Hogue Ranches is hiring a Farm Manager to oversee their wine grape, concord grape and shop operations in Prosser, WA . They’re an 1500 acre operation, with 240 acres of apples, 60 acres of cherries and grapes for the remaining acreage.

You’ll work closely with another farm manager, leading 2 foreman and 40 operators during the day-to-day farm operations. Part of your time will be in the field interacting with the team, scouting crops, and supervising while the remaining time will be spent on administrative duties. These responsibilities include operating and coordinating day-to-day tasks, vendor management, budget tracking, planning and forecasting, team meetings, labor procurement/management, project planning and general farm upkeep.

This position reports to the General Manager of Hogue Ranches and plays a key role within the organization. Hogue offers a great, family-owned work atmosphere, which is why their prior farm managers stayed on the team for 20 yrs and 40 yrs. They believe that a healthy work/family balance is key to their managers’ and the company’s success. They love to farm and would love to hire a farm manager who treats Hogue Ranches as their own. 

Hogue offers a base salary ranging from $50,000- $150,000 per year, depending on the qualifications of the individual. Also, significant retirement benefits in in the form of a qualified Simple IRA plan and a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that vests in 5-year, $100,000 increments. They are unable to offer company-sponsored health insurance but accommodate for that cost in a strong base salary. If you were to relocate for this role, they would provide relocation benefits. 

This role is for you if you have:

• 7+ yrs experience in farming, preferably wine grapes and other permanent crops. 

• A degree or significant experience in crop science, fruit crop management, agronomy, horticulture or crop production.

• Previous people management experience. 

• Strong passion for leading and developing teams with a genuine care of people.

• Experience in vineyard development and building company processes, systems, and infrastructure to enable growth.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A reliable, motivated, consistent and pleasant demeanor.

Your focuses will include:

• Farming: 

  • Plan and execute crop specific, seasonal farming plans. 

  • Maintain plant health using own knowledge of nutrient and chemical regimes, working with fellow managers and consulting vendors and others when necessary. 

  • Understand the needs and requirements of the customer. 

  • Balance the needs of the farm and the needs of the customer. Work with GM to strike the proper balance. 

  • Oversee redevelopment and replanting. 

  • Research and propose capital expenditure requests and help execute those that are approved. 

  • Cultivate and manage vendors based on product, price and service. 

  • Manage and maintain assigned and shared equipment using farm shop and Chief Mechanic. 

• Supervisory: 

  • Supervise assistant manager, foremen, tractor drivers and full-time and seasonal laborers. 

  • Efficiently use labor while ensuring proper quality of work and desired outcomes are accomplished. 

  • Train employees on and ensure compliance with Company’s Workplace Policy Statement. 

  • Identify disciplinary issues promptly and apply consistent, progressive discipline.

  • Recruit, train and retain talented, loyal and trustworthy assistant managers and foremen. 

  • Work with GM to set wages. 

  • Review and code weekly payroll. Must be consistently accurate and on-time for 10:00 a.m. Monday deadline. 

• Administrative and purchasing: 

  • Purchase all needed supplies and services efficiently and according to company policy. 

  • Properly code and authorize all invoices for purchased goods and services. 

  • Track inventory levels (chemical, trellis supply, fuel, etc.) 

  • Participate in forecasting and long-range decision making. 

• Compliance: 

  • Chemical reporting 

  • Post planned and completed spray applications and related disclosures as required by law. 

  • Enter chemical applications into the chemical reporting database within 5 days of completion. 

  • Maintain chemical inventory records and store inventories as required by law and food safety regulations.

• Safety: 

  • Plan and ensure that all subordinates attend monthly safety meetings. 

  • Observe compliance with safety policies and correct infractions. 

  • Work with Food Safety Manager to comply with food safety requirements. 

Looking for more jobs near me. Find your favorite job now by visiting our jobs page.