Job Description

About The Reservoir

The Reservoir addresses generational imperatives in agricultural and working lands by incubating tech-enabled solutions in working environments. We accelerate the development of emerging innovations to enable impact-driven commercial, societal, and environmental outcomes. 

About Reservoir Farms

Reservoir Farms is a nonprofit agricultural innovation hub dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable farming practices. As part of The Reservoir ecosystem, we provide a real-world testing ground for agtech startups, enabling them to refine, scale, and commercialize their innovations in specialty crops and other critical agricultural sectors.

Position Summary

The Ranch Manager will oversee day-to-day operations at the Salinas location of Reservoir Farms, ensuring efficient, high-quality farm management while supporting innovation-driven agricultural practices. This role requires a seasoned farm operator who can balance traditional farming expertise with an openness to testing and deploying new agricultural technologies. The Ranch Manager will play a critical role in executing farm operations, managing labor, maintaining compliance, and working closely with researchers, startups, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Farm Operations & Management: Oversee all aspects of farm operations, including crop production, irrigation, soil health, pest management, and overall field maintenance.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Serve as the primary liaison between leadership, growers, technology partners, researchers, and growers, providing operational insights and feedback on trials and innovations.
• Technology Integration: Work with agtech startups, researchers, and industry partners to trial and evaluate new farming technologies, including robotics, automation, AI-driven tools, and sustainable inputs.
• Workforce & Team Leadership: Hire, train, and manage farm staff, ensuring productivity, safety, and alignment with the farm’s innovation-driven mission.
• Sustainability & Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, food safety protocols, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage budgets, procurement, and resource allocation to optimize farm operations and project execution.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in farm or ranch management, with a strong understanding of on-farm specialty crop production in California.
• Experience working with new agricultural technologies, precision ag tools, or automation is a plus.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience managing farm labor and collaborating with external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, soil health management, pest and disease control, and regenerative agriculture principles.
• Ability to track and analyze farm data to improve efficiency and support R&D initiatives.
• Understanding of compliance, safety regulations, and environmental sustainability practices.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

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