Farm Manager | San Joaquin County, California
We are searching for an experienced Farm Manager with a strong background in blueberryand almond growing operations. We’re looking for a hands-on agricultural leader who takes ownership, drives operational performance, develops people, and is accountable for the overall success of the farming operation.
The ideal candidate combines strong agronomic knowledge with proven leadership, financial management, and a commitment to sustainable, productive farming practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Annual Crop Planning: Develop and execute annual cultural farming plans for blueberry and almond operations, including irrigation, fertility, pest and disease management, pruning, mowing, replanting, weed control, and other essential crop management activities.
- Fertility & Crop Protection: Ensure fertilizers, soil amendments, and crop protection materials are applied at the correct rates and appropriate times, following recommended practices and Pest Control Advisor (PCA) direction.
- Irrigation & Water Management: Oversee irrigation scheduling and water management to support crop health, productivity, and efficient resource use.
- Harvest Management: Coordinate and oversee harvest operations, including harvest timing, labor, scheduling, and execution to meet crop quality and production objectives.
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Implement and support sustainable and regenerative farming practices that promote soil health, resource efficiency, and long-term agricultural productivity.
- Financial & Business Management: Manage farm budgets, monitor operating costs, allocate resources effectively, and make data-driven decisions that support financial performance.
- Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, interview, train, coach, and develop personnel to build a capable, accountable, and productive team.
- Daily Operations & Accountability: Oversee daily workflow, delegate responsibilities, establish clear performance expectations, and hold team members accountable for results.
- Operational Ownership: Identify challenges, solve problems proactively, and continuously improve farming practices, operational efficiency, and overall performance.
Key Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in blueberry and almond growing operations.
- Strong understanding of annual cultural farming plans and seasonal crop management practices.
- Working knowledge of irrigation systems, water management, fertility programs, soil amendments, pest and disease management, and crop protection practices.
- Understanding of PCA recommendations and the proper timing and application of agricultural inputs.
- Experience coordinating harvest operations, labor, and crop readiness.
- Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative farming practices and their application in commercial agricultural operations.
- Financial and business management skills, including budgeting, cost control, resource allocation, and operational planning.
- Proven ability to recruit, interview, train, coach, and develop employees.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage daily workflow, delegate effectively, set clear expectations, and build accountability.
- A proactive, hands-on management style with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- A strong sense of ownership: Someone who takes responsibility, follows through on commitments, anticipates challenges, and treats the success of the operation as a personal priority.
- Must currently reside in California and have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
The Opportunity
This role is ideal for an agricultural professional who combines technical growing knowledge with business acumen and people leadership. We are looking for someone who doesn’t simply manage daily activities but takes initiative, develops their team, and drives results across the entire operation.
Please submit a current resume and optional cover letter consideration. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interview consideration.
Interested in learning more? Contact Kim Kavanaugh at 440-367-6025 or by email at kim.kavanaugh@gogpac.com
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.