Agricultural Operations Manager

Agricultural Operations ManagerThis position requires fluency in Spanish and English. Spanish fluency is essential for directing field crews, communicating daily work and safety expectations, and supporting effective field operations. The Agricultural Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day planning, execution, and oversight of crop production in the Plant City area. This role owns the operational side of the growing cycle — planting, cultivation, irrigation, input management, harvest scheduling, and crew supervision — and is accountable for hitting production and quality targets on time and on budget. The role works in close partnership with the safety team to ensure all field operations are carried out in compliance with company safety standards and applicable regulations.Reports directly to President/CEO and Vice President, for operational priorities, budget, and production targets.Works closely with the Director of Safety and Training to ensure field operations, crew practices, and equipment use meet company safety standards.Serve as the primary liaison between the company and independent growers, landowners, and agricultural partners.Directly supervises field crew and any assigned leads/foremen in the Plant City area.Coordinates with other operations and division managers on shared resources — equipment, labor, transportation/hauling — as needed.Production ManagementPlan and execute the crop production schedule — planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and harvest — for the Plant City area.Monitor crop conditions and yield/quality checkpoints throughout the growing cycle; adjust plans as field and weather conditions require.Manage inputs, equipment, and supplies needed for field operations, including coordinating maintenance and repair needs with the shop/maintenance team.Track production costs against budget and report on operational performance.Build and maintain trusted relationships with landowners to secure long-term land leases and partnerships.Crew SupervisionSupervise, schedule, and direct the daily work of the field crew, including any leads/foremen assigned to the Plant City area.Communicate daily assignments and expectations clearly, in both English and Spanish as needed.Partner with the safety team on crew training, safety-sensitive task planning, and enforcement of PPE and other field safety requirements.Address performance and conduct issues within the crew, escalating as appropriate.Safety & Compliance CoordinationEnsure all field operations are conducted in accordance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA/EPA requirements.Coordinate with the Safety & Production Coordination Manager on Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), inspections, and corrective actions affecting operations.Promptly report incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns through proper channels.Required Qualifications5 years of experience in crop production or agricultural field operations, with demonstrated operational and crew management responsibility.Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to confidently present operational updates, negotiate with landowners, and collaborate with independent growers.Working knowledge of crop production practices — planting, irrigation, cultivation. HarvestExperience supervising field crews and coordinating daily labor assignments.Required: Fluency in Spanish and English, with the ability to communicate clearly with field crews, growers, landowners, and company leadership.Working knowledge of applicable agricultural safety requirements (OSHA, EPA Worker Protection Standard).Valid driver's license; ability to travel between field sites in the Plant City area daily.Strong organizational and communication skills; comfortable working cross-functionally with safety, maintenance, and other operations managers.Work Environment & Physical DemandsPrimarily outdoor field environment; exposure to heat, sun, dust, and agricultural chemicals consistent with crop operations.Ability to walk fields for extended periods, stand, bend, and climb on/off equipment as needed.Flexibility to work variable hours during peak planting and harvest periods, including early mornings.What Success Looks Like in This RoleProduction and harvest schedules consistently met for the Plant City area, with strong crop yield and quality outcomes.Field operations run within budget, with costs tracked and reported accurately.A well-managed, reliable field crew with clear daily direction and low turnover.Strong, collaborative working relationship with the safety team — field operations that meet safety standards without unnecessary disruption to production.Clear, proactive communication upward to the CEO on operational status, risks, and resource needs.