Greenhouse and Farm Equipment Specialist

Description

Ranked in the Top 20 of the Forbes Best-In-State Companies in 2026, Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Technology and IP pursuits include one of the world’s leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting its global licensees. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.

Sun World International has spent nearly five decades leading breeding and agricultural innovation, and we're looking for an accomplished hands-on Greenhouse and Farm Equipment Specialist who is able to translate strategic direction into day-today plans and manage greenhouse operations and farm equipment supporting our table grape, stone fruit, and sub-tropical breeding programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Ensures successful growth and development of all greenhouse phases of crop growing cycles for a diverse portfolio of table grape, stone fruit, and sub-tropical crops: 

Independently plan and schedule activities within the greenhouse and screenhouses to be able to obtain uniform, fast growing, healthy young vines and trees to be later transplanted into our breeding blocks in the open field.

· Oversees successful planting, irrigation, nutrition, pest management for the growing inside greenhouses and screenhouses and provides feedback to the team on potential improvements

· Stay current on innovations in greenhouse management through continuing education and networking. 

· Implements and follows clean plant protocols according to Sun World policies

· Manages, personally or through contract services, pest control and fertilizer applications

Responsible for all farm equipment, which includes maintenance, planning of activities, quality of jobs performed. Safety training for personnel operating farm equipment.

· Manages maintenance for all equipment utilized to operate the greenhouse and open field, including greenhouses themselves to fully utilize its capacity 

· Search out and evaluate vineyard and orchard problems and make recommendations that provide effective, timely and economic solutions to deliver quality fruit by identifying opportunities for mechanization. 

· Training of personnel operating farm equipment either in-house or by third party providers

Worker safety:

· Participates in safety and quality inspections and audits; serves as a member and/or supports the greenhouses and farm equipment team members on the safety committee. 

· Maintains a safe work environment. Provides required safety training for personnel operating farm equipment and working in the greenhouses in accordance with Cal-OSHA

· Ensures an organized, clean, and well-maintained greenhouse and farm equipment including equipment, tools, and grounds.

· Maintains all required spray records according to regulations.  

Manage a team of greenhouses seasonal workers and work closely with Breeders and R&D related activities: 

· Support hiring, managing and supervising personnel, including full-time, part-time and seasonal greenhouse and farm equipment both staff and contract workers. 

· Plans and efficiently schedules labor and activities in the greenhouse and farm equipment related jobs.

· Provides feedback and guidance for greenhouse and farm equipment workers to yield the best results.

· Enforces company policy, supervises to ensure all work is carried out safely and correctly.

· Understand and trains employees in Policy, Procedures and Safety

· Performs employee evaluations and development planning.

· Partner closely with plant breeders & relevant stakeholders to ensure activities are done correctly and timely to support the breeding programs.  

REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, or related field

· A minimum of 7 years of experience in greenhouse management preferably with table grape plants or deciduous trees, vegetables, berries or related crops

· Knowledge of greenhouse fertigation systems and crop management

· Demonstrated team supervisory experience 

· Excellent communication skills to keep leadership updated on progress and the ability to work constructively as part of a team

· Strong problem-solving skills to resolve roadblocks single handedly

· Proven track record of managing complex projects autonomously

· Ability to adapt and evolve the operations as breeding and company strategies are updated 

· Proficiency in MS Office applications, digital data recording and data management 

· Experience with the operation of medium tech greenhouses 

· Own decision making and problem solving 

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 

· Ability to manage budgets and spend, develop capital plans, and plan to ensure operational excellence

· This position requires proficiency in English to communicate effectively in a global organization 

· Adaptability to work in outdoor environment in all weather conditions

· Valid driver’s license and ability to operate farm vehicles/equipment

PREFERENCES:

· Ability to develop business reports, develop and track progress on key initiatives, and measure success across metrics and key performance indicators

· Fluency in Spanish

· Hands-on experience with smart agriculture devices (such as sensors, weather stations), software for decision making and data management

· Pesticide applicator certification

COMPENSATION: 

Base salary range of $73,000 - $110,000 (depending upon experience) plus a target annual bonus of 10%. Full benefit package including insurance coverages and a 401(K) with company match, flexible vacation time.

WORK SCHEDULE: Fully onsite. 

Sun World International LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic forbidden under federal, state or local law.