Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Its technology and IP pursuits include one of the world’s leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks, and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting our global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary stone fruit and table grape varieties, and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 15 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.

REPORTS TO

Director of Operations

LOCATION

Center for Innovation in Wasco, CA

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensures successful growth and development of all phases of crop growing cycles for a diverse portfolio of table grape, stone fruit, and sub-tropical crops:

• Manages and schedules agronomic activities to maintain healthy and productive vines and trees.

• Oversees successful cultivation, thinning, pruning, tying, suckering removal, canopy management, grafting, planting, and replanting, fertigation, weed control and harvesting.

• Manages, personally or through contract services, pest control and herbicide applications and soil fumigation in accordance with safe viticultural and orchard practices.

· Manages irrigation maintenance for the field, screenhouse, and greenhouses.

• Oversees and coordinates erosion control, trellis installation, irrigation installation, frost protection, vineyard and orchard establishment, fence installation.

• Search out and evaluate vineyard and orchard problems and make recommendations that provide effective, timely and economic solutions to deliver quality fruit.

• Track down and resolve challenges that emerge at the vineyard and develop detailed recommendations that will result in timely and cost-effective results for quality output.

• Stay current on innovations in viticulture and orchard management through continuing education and networking.

Ensures successful operations of satellite breeding and test blocks based in Central and Southern California:

• Ensure success of farming operations at two test blocks in the Coachella Valley, and an additional test block in Cutler through support of local farming teams.

• Trouble shoot various plant growth challenges and other operational aspects of breeding and test blocks across a range of crops.

• Work with farming teams to develop and maintain system improvement and improved practices where required.

Maintain equipment and worker safety:

• Oversee operation and maintenance of vineyard equipment and infrastructure.

• Ensures that all necessary equipment is on site and in good operating condition prior to work.

• Participates in safety and quality inspections and audits; serves as a member and/or supports the vineyard/orchard team members on the safety committee.

• Maintains a safe work environment.

• Ensures an organized, clean, and well-maintained farming operation including equipment, tools, and grounds.

• Maintains all required spray records according to regulations.

• Supervise and coach workers engaged in machinery-maintenance activities.

• Train workers in work procedures, safety policies, and use of machinery and tools.

Manage a team of field workers and technicians and work closely with breeders and R&D activities:

• Support hiring, managing and supervising personnel, including full-time, part-time and seasonal vineyard/orchard staff and contract workers.

• Plans and efficiently schedules labor and work that involves moving team and crew members to top priority work in the field, greenhouse, and lab.

• Provides feedback and guidance for vineyard and orchard workers to yield the best results.

• Enforces company policy, supervises to ensure all work is carried out safely and correctly.

• Understand and train employees in Policy, Procedures and Safety

• Performs employee evaluations and development planning.

• Partner closely with plant breeders to ensure activities are done well and on-time to support the breeding programs.

• Communicate effectively with R&D team members to ensure research blocks are well maintained, plants are properly labeled, and cared for, and that research projects are successfully executed from a farming operations perspective.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Solid understanding of vineyard/orchard/farm management practices and procedures.
• Expert knowledge of viticulture and orchard practices with grape growing experience a plus.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and greenhouse operations.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated excellence in team leadership and decision-making skills.
• Ability to adapt and evolve the operations as breeding and company strategies evolve
• Good understanding MS Office applications, digital data recording and data management
• Ability to develop business reports, develop and track progress on key initiatives, and measure success across metrics and key performance indicators.
• Experience with the operation of equipment, including forklift, backhoe, and tractors.
• Must obtain or have a pesticide applicator certification.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are required.
• Ability to manage budgets and spend, develop capital plans, and plan to ensure operational excellence.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Adaptability to work in outdoor environment in all weather.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, or related field. Also willing to consider those with 10 or more years of applicable experience without a degree.
• 6+ years’ experience in farm or vineyard management.
• Demonstrated team supervisory, budgeting and decision-making skills.
• Experience with the operation of equipment, including forklift, backhoe, and tractors.
• Must obtain or have a pesticide applicator certification.
• This position requires proficiency in English to communicate effectively in a global organization.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate farm vehicles/equipment.

Compensation: $99,500 - $140,650 plus bonus.

Sun World International LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic forbidden under federal, state or local law.

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