Production Manager

Lurvey Sod Farm

Title: Production Manager

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of all sod production and field maintenance activities at Lurvey Sod Farm. This position oversees the health, quality, and readiness of all sod fields by managing irrigation, fertilization, pesticide applications, mowing operations, soil preparation, planting, and harvest readiness.

The Production Manager supervises field maintenance personnel, including mowing crews and irrigation assistants, and works closely with the General Manager to ensure fields are maintained to produce high-quality sod that meets customer expectations. This position plays a critical role in determining harvest readiness, establishing production schedules, and ensuring the long-term productivity of the farm's growing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sod Production Management

• Manage all aspects of sod production to ensure healthy, marketable turfgrass.
• Monitor field conditions and implement agronomic practices necessary to maximize yield and quality.
• Determine when sod fields are mature and ready for harvesting.
• Develop and execute annual production plans in coordination with the General Manager and Owner.
• Monitor turf health and recommend corrective actions when needed.

Irrigation Management

• Direct all irrigation activities to ensure proper moisture levels throughout growing fields.
• Schedule and manage irrigation programs based on weather conditions, soil moisture, turf requirements, and seasonal demands.
• Maintain and oversee operation of: 
  • Underground tile and water distribution systems
  • Center pivot irrigation systems
  • Cannon watering systems
  • Wheel-line irrigation systems
• Inspect irrigation equipment and systems regularly to ensure proper functionality.
• Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance on irrigation infrastructure.
• Monitor water usage and promote efficient irrigation practices.

Fertilization and Crop Protection

• Develop and implement fertilization programs to optimize turf growth and quality.
• Monitor nutrient levels and soil conditions.
• Apply or supervise applications of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other crop protection materials.
• Ensure compliance with all pesticide handling, storage, application, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Monitor fields for insects, weeds, diseases, and environmental stresses.
• Maintain accurate chemical application records.

Field Maintenance Supervision

• Supervise mowing operations and ensure fields are maintained according to established standards.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to oversee irrigation assistants and other field production employees.
• Work with General Manager to assign daily work schedules and responsibilities to production personnel.
• Train employees in proper mowing, irrigation, safety, and field maintenance procedures.
• Monitor productivity and quality of completed work.

Harvest Readiness and Coordination

• Work closely with General Manager to maximize efficiency and maintain product quality.
• Assist in preparing fields before, during, and after harvest operations.

Field Renovation and Soil Preparation

• Oversee field renovation activities following sod harvest.
• Cultivate and prepare harvested fields for replanting.
• Evaluate soil conditions and make recommendations for amendments and improvements.
• Operate and supervise operation of tillage and soil preparation equipment.
• Manage seedbed preparation and planting operations for new sod crops.
• Ensure proper establishment of newly planted fields.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate tractors, sprayers, irrigation equipment, cultivation equipment, and other production machinery.
• Monitor the condition of production equipment and report repair needs to the General Manager.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities as needed.
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and efficiently.

Safety and Compliance

• Promote a safe work environment and enforce company safety policies.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, Department of Agriculture, and local regulatory requirements.
• Maintain proper pesticide licenses and certifications as required.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of production activities and equipment.
• Maintain accurate production, operational and compliance records.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain records related to irrigation, fertilizer applications, pesticide applications, planting schedules, and harvest readiness.
• Track field performance and production metrics.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for production-related expenses.
• Prepare reports for the General Manager and Owner regarding field conditions and production status.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Management, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in turfgrass production, sod farming, agriculture, golf course maintenance, or related field.
• Experience managing irrigation systems and field production operations.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with fertilizer and pesticide application programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of turfgrass production and maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems including pivot, cannon, wheel-line, and underground infrastructure.
• Knowledge of soil management, fertility, and crop protection programs.
• Ability to identify turf diseases, pests, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stresses.
• Strong leadership and employee management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and make sound agronomic decisions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Certifications

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain and maintain.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• CDL preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk and inspect fields daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate farm and irrigation equipment.
• Ability to work extended hours during planting, growing, irrigation, and harvest seasons.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sod quality and field health.
• Harvest-ready acreage availability.
• Irrigation system performance and uptime.
• Weed, disease, and pest control effectiveness.
• Fertilizer and chemical program effectiveness.
• Establishment success of newly planted fields.
• Employee productivity and supervision.
• Compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Efficient coordination with harvesting and delivery operations.