Agriculture Systems Operations Manager

Attention all agricultural technology enthusiasts! We have an amazing opportunity that you won't want to miss. Octagon Talent Solutions is currently looking for an Agriculture Systems Operations Manager for one of our clients in the Port St. Lucie, FL area! This is an incredible chance to work in the sustainable technology-focused agriculture industry and to grow both your knowledge base and career at a rapid pace. As the Operations Manager, you'll be in charge of overseeing the strategic planning and implementation of regenerative farming systems, managing staff, conducting research, and promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. You'll work closely with company executives and internal staff to complete projects in a timely and effective manner.
This is a perfect opportunity for someone who is self-motivated, good with communication, and wants to be exposed to every facet of Aquaponics and Agriculture systems that scale! Every day is different, and you'll have the chance to work with a team of passionate and like-minded individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. Don't miss out on this chance to work in a rapidly growing industry with tremendous professional growth and earning potential!
Responsibilities:

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable organic growth for the company.
• Participate in safety meetings provided by the HR and Safety Operations team.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings to share progress and discuss opportunities for improvement.
• Work with others to provide training and development opportunities for all staff members.
• Participate in periodic seminars and educational opportunities to ensure that protocols and crop recipes are up to date.
• Support the development and maintenance of accurate records of all farming activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations Manager. Grow and deliver large volumes of high-quality organic crops.
• Hire, mentor, train, and develop staff to build a stronger team.
• Manager agriculture drone managers in maintaining drones, planning flight paths, assembling maps, and gathering data, footage, and digital images.
• Oversee drone BMPs to optimize crop growth.

Operations Management:

• Execute field-grown research and breeding programs to the expectations of the operations, breeding, and research staff.
• Support the Development of crop-specific fertilizer and irrigation protocols in consultation with the Operations Manager that maximize the potential of the breeding programs.
• Develop a program to monitor crop nutrition through soil and tissue collection and analysis.
• Work alone and with others to ensure that crop protocols and crop management procedures are followed.
• Develop a pest management program in consultation with the Operations Manager and apply labeled pesticides to control weeds, insect pests, and diseases.
• Measure and monitor key performance metrics related to both the quality and productivity of crop programs.
• Support routine irrigation, farm, and field equipment maintenance and repair activities.
• Support the land preparation process each season and maintain the following fields.
• Create a safe working environment on the farms by encouraging workers to wear the appropriate PPE, use proper lifting techniques, and follow directions on posted signs, etc.
• Supervise the scouting of fields for insect and disease pests.
• Assist in the Development and maintenance of a program/strategy to protect crops from wildlife.
• Assist in the Development and maintenance of a program for all farm machinery and equipment.
• Participate in the Development of a crop rotation schedule for the farm.
• Promoting and educating sustainability, conducting research, and managing staff to ensure the successful implementation and management of all Agriculture Systems.

Requirements:

• B.A. in agriculture or horticulture, or 4 years relevant experience.
• Must possess a Florida Pesticide applicator license and drivers license or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Minimum five (5) years experience as a grower in either agricultural greenhouse, Aquaponics, or hydroponics production.
• Hands-on experience with knowledge of planting, propagation, plant diseases, insect pests, fertilizing, soil matrices, soil pH, irrigation, seasonal planting cycles, pruning, strong emphasis on organic agricultural practice, and integrated pest management.
• Good attention to detail and organizational skills are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Have a curiosity to learn and expand your knowledge of horticulture.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift at least 60 lbs.
• Continual or prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting.
• Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and management.
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical work outside in the Florida weather year-round