Job DescriptionJOB TITLE:
Agronomy/Crop-Side LeadDEPARTMENT: ExtractionLOCATION: Archer FarmREPORTS TO: Director of Farm OperationsSUPERVISES OTHERS: NoSTATUS: Full-time, ExemptSCOPE:Heartland Food Products Group is searching for a qualified Agronomy/Crop-Side Lead for the Splenda Stevia Farm in Archer, Florida. This is a full-time, year-round position with an expanding specialty crop operation. The ideal candidate will have a strong crop production background, solid agronomic understanding, and the ability to work closely with the Farm Manager on a day-to-day crop needs, field conditions, irrigation timing, fertility, pest pressure, planting/transplanting, cultivation, and harvest readiness. This position requires someone who can think agronomically but is also willing to be hands-on in the field. The right person should be comfortable walking fields, observing crop conditions, communicating concerns, helping plan daily priorities, and then jumping in to operate equipment, hook up implements, cultivate, irrigate, or assist with harvest when needed. This is a good opportunity for someone who enjoys crop production, wants to be involved in decision-making, and is looking for long-term growth with a developing specialty crop operation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Agronomy / Crop-Side Lead will assist the Farm Manager with crop production planning, field observations, agronomic follow-through, and daily farm operations.
Responsibilities include:- Work closely with the Farm Manager on crop production priorities and daily field plans
- Monitor crop health, growth stage, field conditions, moisture levels, weed pressure, pest pressure, and overall crop needs
- Communicate field observations clearly and promptly to management
- Assist with planting/transplanting timing, crop establishment, cultivation, irrigation, fertility, and harvest preparation
- Help coordinate fieldwork based on crop needs, weather, soil conditions, and labor availability
- Assist with irrigation timing and water management decisions
- Operate tractors, implements, cultivation equipment, harvest equipment, and other farm machinery as needed
- Hook up equipment and assist with changing implements for daily field tasks
- Help ensure field operations are completed accurately, safely, and on schedule
- Assist with scouting, recordkeeping, and reporting of crop conditions
- Help identify equipment, labor, or field issues that could affect crop performance
- Support harvest operations during peak season
- Assist with general farm work, maintenance, and other duties as needed
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:- Strong crop production experience
- Agronomic knowledge and ability to evaluate crop and field conditions
- Ability to communicate effectively with the Farm Manager and farm team
- Farm equipment operating experience
- Irrigation knowledge, especially center pivot experience, is a plus
- Ability to understand crop timing, field priorities, and production windows
- Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to assist with equipment setup and minor maintenance
- Ability to work independently while following the overall farm plan
- Willingness to be hands-on and help wherever is needed
- Dependable, organized, observant, and safety-minded work habits
- Valid driver's license preferred
