Production Manager (Turfgrass Farm Manager)

Tater Farms

Production Manager – Live Oak, FL
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

Qualifications

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.