OBC Field Operations Specialist Position
The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative (OBC) is seeking a Field Operations Specialist to help lead the cover crop installation process for our newly formed agricultural cooperative and manage special projects to optimize operations and planting success.
OBC was founded in 2023 to help growers collaborate to build healthy farm ecosystems and balance sheets. OBC’smissionistoequipgrowerswiththebesttools, practices, and resources to prevent soil loss, improve soil health, conserve water, reduce chemical inputs, and increase above- and below-ground biodiversity. We also work to reduce grower operating costs and increase revenues as a result of adopting practices that are good for ecosystem health and resilience.
We are a mission-driven organization that seeks to improve the natural environment on croplands and make agriculture part of the solution to the climate crisis. The co-op is presently active in California vineyards and orchards, with plans to expand to other row crops and locations. OBC has recently been awarded a $5M, 5-year grant from the USDA to support the formation and growth of the cooperative.
The responsibility of the Field Operations Specialist will be to:
- Lead for OBC planting events and manage a successful installation season to ensure all seed sales are appropriately installed.
- Travel throughout California for installation and site visits.
- Aid with seed delivery to growers as needed.
- Communicate with growers to consult on-site preparation, installation, and management requirements for the cover crop.
- Update and maintain best practices manuals for installation, seeder manual, and cover crop maintenance.
- Develop and track installation success and customer satisfaction.
- Develop a plan to manage and collect data on an ongoing seeding rate trial to reduce the seed application rates.
- Create and manage a seeder rental network to support customer seeder needs during the installation season.
- Develop a plan to achieve a full-cover installation in existing systems.
- Communicate with customers to answer their cover crop management questions.
- Support OBC soil carbon sampling requirements.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Obtained a degree focusing on agronomy, agricultural science, plant and soil science, or something similar.
- At least one year of experience working in agriculture or agriculture research will enable you to execute the abovementioned responsibilities.
- Located in central CA and able to travel for work
- Required experience with agricultural and farming equipment or familiarity and capability to learn new equipment quickly
- Eager to learn and develop new processes
- Ability to work effectively with limited supervision
- Action-oriented and driven to produce results
- Strong customer empathy and teamwork skills
- Strong references
- Excited about acquiring new knowledge and skills and continually improving
- Prior knowledge of agriculture operations and grower customers is a significant qualification but not a requirement
- Ability to speak Spanish or learn Spanish is strongly encouraged
- Valid drivers license
Benefits and perks:
- Salary: $42,000-$52,000 per year based on qualifications
- Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Long-term Disability. The company pays 100% of premiums.
- Remote work: hybrid work environment between traveling to field sites and working remotely.
- Vacation: 11 paid holidays plus 20 days of paid time off for vacation or illness.
Important Information and Resources
We are looking to fill the position immediately, and the listing will close once a candidate is selected. Applicants can expect a short hiring process with two interviews before being offered the position. Any interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply early.
How to Apply: Thank you for your interest! Please fill out the Field Operations Specialist application (https://forms.monday.com/forms/4dc6808cf35f7e941fde600a3314be74?r=use1). For more information about the cooperative, you can also visit the company website (https://www.obc.ag/).
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $42,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
Experience:
- agronomy or agricultural: 1 year (Preferred)
- Agronomy: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Location:
Ability to Relocate:
- California: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road