Assistant Farm Operations Manager

Who We are

Wiggins Watermelons, LLC, is a leader in the watermelon produce industry offering the highest quality watermelons on the market. This family-owned and operated company operates across 3 primary locations and is dedicated to delivering fresh produce in a safe and efficient manner. We are among the largest growers and shippers in the Texas industry.

Summary

Wiggins Watermelons is seeking to fill a year-round, long-term position as Assistant Farm Operations Manager. The ideal candidate has several years of agriculture experience in a Fruit/vegetable farm. This position is responsible to assist in the overall management of Wiggins Watermelons farm operations. She/he would deputize for the Farm Operations Manager in his/her absence and would be actively involved in the day-to-day operations on the farm.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this role successfully, the Assistant Farm Operations Manager will perform the following responsibilities in relation to all Wiggins Watermelons farms, which will include but are not limited to

Core Task

• Plan daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance projects to minimize downtime
• Keep up to date and accurate, equipment records as required
• Undertake practical work as necessary depending on the volume of the work
• Complete tasks assigned by the Farm Manager accurately and efficiently
• Communicate directly with the Farm Manager, the status of work/needed responsibilities on the farm
• In the absence of the Farm Manager, s/he will assign and communicate daily/weekly duties required to the farm workers/other employees on the farm
• Measure and report daily/monthly work progress of the farm
• Work together with the farm manager to achieve the weekly goals of the farm
• Act as an intermediary between the Farm Manager and other workers on the farm, bringing concerns in a very supportive and positive manner

Key Skills and Attributes

· 2 to 4-year degree in an agricultural field or work experience in related agricultural setting.

• A knowledge of food production and an awareness of customer demand, food standards and sustainability practices
• Profit oriented and have a big picture of the farm vision and mission in mind.
• Willingness to work until the required work is done
• Self-motivation, with the ability to motivate others
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively when required
• Team player
• Reliability
• Sense of humor
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills
• Honesty and integrity are mandatory
• Supervisory skills and management ability
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and be proactive
• Willingness to receive and offer constructive feedback in a respectful manner
• Know when to ask for help
• Multitasking, flexibility, adaptability
• Strong attention to detail
• Problem solving, resourcefulness
• Lift and carry up to 40-60lbs, repeatedly lift 4-20lbs
• Basic understanding of proper use of power tools and safety
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Willingness to drive trucks off-farm
• Willingness to operate farm vehicles, on-farm
• Reliable transportation for commuting to farm

Work Experience

Previous hands-on farming experience in vegetable production and farm management is strongly recommended.

• Demonstrated ability in leadership positions
• Able to drive pick-up, tractor, skid steer, or loader as needed

Qualification and Training

• OND/HND in Agriculture
• Additional courses or experience in Crop Production, Farm Business Management, or Horticulture are recommended
• Extensive experience in a farming-related field
• Management experience would be a plus
• Able to travel overnight or longer
• A passion for agriculture

Salary

$25-28 /hour ($52.2k-58.2k /year) depending on experience, performance-based bonus. Increases based on performance. Additional compensation is possible for highly experienced candidates. After 6 months: 2 weeks paid vacation time.

Working Hours

Farm Managers are expected to work at least 45 hours a week, from Mondays to Saturdays

What to Expect

• The work may be highly stressful due to factors beyond your control.
• The work activities will be primarily outdoors and highly dependent on weather and season.
• Traveling during the working day or for several days may be necessary, especially during harvest.
• This role will work primarily at our Snook, TX location with less than 5% overnight travel

Qualified applicants, send your current resume to Human Resources Department at Grace@wigginswatermelons.com. Your resume will be reviewed and contacted if you qualify.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,200 - $58,200