understands the development and management execution of pest control strategies developed by the Agronomist.
• Schedules field scouting and directs necessary adjustments to crop management plans.
• Monitors soil moisture and irrigation schedules, irrigation system application, and uniformity.
• Monitors plant removal and planting, and spacing accuracy.
• Monitors coverage and timing of chemical application.
• Assists in the development of and monitors yearly objectives and long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with the company’s strategic plan.
• Participates as a key member in team farm meetings to discuss and inform on the activities of farming management and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory   Responsibilities:

• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Ensures timecards are reviewed and approved properly.
• Partners with safety to promote a positive safety culture.

Essential   Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily,   including all important aspects of the job- whether performed daily, weekly,   monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to   enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential   functions.

• Considerable knowledge in the field of irrigation, installation, maintenance, and repairs.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the trade and of the proper use of safety practices.
• Ability to create spreadsheets and formulas.
• Ability to diagnose problems with irrigation systems, pumps, clocks, and valves as well as necessary repairs and adjustments to maintain all systems in proper working conditions.
• Ability to interpret irrigation designs and crop layouts.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of company information.
• Possesses team leader qualities with the ability to work well and communicate effectively with fellow employees and management.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of company information.
• Ability to foster accountability, good communication, and excellence in employees.
• Ability to train and work with operational personnel on the farms and create a positive environment that encourages employees to interact within the organization.
• Ability to delegate and coordinate tasks of a team.
• Ability to positively influence others and manage conflict.
• Self-directed individual who can identify and implement solutions with team input.
• Ability to maintain professionalism when dealing with vendors, employees, and growers.
• Ability to delegate and provide direction to a team.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability to changing situations and can perform multiple tasks with multiple priorities.
• Ability to perform all duties in a safe manner and actively promotes the company's Illness & Injury Prevention   Program and farm safety policies.
• Supports and promotes company and departmental values and goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Science or   related field of study or a high school graduate or equivalent, with five years of progressively responsible experience in farming operations
• Valid driver’s license and   driving record acceptable to the Company’s insurance carrier
• Intermediate to advanced level computer skills   with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word)