Agricultural Farm Supervisor - Lodi, CA

Company Description New Excelsior Farming, LLC, is one of the largest cherry growers in the southern San Joaquin Valley, cultivating over 1,500 acres of cherries, cherry plums, and kiwi. With more than 45 years in California’s fruit packing industry, the Warmerdam family is known for excellence and integrity. The company combines advanced agricultural technologies with a strong commitment to quality, delivering superior fruit to consumers and premium returns to growers. Team members join a culture focused on innovation, reliability, and long-term relationships with growers and customers.

Position Summary

The Agricultural Crop Farm Supervisor is responsible for supervising farming operations across multiple ranches and overseeing the work of Crew Bosses and field employees. This position coordinates labor, irrigation, crop production activities, equipment, and field resources to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable farming operations. The Farm Supervisor serves as the primary link between Farm Management and field operations by ensuring production goals, quality standards, labor efficiency, and regulatory compliance are consistently achieved.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Serve as the primary company representative and liaison between the Company and the contracted farm management organization to ensure operational alignment, effective communication, and successful execution of farming activities.
• Directly supervise Crew Bosses assigned to multiple ranches.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and performance management.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor work quality and productivity.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, discipline, and employee development.
• Build strong working relationships while promoting accountability and teamwork.

Ranch Operations

Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily operations including:

• Pruning
• Training
• Tying
• Thinning
• Irrigation
• Fertilizer applications
• Pest and disease management support
• Harvest preparation
• Harvest activities
• Orchard sanitation
• Tree replacement
• Weed management

Monitor crop conditions and recommend operational adjustments to maximize production and fruit quality.

Labor Management

• Coordinate staffing between ranches based on operational priorities.
• Ensure proper crew allocation and labor utilization.
• Monitor labor productivity and efficiency.
• Review labor reports and productivity metrics.
• Verify employee time records and production reporting.
• Coordinate with Human Resources and Payroll to resolve labor issues.

Irrigation Coordination

Work closely with the Irrigation Supervisor to:

• Develop irrigation schedules.
• Monitor water applications.
• Identify irrigation deficiencies.
• Coordinate repairs.
• Improve water-use efficiency.

Agronomy Coordination

Partner with the Agronomist/PCA to implement recommendations involving:

• Fertility programs
• Pest management
• Disease prevention
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Crop quality improvements

Ensure field crews execute recommendations safely and accurately.

Equipment Coordination

Coordinate with the Shop Manager to:

• Schedule equipment availability.
• Report repair needs.
• Ensure preventive maintenance is completed.
• Verify equipment is operated safely.

Safety Leadership

Champion a culture of safety by:

• Conducting regular field safety inspections.
• Leading documented tailgate safety meetings.
• Investigating accidents and near misses.
• Ensuring compliance with company safety policies.

· Enforcing PPE requirements.

• Monitoring safe equipment operation.
• Implementing corrective actions.

Maintain compliance with:

• Cal/OSHA
• Heat Illness Prevention Standard
• Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
• Food Safety requirements
• Environmental regulations
• Company policies

Production Management

Monitor and evaluate:

• Labor productivity
• Crop quality
• Production timelines
• Harvest readiness
• Equipment utilization
• Operational costs

Recommend improvements that increase efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

Administrative Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain records including:

• Ranch activity reports
• Labor summaries
• Productivity reports
• Safety documentation
• Equipment issues
• Irrigation observations
• Harvest progress
• Employee performance documentation

Communication

Serve as the communication link between:

• Farm Manager
• Crew Managers
• Irrigation Department
• Agronomy
• Food Safety
• Human Resources
• Payroll
• Shop Department

Provide daily operational updates and identify issues requiring management attention.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Pomology, Plant Science, or related field preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of commercial farming experience.
• Minimum three (3) years supervising agricultural employees.
• Experience managing multiple crews and ranches preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California tree fruit farming practices.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Valid California Driver License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Commercial orchard management
• Labor planning and workforce management
• Piece-rate operations
• California agricultural labor laws
• Crop production
• Irrigation management
• Leadership and coaching
• Conflict resolution
• Budget awareness
• Problem solving
• Microsoft Office
• Electronic payroll and labor systems

Physical Requirements

• Walk extensive acreage daily.
• Traverse uneven terrain.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Operate company vehicles and agricultural equipment when necessary.
• Work extended hours during harvest and other peak operational periods.

Core Competencies

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Operational Excellence
• Team Development
• Communication
• Strategic Thinking
• Decision Making
• Adaptability
• Continuous Improvement

• This position can encompass duties other than the specified duties listed above. If necessary, alternative duties can be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.