Job Description

Company Overview

A Jentzsch Kearl Farms location, Hagerman Canyon Farms (HCF) is a vertically integrated agricultural operation producing watermelon, sweet corn, and pumpkins for major national and regional retailers including Walmart, WinCo, Kroger, and Safeway across the western US. During peak harvest (July–October), HCF processes approximately 2,000 loads per season, with facility capacity to scale beyond 4,000 loads as the business grows.

Position Summary

Hagerman Canyon Farms is seeking a Packing Shed Operations Manager to lead day-to-day harvest operations inside our packing and cold storage facility. In this role ensuring quality is of the utmost importance without sacrificing efficiency, using established systems while applying sound judgment as real-world product conditions change.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a decisive operator who can manage people, systems, and ambiguity without requiring constant executive involvement.

Reporting Structure & Authority

• Reports to the Operations Manager of Hagerman Canyon Farms
• Works with the General Manager at a high level on strategy and performance
• Coordinates with field operations and sales team on a daily basis
• Full authority to discipline employees and enforce standards
• Authority to hire and terminate (most labor is seasonal H-2A)
• Manages approximately 40 employees during peak harvest
• Supported by line leads and supervisors

Primary Objective

The Packing Shed Operations Manager is accountable for:

1. Product quality (non-negotiable)
2. Operational efficiency and throughput

This role requires consistent use of systems and SOPs, combined with real-time problem solving and judgment as incoming product varies by field, day, and condition.

Key Responsibilities – Harvest Season (July–October)

• Lead daily operations of four active packing lines
• Enforce quality standards for sizing, handling, packing, and labeling
• Apply judgment when product quality varies to maximize pack-out without compromising standards
• Ensure accurate lot tracking from field to shipment
• Pack and ship customer orders on time based on pack-out percentages
• Manage, train, and correct crews through line leads and supervisors
• Address performance issues directly and consistently
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and line adjustments as crops change
• Balance efficiency, labor usage, and yield in real-time
• Own daily operational decisions with minimal escalation

Workload & Seasonal Expectations

This is one of the most demanding leadership roles during the harvest season.

• Harvest runs six days per week
• Typical schedule is 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Late nights may occur during peak periods (occasionally as late as 11:00 PM)
• Occasional Sunday oversight or calls
• Strong delegation to line leads and supervisors is expected

Outside of harvest, expectations shift significantly:

• Winter and off-season hours are substantially lighter
• Focus shifts to planning, systems improvement, and preparation for the next season
• This role is designed to provide balance across the year, not year-round intensity

Off-Season Responsibilities

• Operational planning and system improvements
• SOP refinement and training improvements
• Inventory management and ordering
• Field planning and logistics support
• Preparing facility, staff, and systems for the next harvest cycle

Leadership & Decision-Making Profile

This role requires a manager who:

• Follows systems while exercising sound judgment
• Is comfortable making decisions without perfect information
• Enforces standards consistently (not exception-based)
• Can manage multiple crews simultaneously
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
• Pushes for efficiency without sacrificing quality
• Is organized, decisive, and technologically proficient

Managers who rely solely on rules or solely on intuition will struggle in this role.

Qualifications

Required

• Bilingual (English / Spanish)
• Agricultural or production environment background
• Experience directing crews in operational settings
• Strong people-management and problem-solving skills

Preferred (Not Required)

• Produce packing shed experience
• Food safety or audit exposure
• Irrigation, fertilizer, or chemical familiarity

Location & Relocation

• Reports daily to Bliss, Idaho
• Candidates may live within commuting distance (e.g., Twin Falls)
• Relocation assistance available
• Housing not provided

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 – $130,000, depending on experience
• Performance-driven compensation philosophy
• Strong performers are rewarded through competitive salary growth
• Full benefits package including:
• 401(k) with employer match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid time off
• Life insurance

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