Area Manager-Agronomy

Summary:

Deseret Farms of California is seeking an Agronomy Manager to provide strategic consultation and technical services to the local farm management team in the areas of irrigation, pest control, nutrient management and ensure assets are optimized in pursuit of achieving division and company-wide goals. A successful Agronomy Manager builds solid professional relationships with industry and community partners to ensure the recommendations and agronomic programs are current, scientifically sound, and financially viable.

Responsibilities:

• Develop crop plans and budgets for agronomic inputs that serve as the basis for scheduling and quantifying inputs and treatments as well as forecasting associated costs.
• Recommend agronomic practices and coordinate the efforts of the agronomists, outside PCA's, labs, consultants, and farm advisors to provide farm management with clear, planned, effective and cost-efficient advice and information.
• Provide insight into production opportunities by analyzing yield and quality results, scouting information, and application timing and rates of ag chemicals, fertilizer, and irrigation.
• Troubleshoot, study, record, and report on findings regarding tree health problems and agronomic anomalies that occur in the orchards.
• Strategically purchase agronomic resources (chemicals, equipment, labor, etc.) and leverage the business relationships to ensure on-time supply while minimizing costs.
• Organize all trials that occur on the farm to make sure they are applicable and in the best interest of the farm.
• Coordinate and oversee the design and installation of irrigation systems and orchards. Deliver turn-key fields to farm managers while maintaining conventions and presenting continuous improvement ideas.
• Promote a best-in-class Employee Safety culture and provide an agronomic point of view to team efforts to continuously improve employee, food, and environmental safety processes.
• Manage irrigation maintenance crew through the Agronomy Team.
• Mentor, train and develop the Agronomy team in their current roles and prepare them to be promotable into future leadership positions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Ag Business, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Or 10+ years of work experience.
• 5+ years related work experience in a management capacity (supervising people and operations),
• Current CCA and CA-PCA license (or the ability to obtain within 2 years of employment).
• Strong understanding of crop requirements, production practices, and pests.
• Experience managing safety, operation, & maintenance of crop-production equipment such as tractors, sprayers, mowers, etc.
• Proactive attitude with attention to detail and power of observation.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills. Bilingual Spanish highly desirable.
• Valid CA driver license with good driving record.
• Proficient computer skills including MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
• Ability to work regular farm schedule of 55-60 hours per week, which includes nights, weekends and shift work, per business needs.

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.