Assistant Farm Manager

South Valley Farms is hiring an experienced Assistant Farm Unit Manager to join our Wasco leadership team!

Summary

The Assistant Farm Unit Manager (AFUM) supports the Farm Unit Manager in daily farm operations to ensure crops are produced safely, efficiently, and on time. This role helps achieve goals for yield, quality, and cost, while supervising employees and maintaining compliance with company policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support crop production activities by assisting with planning and execution of irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvest; monitor crop conditions and implement approved actions to maintain crop health and productivity.
• Oversee irrigation and input applications to ensure systems operate effectively and applications are completed accurately, on time, and according to plan.
• Manage daily operations and performance by ensuring work is completed on time, meets quality standards, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Supervise and develop employees by coordinating daily work, providing training on safe and effective practices, giving feedback, and supporting performance management with the FUM; maintain a visible presence during operations.
• Support financial and administrative activities by managing costs, tracking expenses, and completing reports and required documentation accurately and on time.
• Promote safety and compliance by following and enforcing company policies, participating in training, supporting incident investigations, and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Maintain farm assets and work areas by protecting equipment, tools, and infrastructure, and keeping facilities organized and inspection-ready.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• College Degree in agriculture or related field, or 4–5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in tree crop production and farm operations, almonds/pistachios preferred.
• Understanding of tree crop production (irrigation, fertility, pests, field operations).
• Experience supervising employees in an agricultural setting.
• Basic knowledge of farm equipment operation and maintenance.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Current Private Applicator License (where required).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Working conditions

• The physical demands below describe what is generally required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
• Perform work that includes standing, walking, and traversing uneven terrain while conducting field inspections, supervising crews, and overseeing agricultural operations.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, typically in non‑routine situations or when assisting field staff.
• Periodically position self to access work areas, equipment, or materials, including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, balancing, and navigating steps or equipment platforms.
• Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity and coordination to operate controls, open and close gates, handle tools or materials as needed, and use electronic devices in both office and field settings.
• Maintain effective verbal and visual communication to exchange information, provide instruction, and identify operational or safety issues.
• Have possess adequate visual acuity to observe crop conditions, equipment operation, personnel activity, and environmental hazards, including near and distance vision, depth perception, and peripheral awareness.
• Physical exertion is generally intermittent, with primary responsibilities focused on supervision, coordination, planning, and decision‑making rather than routine manual labor.

• The work environment below describes conditions the employee may encounter while performing this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made when appropriate.
• Work is conducted in both office and outdoor agricultural environments, requiring regular presence in fields, facilities, and operational work sites.
• The role involves exposure to varying weather conditions, including temperature extremes, sunlight, wind, and changing seasonal conditions.
• Regular presence around moving agricultural machinery, vehicles, tools, and mechanical equipment, requiring strong situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
• Potential exposure to airborne particulates such as dust, pollen, soil, and plant materials.
• Occasional work on uneven, muddy, slippery, or elevated surfaces, with possible exposure to vibration or electrical hazards.
• Periodic exposure to agricultural chemicals, including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fuels, in accordance with training, labeling, and safety procedures.
• Noise levels may range from moderate to loud depending on equipment use and operational activities.
• Work schedules may vary based on operational and seasonal demands and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, extended hours, or on‑call responsibilities during peak periods.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided in accordance with applicable laws and company policy, and proper use of required PPE is expected when performing tasks that warrant it.

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: 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.