Payroll Specialist

Title of position: Payroll Specialist (Agricultural & Piece Rate) Position type: Full Time, Level 1 Pay range: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour.

Location:

Santa Maria, CA (In-Person) About the Role We are seeking an experienced and highly detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our team. In this critical role, you will ensure the accuracy and timeliness of payroll for our agricultural workforce, with a specialized focus on piece-rate calculations (AB1513), H2A compliance, state and federal laws, and wage order adherence. Reporting to the Payroll Supervisor, you will serve as a vital link between HR, Field Supervisors, and employees to ensure 100% compliance across our field and cooler operations. We offer a stable, fast-paced environment where your expertise in agriculture compliance is truly valued.

Roles and Responsibilities & Duties:

The primary responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to: Payroll & Compliance

Payroll Processing:

Responsible for daily muti-crew payroll processing for variable piece-rate harvesting(strawberries/raspberries), hourly harvesting, crop care, planting, etc.

Audit, Reconcile, & Verify:

Audit data collected in PickTrace, reconcile production data against clocked time and pieces to ensure accurate piece-rate earnings and minimum wage guarantees.

• Complex calculations: Review multi-hourly rates, multi-piece rates, rest/recovery regular rate of pay, PSL, non-productive time, and overtime premiums in strict accordance with Wage Order 14.

Labor Allocations:

Distribute labor costs across various cost centers (ranch locations) and phases(jobs) for operational analysis.

Regulatory Compliance:

Process H2A Payroll ensuring adherence to the AEWR (Adverse Effect Wage Rate and Department of Lavor regulations.

Deduction Management:

Coordinate with HR to track contract terms, stipends, and meal deductions.

Administrative Payroll:

Audit payroll for cold storage and admin staff, including holiday pay, split shift pay & reporting time pay calculations, bonuses, PSL, overtime and premium pay.

Audit Ready:

Maintain 100% compliance with CA Labor Code and FLSA, assist with month end and year end auditing, W2s, benefit deductions, garnishments, and ACA maintenance.

Records Management:

Maintain accurate electronic payroll and personnel files.

Required experience:

• Minimum of 3 years in agricultural piecework payroll, highly preferred
• 2 years of advanced Excel usage, preferred.
• Auditing
• Reconciliation

Systems:

Experience with Famous Software and PickTrace preferred.

Required skills:

Language:

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is required. You must be able to communicate effectively with both field staff and management.

Technical Knowledge:

H2A regulations, AB1513, and wage and hour laws.

• Soft skills: Detail Oriented, adaptable, analytical person, excellent work ethic, dependable, and professional.

Education:

Associate's in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred.

Precision:

10-key by touch and a "zero-error" mindset regarding data entry.

Benefit package includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Cedar Clinic access
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Retirement Bonus
• Yearly Bonus

Professional Growth:

Opportunities to advance your skills as the company grows. How to apply : Indeed.

com Closing date:

May 25, 2026 For information on Main Street Produce, LLC. including more information on our products and our company culture, visit our website at https://mainstreetproduce.com All applicants will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been received. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted to arrange an interview. Main Street Produce, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Pay:

$21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Microsoft Excel:

1 year (Required)

Piecework Payroll:

2 years (Required)

Language:

English and Spanish (Preferred) Spanish (Required) English (Required)

Work Location:

In person