Irrigation Specialist and Assistant Farm Manager

The Irrigation Specialist & Assistant Farm Manager supports the Director of Perennial Crops in the profitable production of perennial crops on assigned lands by managing irrigation systems, labor, equipment, inputs, data, and technology in alignment with Stahlbush Island Farms’ mission, values, and long-term goals. This position combines hands-on irrigation expertise with administrative, analytical, and leadership responsibilities to ensure crop health, cost control, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Key Outcomes and Responsibilities  

Irrigation Management & Technical Duties

• Plan, develop, and execute irrigation and fertigation schedules for perennial crops with irrigation operators.
• Coordinate irrigation timing with crop needs and Director of Perennial Crops direction.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair all irrigation systems including drip, pumps, controls, hand line, and underground systems.
• Install, maintain, and manage remote irrigation monitoring systems.
• Calculate and apply nutrient and fertigation applications per schedule.
• Inspect irrigation systems as requested using ATVs, 4-wheelers, or small tractors and correct malfunctions.
• Monitor and record tensiometer and ET gauge readings.
• Maintain accurate daily irrigation and fertilizer application records.
• Assist with construction of new irrigation systems and major pipe repairs.
• Order irrigation materials and manage irrigation equipment inventory.

Farm Management & Crop Production Support

• Assist the Farm Manager/ Director of Perennial Crops in achieving target crop quantity, quality, and budgets.
• Determine crop- and field-specific production steps, required inputs, labor, and resources.
• Assist in developing crop and field budgets, including overhead allocations.
• Support creation and execution of production schedules for assigned crops and fields.
• Track actual costs versus budget and assist with daily and seasonal cost review.
• Ensure financial data is accurately recorded and coded, including timekeeping and labor.
• Assist with preparation of monthly variance and cost reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve yield, efficiency, cost control, and processes.
• Coordinate equipment, labor, and resources to meet schedules within budget.
• Assist with certification compliance, including organic, sustainable, food safety, and quality requirements.

Data, Reporting & Communication

• Gather, analyze, and present irrigation and crop data
• Develop spreadsheets and reports to support irrigation, crop status, and cost analysis.
• Provide timely and accurate crop and irrigation status reports.
• Communicate schedules and field conditions with irrigation crews, supervisors, and farm leadership.
• Provide routine and situation-specific information across departments and external partners as needed.

Leadership, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure employees receive required company, regulatory, and task-based training.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure safe working conditions at all times.
• Uphold and model Stahlbush Island Farms’ Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Maintain responsibility for food safety and quality across all shifts.
• Travel to satellite farms as needed to support farm operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned and backup coverage for Director of Perennial crops and irrigation operators.

• This position has been identified as holding responsibility for food safety and quality of the company. This responsibility extends over all shifts.
• During absence, the following position serves as coverage to this position:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field.
• Agricultural field experience preferred.
• Must obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License within six (6) months of hire.

The statements made in any and all of the position postings are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc is an equal opportunity employer, focused on the employment and advancement of all applicants and colleagues for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy/childbirth, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran or military status, marital or domestic partner status, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Stahlbush Island Farms is an equal opportunity employer, program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.