What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Harvest Operations Boss (HOB) position at Fresh Del Monte Produce Company?
Del Monte Fresh Produce Company Inc. is a global leader in fresh fruits and vegetables, delivering quality products from farm to table. With a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, we take pride in supporting our people and investing in the teams that keep our operations running safely and efficiently every day.
Purpose of Position:
Del Monte Foods (DMC Foods Inc.), the Foods Division of Fresh Del Monte, is seeking a Seasonal Harvest Operations Boss (HOB). The Seasonal Harvest Operations Boss is responsible for supporting harvest operations by overseeing harvest crews, maintaining harvest equipment, and coordinating day-to-day harvesting activities during the season. This position provides leadership to seasonal operators while helping maximize harvest efficiency, equipment uptime, product quality, and employee safety.
The Seasonal Harvest Operations Boss works closely with field leadership, plant operations, transportation, and harvest crews to support timely delivery of raw products to the facility. This seasonal role typically runs from late May through October or later depending on season.
Accountabilities:
- Supervise and direct seasonal harvest crews, including approximately 8–10 seasonal operators.
- Coordinate daily harvest activities to support efficient harvesting operations and timely delivery of raw product to the plant.
- Monitor harvesting equipment performance and troubleshoot equipment issues during field operations.
- Identify, diagnose, and address mechanical or operational issues quickly to minimize downtime during harvest season.
- Assist with preventative maintenance, repairs, cleaning, and rebuilding of harvest equipment during and after the harvest season.
- Review previous harvest season notes, maintenance records, and equipment issues to support off-season preparation and future improvements.
- Maintain accurate documentation related to equipment repairs, downtime, recurring issues, daily harvest reports, delivery tickets, and crew assignments.
- Communicate with plant leadership, field leadership, equipment teams, transportation teams, and seasonal employees to coordinate daily schedules and harvesting priorities.
- Verify harvest schedules are understood and that crews are prepared for daily field assignments.
- Monitor fields scheduled for harvest and provide updates regarding crop conditions, harvest readiness, and equipment needs.
- Promote safe work practices and verify seasonal operators are properly trained in equipment operation, safety procedures, and harvest expectations.
- Serve as a first responder for basic safety incidents and maintain current first aid and CPR knowledge as required.
- Support the loading, transportation, and unloading process for harvested product as needed.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment around equipment, vehicles, and harvest areas.
- Follow all company policies related to safety, food safety, quality, environmental compliance, and employee conduct.
- Support additional field department duties and seasonal projects as assigned.
- Work extended hours, weekends, and varying schedules during peak harvest periods.
Incentives:
- This position does not qualify for additional incentives.
Minimum Skills Required:
- Strong understanding of harvesting equipment, agricultural machinery, or heavy equipment operation.
- Ability to supervise, train, and motivate seasonal employees in a fast-paced work environment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with plant leadership, field employees, transportation teams, and seasonal crews.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and complete harvest documentation.
- Ability to work long hours, weekends, and flexible schedules during harvest season.
- Ability to work outdoors in changing weather conditions and uneven terrain.
- Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, bend, stoop, and lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe shoes, gloves, and other required protective equipment.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Previous supervisory experience in agriculture, harvesting, field operations, heavy equipment, trucking, or manufacturing environments.
- Experience operating or maintaining harvesters, dump carts, tractors, or other agricultural equipment.
- Knowledge of hydraulic systems, electrical systems, preventative maintenance, and mechanical troubleshooting.
- Experience with crop harvest coordination, transportation logistics, or raw product scheduling.
- CDL preferred but not required.
- First aid and CPR certification preferred.
- Experience using computers, tablets, or iPads for reporting and documentation.
- Equivalent combinations of education, military experience, agricultural work, heavy equipment operation, mechanical maintenance, trucking, construction, or related supervisory experience may be considered in place of direct harvest operations experience.
- Must be able to effectively read, write, speak, and understand English in order to perform the essential functions of the position.
***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses.***
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and freshcut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts—available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.
We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values—Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity—we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.