The Farming Manager oversees the daily operations of Alturas Ranches' land development department, focusing on all stages of plant cultivation for various crops such as alfalfa, wild rice and small grains. 

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Management: Directs daily activities, plans farming sequences, and allocates resources.

• Personnel Supervision: Recruit, train, schedule, delegate tasks, supervise all land development personnel, ensuring clear communication and motivation, mentoring both crew leads and employees;  resolve conflict and evaluate performance of team.  Bilingual is a plus.

• Quality & Safety: Monitors the farming process, ensure quality standards are met, enforces safety protocols (HACCP-(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), PPE-(Personal Protective Equipment).
• Equipment Oversight: Manage departmental equipment, tools, and supplies; schedule maintenance, repairs, and purchases to minimize downtime.
• Production & Reporting:  Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzes data, and finds ways to boost productivity and reduce waste.  Reviews field production records to assist in field rotational decisions and cropping choices.
• Field Preparation & Planting:  Develop and execute crop rotation plans, planting schedules; analyze soil and weather data to make informed decisions on crop selection and timing.  Plowing, discing, leveling, creating levees for flooding and/or draining fields, fertilizing and planting and any other duties involved with field preparation.

• Inventory & Logistics: Coordinates with other departments (i.e. Irrigation, Harvest (hay and wild rice), Parts and Shop). 

• Budget and Cost Management: Assist in budgeting for seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and labor; track costs and identify ways to reduce waste while maximizing output.
• Quality Control and Compliance: Evaluate crop quality during growth and harvest; enforce standards for organic or sustainable farming if applicable; ensure adherence to government regulations, environmental guidelines, and health/safety standards.
• Post-Harvest:  Oversees grain harvest and movement to customers and/or into silo storage and grain into bulk trailers or sacks for sales to customers.  Loading grain into bottom hoppers from storage for movement to plant in fields.

Required Qualifications and Education

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate's or bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: At least 2-5 years of hands-on experience in crop farming or agricultural operations, with supervisory experience highly desirable.
• Certifications: Pesticide applicator license or similar certifications may be required; knowledge of sustainable farming practices (e.g., certified organic) is a plus.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Leadership and communication skills to effectively manage teams and resolve conflicts.
• Proficiency with farm machinery (e.g., tractors, harvesters) and technology like GPS-guided equipment or farm management software.
• Analytical skills for data interpretation and problem-solving in variable conditions like weather changes.
• Physical stamina for outdoor work in various weather conditions, including lifting and operating equipment.
• Attention to detail for monitoring crop health and maintaining accurate records.

Work Environment and Conditions

• This role is primarily outdoors on farm, involving exposure to weather, dust, and agricultural chemicals (with proper protective gear).
• Typical hours are full-time, often seasonal with longer days during planting and harvest periods; some weekend or evening work may be required.