What are the responsibilities and job description for the CEA Manager (Controlled Environment Agriculture) position at Duncan Family Farms?
🌱 CEA Manager (Controlled Environment Agriculture)
📍 Goodyear, AZ | 🕒 Full-Time | 💼 Exempt
About Duncan Family Farms
At Duncan Family Farms (DFF), we believe our primary responsibility is to produce clean, healthy, life-giving food. As a leading certified-organic grower, we cultivate thousands of acres of fresh produce that ship across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
From spinach and spring mix to kale, arugula, and culinary herbs, our commitment to innovation and sustainability has made us a nationally recognized leader in progressive farming. With continued growth, we are expanding our technology and investing in top talent to help shape the future of agriculture.
🌿 Position Summary
The CEA Manager will lead greenhouse production operations, ensuring optimal plant health, crop quality, and efficient resource use. This role blends hands-on growing expertise with strong leadership, overseeing environmental controls, production schedules, and team performance to deliver consistent, high-quality yields.
🚜 What You’ll Do
- Oversee all aspects of plant cultivation, including planting, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting
- Monitor and optimize greenhouse conditions (temperature, humidity, lighting, irrigation)
- Lead preventative maintenance and repairs for greenhouse infrastructure
- Identify and address pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies using IPM strategies
- Track and analyze environmental and crop data to drive performance improvements
- Manage irrigation and fertilization programs for optimal plant growth
- Collaborate with Production, Technical Services, and Supply Chain teams
- Supervise and develop crew leads and greenhouse team members
- Ensure crop quality through hands-on techniques like pruning and trellising
- Manage inventory of supplies, nutrients, and equipment
- Oversee department budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities
- Maintain compliance with safety, food safety, and organic standards
✅ What You Bring
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field (preferred)
- 5 years of experience in greenhouse operations, CEA, or indoor farming
- Experience leading teams in an agricultural or greenhouse environment
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of plant physiology and crop management
- Experience with CEA systems and environmental controls
- Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills
- Problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment
- Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
🌟 What Makes You Stand Out
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
- Adaptability and resilience in changing environments
- Initiative and continuous improvement mindset
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
⚙️ Work Environment
- Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally
- Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including heat and cold
🌎 Why Join Duncan Family Farms?
- Be part of an innovative, sustainability-driven agriculture company
- Work with cutting-edge greenhouse and farming technology
- Opportunity to grow with a nationally recognized leader in organic farming
- Make a real impact on food quality and environmental stewardship
Salary : $5 - $30