Assistant Ranch Manager

Pomona Farming LLC is a leading farm services company that oversees agricultural properties and businesses. Headquartered in California’s Central Valley, we provide a full range of farm management and agricultural business services to our members. Together with our members, Pomona Farming is committed to industry best practices, to supporting our people and our local communities, and to the responsible use of resources and the environment. Position Summary Pomona Farming is hiring an Assistant Ranch Manager to join our farming operations team. This is a full-time, permanent position for an early-career agriculture professional who wants to build a long-term career in ranch and farm management with us. This position will participate in an 18-month Ranch Leadership Development Track designed to provide hands-on experience across key areas of our farming operations. The program includes rotations through irrigation and water management, ranch operations and crop production, and farm business and leadership. You will work alongside experienced Ranch Managers and the Director of Farming, gaining practical experience on our ranches and taking on increasing responsibility throughout the program. By the end of the development track, you will be prepared to take on greater responsibility for day-to-day ranch operations as an Assistant Ranch Manager, with continued opportunities to grow toward a Ranch Manager position. Ranch Leadership Development Track Phase 1: Irrigation & Water Management (approximately 6 months) Develop hands-on knowledge of ranch irrigation systems and water management practices, including: · Irrigation scheduling and monitoring · Pump station operation · Filtration systems and maintenance · Pressure regulation and troubleshooting · Soil moisture monitoring · Water budgeting and recordkeeping · Diagnosing irrigation system issues and coordinating repairs Phase 2: Ranch Operations & Crop Production (approximately 6 months) Build practical experience managing day-to-day ranch and crop production activities across the growing season, including: · Cultural practices · Crop monitoring and evaluation · Fertility and nutrition programs · Pest and disease scouting · Equipment scheduling · Harvest preparation · Inventory management · Vendor and contractor coordination Phase 3: Farm Business & Leadership (approximately 3–4 months) Develop the business and leadership skills necessary to manage ranch operations, including: · Labor and crew management · Budgeting and cost analysis · Production reporting and ranch performance metrics · Safety compliance and regulatory requirements · Capital planning · Operational decision-making · Communication and leadership Key Responsibilities Irrigation & Water Management · Operate and monitor irrigation systems across assigned ranches. · Develop and adjust irrigation schedules based on crop needs, soil moisture, and weather conditions. · Troubleshoot filtration systems, pumps, valves, and pressure systems, and coordinate repairs with maintenance personnel. · Track water use and maintain accurate irrigation records. · Identify system deficiencies and recommend improvements. Ranch Operations & Crop Production · Carry out daily farming activities across assigned ranches in line with the seasonal plan. · Scout and report on crop conditions, pest and disease pressure, and fertility needs. · Schedule equipment and support equipment maintenance programs. · Coordinate harvest preparation and logistics. · Work with vendors and contractors to complete work on time and to standard. · Contribute to operational planning meetings. Business & Administration · Track costs against budget and help build ranch budgets. · Prepare production reports and analy…

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