What are the responsibilities and job description for the Working Foreman-Orchard position at TerraAG Farm Mgt?
Job Summary
The Orchard Working Foreman is a critical leadership role responsible for the day-to-day oversight of field operations and personnel. This individual serves as a "working" lead, directly participating in orchard tasks while supervising a crew of agricultural workers to ensure high productivity, safety compliance, and optimal crop health.
Key ResponsibilitiesCrew Leadership & Supervision
- Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of agricultural workers and irrigators.
- Provide on-the-ground training for new hires on equipment operation and safety protocols.
- Ensure all crew members adhere to safety standards, including Heat Illness Prevention, Night Safety, and Wildfire Safety.
- Manage employee schedules and verify timecards for weekly payroll submission.
- Communicate daily goals and progress updates to the Farm Manager.
Operational Oversight
- Oversee the execution of irrigation schedules and monitor system performance (drip, micro-sprinkler, or flood).
- Coordinate and supervise tractor operations, including mowing, spraying, and shredding within orchard rows.
- Manage the application of pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring strict adherence to Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) and proper container handling.
- Assist the Operations Coordinator in coordinating repairs for farm equipment and maintaining maintenance logs.
- Monitor orchard conditions for pests, diseases, or nutritional deficiencies and report findings promptly.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all work sites are maintained in a clean and safe condition.
- Verify that all personnel use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly.
- Conduct and document regular safety "tailgate" meetings with the crew.
- Assist in the documentation and reporting of any workplace injuries or "return to work" activity reports.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in orchard operations with at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Technical Skills
Expert knowledge of irrigation systems and proficiency in operating tractors with various implements.
Safety Knowledge
Deep understanding of AgSafe standards, pesticide safety, and heat illness prevention.
Language
Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written communication skills are highly preferred.
Physical Ability
Ability to perform strenuous labor in extreme weather and lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
Work Environment
Work requires being in an outside environment, exposed to the elements; temperatures may reach above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour. Work exposes workers to subject hazards; including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts and moving farm equipment. While performing duties of this job workers may be exposed to significant noise and vibration associated with the use of farm equipment.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20