Job 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 Ensure fruit quality and condition through successful growth and health of our plants:
•Manages and schedules agronomic activities to maintain healthy and productive vines and trees.
•Oversees 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.
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.
•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:
•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.
•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.
Requirements
Required Skills and Abilities •Understanding of vineyard/orchard/farm management practices and procedures.
•Expert knowledge of viticulture and orchard practices and grape growing.
•Knowledge of irrigation systems and greenhouse operations.
•Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively as part of a team.
•Demonstrated team leadership and decision-making skills.
•Ability to drive change
•Good understanding MS Office applications, digital data recording and data management
•Excellent organizational skills are required.
•Fluency in English/Spanish is required.
•Adaptability to work in outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
Education and Experience •Bachelor's degree in viticulture, horticulture, or related field.
•3+ years' experience in vineyard operations.
•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.
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.
Salary Description
$99,500 - $140,651
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Part time, Seasonal work, Local area, Outdoor,