Live Oak Production Manager

Job DetailsJob Location: Hastings, FL 32145Tater Farms Production Manager – Live Oak Pay: Competitive pay, based on experience Schedule: Full-time; flexible schedule required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on production demands Location: Live Oak, Florida At Tater Farms, our roots run deep. We are family-inspired, customer focused, and driven by innovation. What began as a small, family-built operation has grown into a trusted leader in high-quality production farming—without losing sight of the values that shaped us. With 50 years behind us, we are proud of our history and excited for the future, intentionally building the next chapter of growth and innovation. Our commitment to our core values of respect, integrity, and dependability continue to guide how we lead, grow, and serve. We're looking for a dependable, experienced Production Manager to lead all turf production and harvesting operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can plan and direct field activities, hold a team accountable to high standards, and ensure every acre of sod we grow meets Tater Farms' quality bar from planting through harvest. What You'll Be Responsible For Lead, manage, and hold your team accountable — inspire your teammates, earn their respect and trust, set SMART goals, and set clear expectations Demonstrate Tater Farms' core values of respect, integrity, and dependability in all interactions with staff, leadership, and customers Plan, organize, implement, direct, and coordinate all turf production and harvesting activities across the farm Direct timely planting and replanting schedules for all fields Supervise and oversee the application of sprays, irrigation, fertilizing, mowing, and field maintenance Ensure sod quality meets or exceeds Tater Farms standards by observing pallets and harvesting operations Maintain accurate records of all growing practices and field activities Oversee the purchase of all chemicals and fertilizers and manage production budget and cost control Coordinate labor, equipment, and materials across multiple crews and fields to meet production goals Supervise and mentor field staff, providing hands-on coaching and guidance in daily operations Ensure proper maintenance and use of equipment, including sprayers and fertilizer trucks Enforce safety standards, hold monthly safety meetings, and ensure compliance with all pesticide and application regulations Utilize and support technology (e.g., Trimble) for spraying, tracking, and production reporting Communicate daily with the Turf Operations Manager on priorities, staffing, and operational needs Represent Tater Farms in a professional, customer service-oriented manner and attend production and harvesting related meetings Assist with crop scouting, problem-solving, and continuous process improvement What We Expect Strong leadership presence with the ability to hold a team accountable to production and quality standards Dependability, sound judgment, and a proactive, safety-first mindset Ability to manage multiple fields and crews simultaneously in a fast-paced environment Commitment to Tater Farms' core values of respect, integrity, and dependability QualificationsQualifications Bachelor's degree in agronomy, turf and grounds management, agricultural science, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered 3–5 years of experience in turf/farm management, agriculture, or a related field Ability to obtain Private Applicator and Fumigant Licenses Valid driver's license with a clean driving record Strong knowledge of turf production, fertilization, pesticide application, and harvest operations Experience operating and maintaining agricultural equipment Proficient in computer applications, recordkeeping, and farm production/management software Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills Problem-solving mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement Relevant product knowledge of turf varieties, chemicals, and fertilizers Demonstrated experience managing production budgets and controlling costs Physical Requirements & Work Environment Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift/carry materials weighing up to 50 lbs for extended periods throughout the workday Ability to safely operate machinery and vehicles Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, loud machinery, and highway/road driving conditions Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on production demands, weather conditions, and other operational variables Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hard hats, and work boots What We Offer Competitive pay based on experience Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off through accrued vacation Why Join Tater Farms? You'll be part of a team that values hard work, supports one another, and takes pride in delivering quality results. We don't just grow grass — we grow people and careers. Tater Farms is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEOC). All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and E-Verify employment eligibility verification.