Farm Employment Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!

Job Description:

Job Summary

As an integral part of a research and education team at the Strawberry Center, the Farm Supervisor will manage the farming activities necessary to conduct field research on strawberries. This includes land preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, experimental plot design and other tasks necessary to farm strawberries and conduct research projects in a field setting. The Farm Supervisor will report to the Field Research Manager and work closely with, contract labor and part-time student employees. The Farm Supervisor will take a leading role in ensuring the alignment of research efforts with the annual priorities established by the California Strawberry Commission, focusing on improving the sustainability of strawberry production in California and training students for careers in the strawberry industry.

Duties and Responsibilities (ordered by importance)

• Farming activities include land preparation, disking, landplaning, listing, ripping, plowing, laying drip tape, banding fertilizer, laying plastic mulch, installing irrigation and irrigating, fertilizing, planting, applying pesticides, trimming, harvesting, packing, cooling and all activities associated with farming strawberries for research purposes.
• Plan and execute field-based research and occasionally laboratory-based research. Current research priorities include labor-saving automation, insect and disease management, farming without fumigants, irrigation, water quality and nutrient management and other important issues in California strawberry production.
• Manage Strawberry Academy program. Train, assist and/or provide supervision and mentoring of students and other staff working on Strawberry Center projects and related activities.
• Work collaboratively with the Plant Sciences Operations Manager, Horticulture and Crop Science faculty and staff to share equipment and calendar farming activities such that the goals of each party are maximized.
• Work closely with and the Field Research Manager regarding plot layout and experimental design and collecting, organizing and summarizing experimental data.
• Work with, apply and safely handle agricultural chemicals such as fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, soil fumigants, biological control agents, fertilizers and other products currently in use or for experimental purposes.
• Follow proper agricultural practices to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and common-sense regarding safety.
• Order and maintain needed inventory of research and farming equipment.

• Build and maintain partnerships with research teams including growers, part-time labor, researchers, and scientists to successfully execute projects.
• Respond to emergency situations that may arise in the evenings, weekends or holidays to assist in accomplishing farming and experimental objectives.

• Operate and maintain equipment, including but not limited to, backpack and tractor-mounted spray equipment, drip and sprinkler irrigation, pumping and injection systems, tractors and implements, cameras, soil probes.

Position Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year university with an agricultural degree (horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, etc.) or completion of a four-year college degree plus two years of agricultural field experience.
• Must be able to occasionally lift heavy objects and wear a backpack sprayer weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation within the first year of employment.
• Ability to occasionally work long hours in order to meet deadlines and complete projects.
• Work effectively as a member of a diverse team of scientists, administrative staff, graduate and undergraduate students to accomplish the goals of the Center.
• Must possess a valid Class C California Driver's license with a driving record acceptable to our insurance company underwriters and comply with state/federal requirements.
• Ability to travel to strawberry production regions (e.g., Oxnard, Santa Maria, Salinas, Watsonville, Turlock, Macdoel) within California.
• Ability to use standard office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, publishing, electronic mail, and calendaring systems.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead others in managing tasks, train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a diverse population.
• Ability to professionally interface with members of the campus, community, and public.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a variety of complex and confidential files and records.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• A background check is required for all regular benefited positions
• The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrists to operate a computer keyboard and calculator
• Seeing to read a variety of materials
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time
• Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects
• Commuting on an as-needed basis to travel to strawberry production regions within California

Hiring Range:

If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.

The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.
Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.
Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.
All employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.
Please visit our website for additional benefits information. Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer