Norcal Nursery, Inc.
Position Description
Position Title:
Division:
Reports To:
Supervises:
Salary Range:
FLSA Status:
Turlock Crop Manager
Norcal Nursery, Inc.
Turlock Area Manager
Operations Supervisor, Field Supervisor and Irrigators
Exempt
SUMMARY: The Crop Supervisor is responsible for efficiently supervising field operations as directed by
the Turlock Area Manager. Tasks include but are not limited to: crop planning, supervision of crop
operations, crop management during the year, and harvest activities. These duties include: planning, field
mapping, pest control, irrigation, soil analysis, pest scouting, pest applications, new field establishments
and maintenance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Coordinate supervision of field operations throughout the year, including but not limited to,
cultivating, planting, irrigating, pest scouting, pesticide applications, fertilization, cutting flowers,
runner setting, pruning and weed control.

Provide input into land analysis, crop rotation, spacing, crop yields, land preparation, planting,
irrigation, fertilizer and spray programs, weed and disease control, crop growth over time and all
requirements that fall into pre, post and harvest execution.

Monitor the fields and crop growth on a regular basis to ensure most effective execution of labor
and resources.

Determine and inform irrigators on irrigation schedule and fertilizer applications. Ensure all
fertilizers are available throughout the growing season and proper injecting systems are available.
Document monthly fertilizer usage

Develop a tissue and soil sampling process to be done throughout the growing season.
Incorporate and complete field scouting reports to be sent regularly to upper management.

Develop, follow and work with a CCA on Nitrogen Plan Program

Coordinate and lead the California Department of Food & Agriculture plant indexing system for
both foundation and screenhouse strawberry plants.

Work with Turlock Area Manager and other Corporate Management on any crop trials that are
needed in the growing season. Document information to assess the trial.

Monitor and Coordinate off rotation grain, cover or cash crop program. Work with Operations
Supervisor to ensure all product is available and crops are planted and harvested on time.

Supervise, train, and organize employees for the field harvest operations for Strawberries and
Raspberries at the Turlock Area Location.

Coordinate with Operations Supervisor to develop a schedule to ensure all ground work,
fumigation, cultivation and spraying is completed in the proper timing windows. Crop Manager will
ensure all chemicals, fertilizers and ammendments are available for applications and submit
monthly pesticide use reports.

Coordinate with Operations Supervisor to ensure all planting equipment and bed machine
equipment is ready for the start of season. Crop Supervisor will lead and oversee strawberry and
raspberry planting as well as strawberry bed machine movement.

Coordinate with Operations Supversior on irrigation solid set and drip tape layout based on how
the field is going to be farmed.

Maintain computerized records of field layouts, crop yields/acre, fertilizer/chemical supply
inventories.

Provides input for the training program of irrigiation and bed machine personnel (Irrigators and
general labor) to ensure the safe operation and handling of equipment, machinery and chemicals.
Maintain records of such.

Provide input in the budget process, and monitor and execute tasks within the parameters of the
budget to include reports on monthly GL meetings. Assist with specific field cost analysis.

Keep immediate supervisor apprised of any concerns or issues that may arise.

Responsible for communicating in verbal and written format with local farmers and neighbors
regarding dates and times for fumigation of fields and other actions requiring notice to adjacent
property owners.

Coordinate hazard communications and safety program requirements with Safety Officer
including training and MSDS forms.

Develop and maintain effective communications between Corporate Management, other
employees, and any other individuals that affect the operations of the farm.

Provide direct supervision over staff to include discretionary authority to determine methods of
work; plan, assign and direct the work; and, in coordination with human resources and corporate
policy, recommend personnel actions (performance reviews, discipline, discharge, etc.).
Emphasis is to be placed on maintaining staffing at the appropriate levels to operate at peak
efficiency and in developing continuity in key positions.

Perform related duties as required that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description,
but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the
employee’s classification of work.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provide assistance in high elevation as requested by direct supervisor.

Lead and train staff. Conduct bi-weekly tailgate meetings.

Keep up to date on industry trends by attending professional training seminars and classes.

Fill in for Operations Supervisor in the event he/she is away on vacation, training or out sick.
Supervisory: This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over the Operations Supervisor, Field
Supervisor and Irrigators.
LIMITS OF AUTHORITY: The limits of authority are as directed by the immediate supervisor, but at a
minimum, authority of this position is constrained by the resources provided by the direct supervisor and
Corporate Management. Specifically, all contractual/verbal agreements and/or decisions that extend
beyond resources provided must be coordinated at a minimum with your immediate supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum of ten (10) years previous farm
experience, including supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
may be substituted that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of
the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Working knowledge of the small fruit industry.
Working knowledge of farm operations to effectively oversee and train others in the safe operation of
equipment and machinery.
Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and the ability to apply such.
Knowledge of fertilizer and plant deficiency symptoms.
Knowledge of occupational safety rules and practices.
Knowledge of drip and solid set irrigation.
Good communication and interpersonal skills are required to work with and supervise employees with a
wide range of skills sets, educational levels and personalities.
Ability to operate farm equipment and machinery.
Demonstrated mathematics skills and the ability to apply such on a daily basis.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to maintain accurate, detailed computerized records of field activities, employee timesheets,
maintenance and usage records, and other required documentation.
Ability to monitor and execute tasks within budgetary parameters.
Ability to use computer spreadsheets and word processing systems.
Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
Ability to make decisions under pressure, specifically during periods of peak operations.
Ability to adapt to change and growth in overall business operations and concepts.
Ability to speak conversational English and Spanish is required.
Must handle in a constructive manner, the multiple business, organizational, and interpersonal changes
or stresses that may exist in the employee’s work, work processes, dealing with other personnel, and
supervision (provided or received). (“Work processes” include, but are not limited to, how work is
performed, supervised or distributed; how problems are solved; and how decisions are made.)
Must adapt, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is
accomplished.
LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS: Valid California driver’s license, Private Applicator’s License,
CPR and First Aid certificates. Forklift certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed outdoors in all types of
weather conditions. Working around equipment and machinery on a routine basis is required. Travel to
various field locations is required. Physical requirements include working long hours (seasonally),
working night of earlmy morning hours, working outdoors in adverse weather conditions, lifting, and
operating farm equipment and heavy machinery.
Hazards: Potential hazards exist when spraying chemicals and working around equipment and heavy
machinery.
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The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of
knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. However, this should not be considered an all-inclusive listing
of work requirements. Employees may perform other duties as assigned. Changes to the position description may be made at the
discretion of the employer. This position description does not constitute a contract for employment.
It is the policy of Norcal Nursery, Inc. to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin, marital status, or physical or mental disability.
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Employee Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______________________