VP of Farming Operations

Overview

The VP of Operations is the senior operating leader for every CFS-managed orchard in our South Region, covering the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, and Mattawa areas. You will be accountable for crop results, labor, cost, compliance, and owner satisfaction across the region. CFS provides boots-on-the-ground farm management for landowners and investment groups, and this role is where that promise is kept: turning owner goals into crops in the bin. You will work as a peer to our North Region VP of Operations so both regions run to one CFS standard.

Duties

• Own day-to-day and seasonal farming operations across all regional blocks: pruning, training, thinning, spraying, irrigation, harvest, and postharvest work.
• Build the annual regional operating plan with area managers, agronomy, and owners, and hold the region to it.
• Set seasonal priorities and move crews, equipment, and resources between blocks as conditions change.
• Visit blocks regularly to verify execution, quality, and safety firsthand.

People and labor

• Lead, coach, and evaluate area managers; build bench strength for orchard manager and crew lead roles.
• Partner with HR on hiring, discipline, labor relations, and employee engagement in the region.
• Forecast labor needs by season and task, and partner with the H-2A team on worker requests, housing, transportation, and contract compliance.
• Manage labor productivity, piece-rate and hourly cost, and wage and hour compliance.

Financial and crop results

• Own regional budgets for labor, inputs, equipment, and contracted services; explain variances monthly.
• Track cost per acre and cost per bin against budget and benchmarks, and drive efficiency.
• Work with agronomy to execute crop protection, nutrition, irrigation, and crop load programs on time.
• Coordinate harvest timing, crews, bins, and hauling with packers and warehouses; review yield, packout, and quality, and lead corrective action.
• Provide input on capital needs, orchard redevelopment, and equipment purchases.

Owners, safety, and compliance

• Serve as the senior operating contact for owners and client representatives; present seasonal plans, budgets, and results.
• Raise risks early and recommend options when weather, labor, or markets threaten the plan.
• Champion a safety-first culture, including WPS, heat and smoke rules, equipment safety, and PPE.
• Ensure the region meets Washington and Oregon labor and agricultural law and food safety audit requirements, with Compliance & Safety.

Work with the North Region VP to standardize practices, share resources, and keep one CFS standard.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 10 years in commercial tree fruit operations, including 5 years managing multiple sites or managers.
• Proven record of leading large seasonal workforces, including crews of 100 or more.
• Deep knowledge of Washington apple, cherry, and pear production, harvest logistics, and seasonal labor planning; experience with other crops a plus.
• Experience owning operating budgets and explaining results against plan.
• Working knowledge of agricultural labor law, WPS, and food safety requirements.
• Clear, confident communicator with crews, managers, owners, and executives.
• Proficiency with Excel and farm management or payroll systems.
• Valid driver's license, insurable driving record, and ability to travel daily across the region.
• Ability to work extended hours during seasonal peaks.

Preferred: Bilingual English/Spanish; experience running an H-2A program or managing H-2A crews and housing; farm management company experience or managing orchards for outside owners or investors; familiarity with Washington and Oregon agricultural operations and regulations; WSDA Private or Commercial Pesticide Applicator license; experience with orchard redevelopment, new plantings, and capital projects.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $180,000