Job Description
Job Title: Mechanical Planting Supervisor
Location: Belle Glade, FL
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Planting Supervisor to oversee and coordinate sugarcane planting operations in Belle Glade, FL. This role requires a strong combination of leadership, mechanical aptitude, and technology proficiency to manage planting crews, maintain planting equipment, and implement modern agricultural technologies effectively. The supervisor will ensure precise execution of planting plans while supporting year-round agricultural technology initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate all sugarcane planting operations, ensuring accurate and timely field execution.
- Execute planting plans provided by the Agricultural Technology Manager, aligned with safety and operational standards.
- Monitor field conditions daily, verifying planting depth, seed spacing, and row alignment.
- Lead and train planting crews, promoting safety compliance and effective equipment operation.
- Schedule and oversee preventive maintenance (PMs) and repairs for tractors and sugarcane planters.
- Manage planting equipment, agricultural technology systems, and related supplies.
- Keep accurate daily records of field activities, crew performance, and equipment usage.
- Support annual budget planning for planting operations, equipment, and technology.
- Operate drones for crop monitoring, field mapping, and data collection (flight planning, execution, and reporting).
- Collaborate with management to improve processes and achieve operational goals.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of mechanical sugarcane planting processes and precision agriculture systems.
- Ability to operate and maintain John Deere tractors with sugarcane planters.
- High mechanical aptitude with troubleshooting and repair capabilities.
- Proficient in ag-tech systems (BLE/GPS asset tracking, drone operation, and agricultural software).
- Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and in a team environment.
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid Class “E” Driver’s License (required).
- Drone License (preferred).
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Technology, Agronomy, or related field preferred (or equivalent relevant experience).
- Minimum 3 years of agricultural operations experience, with focus on mechanical planting and/or precision agriculture systems.
- Hands-on experience in sugarcane planting operations is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in field and weather conditions.
- Capable of sitting, walking, standing, kneeling, climbing, and reaching.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Safely operate machinery, vehicles, and drones in agricultural environments.