Irrigation & Crop Nutrition Supervisor

Position Summary : Supervise the Irrigation and Nutrition Program of the coffee orchard including the operation and maintenance of irrigation supply and distribution facilities and filtration systems to ensure proper irrigation practices are met for optimum coffee production.

Nature & Scope:

Kauai Coffee cultivates nearly 3,000 acres of coffee. All of these are drip=irrigated acres utilizing thirty-six filter stations and two outside private water systems. The water distribution system includes networks of ditches taking water directly from pumps, from distribution reservoirs and from mountain water flows.

Due to the diversity of water sources, the Irrigation Supervisor must plan proper allocation and distribution of irrigation water throughout the system. Resevoirs and ditches must be maintained, and during times of excessive rainfall, they must be checked to prevent damage while still keeping as much water as possible in storage.

The incumbent observes irrigation system layouts in the fields and notes changes that could be made to improve performance and quality. Fertilization by water must be properly monitored to ensure proper application. They must also watch for weeds and other conditions in the orchard so that correct cultural practices are performed.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Manages employees in the Irrigation section to be are that water and fertilizer are applied efficiently to maximize growing conditions.
• Maintain and deliver weekly schedules to water distribution chain of communication.
• Performs quality control checks of irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Plans and supervises maintenance of all irrigation facilities including reservoirs, ditches, pumps, filter stations, drips systems and chlorination units.
• Responsible for 6 on farm reservoirs, 4 regulated reservoirs to be kept at optimum levels and maintained to the inspection standards of the State of Hawaii Dam Safety Division.
• Oversee the operations of Pump Station 3. Duties to include startup and shut down of Pump Station 3 facility, diligent monitoring for optimum performance, daily operational maintenance regiments, reporting and scheduling all larger maintenance, electric and pump issues to KCOF maintenance and electrical team. In the event of an unscheduled power outage, must be available, on call, to shut the system down.
• Checks overall quality of coffee growth, vigor and color and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Responsible for developing monthly fertilizer schedule and tracks deliveries.
• Keeps current in technical developments in coffee cultivation and mechanized agriculture including new coffee cultivars and new methods of irrigation, pruning, maintaining and harvesting.
• Responsible for involvement in the preparation of weekly and monthly reports, annual budgets and capital expenditure requests. Recommends improvement projects to maximize company performance.
• Directs and coordinates the activities of subordinates to accomplish company and departmental objectives and goals.
• Responsible for selecting, training and motivating a competent workforce.
• Learns and supports all other orchard operations to act as a relief supervisor, if needed.
• Administer and enforce company safety policies and programs to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Work closely with the Environmental Safety, Security and Sustainability Manager to develop and implement orchard safety programs.
• Embrace and demonstrate Kauai Coffee's RISE values to build a healthy, team-oriented work environment of collaboration and trust.
• Knowledge of and complies with all Federal, State, local and company safety, health and environmental regulations. Provides a safe working environment for all employees to minimize accidents and their related impacts and costs.
• Responsible for compliance with company rules and policies and with the Company/Union Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Assists in building a health, team-oriented work environment to ensure continued success of Kauai Coffee Company, LLC.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications?Skills/Knowledge Requirements:

• Bachelor's of Science degree preferably in agronomy or related field.
• High school diploma or the equivalent.
• Minimum of two years experience in agricultural or horticultural environment
• Minimum of three years supervisory experience
• Possess the State of Hawaii Private Applicators of Restricted Pesticides Certification or acquire within a year of hire,
• Must have a driver's license.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000. This position offers competitive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, employer match for 401K retirement savings, Flexible Spending Account, 15 days of vacation and short term disability benefits, employee discounts and monthly free coffee.

This position may offer a modest stipend to assist with relocation expenses for candidates not currently residing on Kauai.

NOTE: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and scope of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted aqs a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities and qualifications assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.