Director of Specialty Crops

The Director of Specialty Crops oversees the daily management of all specialty crop programs and is accountable for the results of organic, regenerative, and conventional produce crop operations. This position leads crop production activities from planting through harvest, ensuring optimal crop health, effective nutrient management, and smooth execution of field tasks. Working collaboratively with the crops team, the Director of Specialty Crops provides both technical expertise and leadership to achieve high-yield, high-quality crop outcomes.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

Strategic and tactical work for which this position is accountable:

Crop & Fertility Management

• Develop and implement agronomic plans for crop fertility, soil health, and plant nutrition.
• Monitor crop development and adjust fertility strategies based on soil testing, tissue sampling, and weather conditions.
• Prioritize and coordinate crop rotations across multiple sites while effectively managing competing operational needs.
• Collaborate with the Crops Technician to plan and execute precise and timely application of fertilizers and crop inputs.
• Diagnose nutrient deficiencies, pest pressures, and disease issues; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stay up to date on the latest agronomic practices, products, and technologies to improve crop performance.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead, train, and manage daily crop operations.
• Coordinate field activities such as planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertility applications, and pest management.
• Work with the Crops Operations Manager to optimize labor and resource planning to complete tasks during periods of ideal weather and crop conditions.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and timely execution of all field tasks.
• Foster a positive team environment that emphasizes safety, productivity, and accountability.

Harvest, Logistics, & Recordkeeping

• Oversee crop harvest, including timing, labor coordination, equipment logistics, and quality control.
• Maintain harvest records, including yields, field conditions, and operational performance.
• Manage smooth delivery and storage of harvested crops.
• Maintain detailed records of field operations, fertility applications, crop observations, and yields.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal agricultural regulations and environmental standards.

Demand Planning, Customer Service, & Continuous Improvement

• Lead demand planning and forecasting by reviewing customer contract amounts and delivery dates to schedule planting dates.
• Provide in season updates to customers.
• Use judgment to accurately predict crop maturity and yield to fulfill customer orders.
• Oversee logistics operations, coordinating with customers, warehouse, carriers, and internal teams to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Act as a customer-facing liaison, managing communication, addressing inquiries, and ensuring a positive experience through proactive updates and support.
• Perform regular follow-ups and check-ins with team to track performance, resolve issues, and drive continuous process improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Capabilities and traits essential to perform satisfactorily

• Strong understanding of soil science, crop nutrition, and fertility planning.
• Experience with precision agriculture tools, field mapping, and data interpretation.
• Experience in leading farm teams and coordinating field operations.
• Agricultural equipment operation and maintenance skills; knowledge of crop technological tools.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, team-building, and collaboration skills.
• Must be familiar with troubleshooting equipment/process problems and proposing solutions.
• Ability to work long hours during peak seasons and perform physical tasks outdoors.
• CDL – A is preferred or willingness to obtain