Spray Crew Leader

Description

Fundamental Objective: Under the general supervision from the Equipment Supervisor, Spray Crew Leader will directly assign and supervise all day-to-day on-site agricultural work activities for their assigned crew. This position will require the willingness and ability to work at night.  

Essential Functions:

A) Orchard Operation Responsibilities:  

1. Equipment Operation duties include but are not limited to: 

  a. Manages the daily seasonal operations of orchard equipment, including insecticide and fungicide applications, aero fans spraying, pesticide and herbicide treatments, as well as harvest activities such as shaking, sweeping, conditioning, pick-up, and winter shaking. 

  b. Ensures optimal operation by monitoring the calibration, nozzles, filters, spray pattern, and mixing process as set by the Spray Specialist. 

   c. Consults with the Spray Specialist or Equipment Supervisor to adjust plans and procedures in response to wind, temperature, or environmental changes that may impact tree health, crops, or spraying effectiveness. 

2. Ensures all spray crews are knowledgeable of the Safety Preparedness and Response plan and comply with company standards and requirements; and monitors activities to ensure all comply to safety regulations and standards.  

B) Spray Operations Responsibilities: 

1. Ensures all spray packages and chemical batch load sheets meet company standards and requirements from start to end. 

2. Will pick up chemicals from Shop and double check quantities. Notifies Spray Specialist of any errors. 

3. Assists crew members and operators as needed or requested. 

4. Follow safety guidelines and procedures and ensure crew members are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.  

5. Maintains the daily inspection check list and the productivity reports. 

6. Ensure operators are inspecting equipment and cleaning filters and nozzles at the beginning and end of the shift. 

7. Ensure accurate documentation on the Product Use Report (PUR) by recording the start and end times of each block application in order to submit to the Fleet/Warehouse Department.  

C.  Keep records of work activities for the assigned crew, acres or amount of work done per day, and incidents that occur daily under their managed area, and report information to direct supervisor as requested. 

D. Help with forecasting movements of equipment and crews to aid with scheduling; and coordinate and monitor the safe travel of working crew and equipment between ranches. 

E. Communicate schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities to direct personnel. 

F. Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide basic employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules. 

G. Identify and report unsafe equipment or environmental conditions to safety, manager, or supervisor, and stop the job when hazardous conditions are identified.  

H. In coordination with the Safety Department will ensure the following is observed: 

1. Complete standard operating procedures by job. 

2. Complete job safety analysis report per job. 

3. Demonstrate or explain working techniques, practices, or safety regulations. 

4. Will verify daily that all safety and OSHA provisions are adequate and sufficient for working crew, such as water, ice, restrooms, shades and rest areas, eye washing stations (when needed), etc. 

5. Requisition materials and supplies, such as tools, personal protective equipment, or replacement parts to safely and effectively perform scheduled projects.  

I. On a routine basis, they will assist and organize data collection with respect to their crew operations and/or as requested by supervisor or manager. 

J. Must be able to accommodate the regular farm schedule of 45-60 hours per week which may include days, nights, and weekend shifts, per business needs. 

K. This position will need to be flexible in meeting the activities of the farm; crew lead could work in different divisions, and they could report to different supervisors throughout the year, and they may be asked to perform the same orchard operation duties as subordinates when necessary. 

L. Crew Leader will perform other duties as assigned.  

M. Crew Leader Supervisory Responsibilities: 

1. Engage in the training and supervision of Company or contract labor workers assuring the day-to-day activities of the managed operation are carried out successfully. 

2. Responsible for making sure assigned crew follows the current daily work schedule and rest and meal periods by tracking and approving time daily. 

a. The Crew Leader will be responsible for following a daily work order in electronic format and will be responsible for approving the daily time for all crew members electronically. 

3. When needed by the Equipment Supervisor, the Crew Leader will be tasked to supervise the FLC crew work activities including, but not limited to pruning, tying, poling, replants, and gopher control. 

4. Serve as a mentor and coach to Company employees and outside labor crews to improve overall employee job knowledge and work performance. 

5. Observe workers to detect inefficient or unsafe work procedures or to identify problems, initiating corrective action as necessary. 

6. Counsel employees about work-related issues and assist employees to correct job-skill deficiencies. 

7. Monitor employees’ work levels and review work performance. 

8. Recommend personnel actions, such as hires, promotions, transfers, discharges, or disciplinary measures to direct supervisor or to HR, as needed. 

9. Enforce company safety rules and policies. 

10. Responsible for requesting safety training as needed, and to ensure that all current employees, including new hires, have the correct safety training needed for each job. 

11. Take immediate action in resolving and addressing employee issues or complaints; including time corrections. 

Requirements

Education:                   

A) Two years’ experience in equipment operation and   previous experience in crew supervision.           

B) Irrigation Install   experience is helpful but not required- Experience installing and repairing   large (1/2” to 27”) PVC supply lines; repairing irrigation system   malfunctions; installing irrigation systems; operating trenchers, tractors,   and skid-steers.                              

Minimum Qualifications & Work Experience:               

A) Bilingual in English/Spanish highly preferred.               

B) Valid California driver’s license and motor vehicle record acceptable according to Company auto insurance carrier’s guidelines.

C) Ability to use computer or software applications to interact via e-mail and to manage work orders and time keeping approval.

D) Ability to learn and understand job requirements and work under minimal supervision after initial training.          

E) Ability to develop specific goals and plans in order to prioritize, organize, and accomplish   work.           

F) Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of all federal and state laws and regulations as they relate to the job.           

G) Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of Company information.           

H) Must be able to work around bees without having an allergic reaction when stung.      

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:                   

A) Making Decisions and Solving Problems — analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.              

B) Communicating with Management, Peers, or Subordinates — providing information to managers, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

C) Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.              

D) Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.              

E) Critical Thinking –   Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.              

F) Operation Monitoring —   watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.              

G) Documenting/Recording   Information — entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining   Information in written or electronic form.              

H) Speaking — talking to   others to convey information effectively.              

I) Reading Comprehension —   understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.              

J) Mathematics — using mathematics to solve problems.