Head Grower

AgHires Jobs • Full-time • Carlsbad, California, United States • 1w ago

Carltas Company - the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is hiring a Head Grower who will be directing operations, planning, and ensuring excellence across The Flower Fields’ farming and growing programs.

The Flower Fields has been a beloved Southern California destination since the 1920’s known for its iconic ranunculus bloom, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each spring to experience 55 acres of 80 million vibrant blooms. After more than 20 years of partnering with an external growing partner, The Flower Fields is strengthening its internal farming capabilities to better support long-term operational stability.

The Head Grower will be based in Carlsbad, CA, and will oversee coordinating, planning, and ensuring excellence across all growing programs. This position works closely with our external growing partner and internal teams to support the annual ranunculus crop, specialty plantings, and the gardens and landscaped areas. You will provide day-to-day operational oversight of the 55 acres of outdoor flowers and another 40 acres for the mother block, technical support, budgeting, resource, and compliance management. This hands-on role will plan planting from seeding, field prep, seed production, irrigation, and plant breeding to selection. You will manage a team of 22 people on staff, from the field crew to seasonal support, and report to the General Manager.

This is a hands-on role well-suited for someone who thrives in outdoor field environments, understands crop production and outdoor growing, and is excited to be part of The Flower Fields’ legacy, ensuring that our fields continue to bloom brilliantly for generations to come.

We offer Competitive base pay with bonus based on flower performance, health care, simple IRA, and PTO. The schedule is year-round with longer days during peak planting and bloom seasons.

Key Responsibilities
Crop and Field Operations Support

Support all aspects of crop planning, field preparation, sowing/planting, cultivation, and harvest for the ranunculus crop
Oversee seed preparation, mother block planting, and management of specialty displays (e.g., American Flag)
Support smaller growing operations, including eucalyptus, olive grove, and U-Pick blueberry patch
Assist in seasonal garden preparation and support landscaping enhancements

Operational Coordination

Help develop and implement production schedules, operating procedures, and field management systems
Coordinate daily and seasonal activities with internal teams and our growing partner
Monitor field conditions, crop performance, watering schedules, and cultural practices
Provide support with equipment planning, maintenance needs, and resource allocation

Irrigation, Fertility and Pest Management

Assist in managing irrigation strategies, fertilization programs, pest and disease monitoring and integrated pest management practices
Serve as or support the designated Qualified Applicator License (QAL) holder for The Flower Fields
Coordinate pesticide and fertilizer applications-either directly or through vendors-to ensure safety and regulatory compliance

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, pesticide, and county/state regulatory requirements
Ensure the maintenance of accurate pesticide use records and prepare/submit Pesticide Use Reports (PURs)
Coordination with the growing partner on the required annual county registration and maintaining the Grower ID for the property
Support Worker Protection Standards (WPS) and staff training/documentation

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Work alongside seasonal field crews and provide coordination, guidance, and quality oversight
Help develop a future internal operations team as our farming capabilities evolve
Collaborate closely with Visitor Services leadership to align crop timelines with guest experience requirements

Qualifications & Experience

Experience in commercial crop production, flower production, or specialty crop growing
Proven expertise in field production, irrigation systems, fertility management, and pest and disease management
Strong leadership and team-building skills with experience managing crews
Comfortable working in a hands-on environment with a high standard for quality and detail
Knowledge of Southern California growing conditions is strongly preferred
Must hold or be able to obtain a California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) within 90 days of hire
Strong communicator and collaborative partner across internal teams and external growers while being solution- focused