Harvest Supervisor in Santa Maria, California at Bonita Packing Co A Corp

Position Summary

The Harvest Supervisor oversees daily harvest operations to ensure product is harvested at the right time, quality, and volume while maintaining safe, efficient harvest practices. This position works closely with the Commodity Manager, growers, harvest crews, and other operational teams to execute the weekly harvest plan and respond to changing field and market conditions.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate closely with the Commodity Manager regarding harvest estimates, timing, quality, supply, and field conditions.
• Execute the weekly harvest plan and make daily adjustments based on crop conditions, customer requirements, labor availability, and product quality.
• Determine when, where, and how much product should be harvested each day.
• Monitor harvest crews to ensure product is harvested, handled, and packed to Bonipak quality standards.
• Communicate with growers regarding irrigation needs, field conditions, and harvest timing.
• Inspect fields and evaluate quality, maturity, yield potential, and harvest readiness.
• Monitor and record key production information, including:
  • Quality
  • Supply
  • Timing
  • Yield
  • Lost acres
  • Harvest performance
  • Field conditions
• Identify potential quality or production issues early and communicate them to the appropriate personnel.
• Work with harvest crews to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency.
• Ensure harvest operations are conducted safely and that all company safety policies and procedures are followed.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with Commodity Managers, growers, crew leadership, and other departments.
• Assist with problem-solving and make operational decisions in the field when conditions change.

Yuma Responsibilities

• Travel to Yuma, Arizona, to oversee leafy green harvest operations.
• Approximately November through March, depending on seasonal needs.
• Coordinate harvest activities and ensure the Yuma operation meets Bonipak standards for quality, timing, yield, safety, and efficiency.
• Work closely with local growers, harvest crews, and Commodity Managers to execute the seasonal harvest plan.

Additional Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate re-pack activities with the Commodity Manager.
• Print and deliver PTI stickers when needed.
• Assist with other harvesting and production-related projects as assigned.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to harvest efficiency, quality, labor, and yield.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Previous agricultural, harvesting, or produce industry experience preferred.
• Strong ability to lead, develop, and manage people.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and projects while meeting expected results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced field environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed during harvest.
• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Previous agricultural, harvesting, or produce industry experience preferred.
• Strong ability to lead, develop, and manage people.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and projects while meeting expected results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced field environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed during harvest.
• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.