Field Operations Representative
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Field Operations Representative
Position Reports To: Field Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Salary
Position Purpose Summary: The Field Operations Representative is responsible for supporting the Field Operations Manager throughout every aspect of the seeding, growing, and harvesting operations.
Principal Job Responsibilities:
· Serve the needs of customers and all stakeholders
· Adhere to all Food Safety and GMP Policies
· Determine seed varieties and volume for each pack plan season in collaboration with Field Ops Manager
· Contract with seed companies to set pricing
· Assist with the development of the yearly pack plan
· Manage the grower base to determine those best suited to supply the desired quantity, quality, and delivery time frames and contract the desired volumes
· Make and/or recommend adjustments to the planting schedules during planting season due to weather issues, etc.
· Communicate weekly to growers their delivery schedule
· Monitor crop planting to determine all commodities are getting planted in a timely manner
· Work with bean growers to get a uniform seed bed with minimal trach
· Schedule delivery of bean seed to growers and pick up unused seed after planting
· Document all seed movement using a seed memo signed by grower
· Closely monitor acres planted to make sure it meets the planting schedule
· Soil moisture should be scheduled and if necessary, recommend amount of irrigation to apply in coordination with Field Ops Manager
· Scout all crops to determine if there are possible yield issues due to poor stands or other crop issues
· Communicate all anticipated short falls in volume to the pack plan team
· Scout bean acreage and work with the growers on their pest control program to supply the quality and quantity necessary
· Peas and beans should be checked daily or every two days to determine maturity and to monitor disease development
· Harvest scheduled need to be communicated daily to the custom harvest company and plant manager
· Communicate any issues that could affect quality or volume to pack plan team
· Forecast bean seed needs in September/October in collaboration with Field Ops Manager
· Acquire from growers’ pesticide history record and completed copy of grower survey
· Review pesticide history to verify their use was within label requirements for crop
· Compute each grower’s seed charge based on seed used (organic, conventional, Italian) and an average seed cost is determined per grower contract in collaboration with Field Ops Manager
· Compute each bean growers passed acreage charted and payment by acreage measurements and following contract procedures
· Compute growers passed tonnage to determine additional grower payment by using the estimated crop value in the field before harvest and hauling costs in collaboration with Field Ops Manager
· Develop date for passed acreage payment from grower per grower contract
· Other related duties as assigned
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Broad knowledge and experience in vegetable crops, sustainable agriculture, microbial sciences, horticulture, or biosystems and agriculture engineering
· Above average skills in communications
· Excellent skills in scheduling
· Demonstrated ability to provide creative problem solving; maintain composure under pressure
· General knowledge of computer use; typing; email etiquette, root cause analysis
· Above average skills to work independently
Education and Experience:
· Degree or equivalent experience: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, or like degree, or a combination of education and experience
· Years of Experience: 3 -5 years of crop management, agriculture sciences, or vegetable farming
· Other requirements: Valid Driver’s License
Physical Demands of the Position:
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, for extended periods of time.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to outdoor elements such as wind, rain, sleet, or snow depending on the time of year crops are being visited. This position spends approximately 75% of the week traveling during the peak season and 25% in the office.