Assistant Farm Manager

General Summary:

Founded in 1975, Ham Farms is a family-owned and operated business headquartered in Snow Hill, NC. Following graduation from East Carolina University and an off-farm auditing position with Texas Pipeline Gas, Bobby Ham returned home to the family farm. At that time, Woody and Allen Ham farmed approximately 200 acres consisting primarily of row crops. In the early 80's, Bobby had high aspirations and decided it was time to diversify. Beginning with sweet potatoes, the Hams ventured into vegetable production. As the family and the crops grew, so did the company. Before long, the Ham's Yams sweet potato brand spread nationally and internationally.

The Ham Family supplies not only fresh produce, but processed goods as well. Through 3 other companies, the Ham Family allows for 100% utilization of the produce we grow. Natural Blends Vegetable Dehydration provides dehydrated goods, YAMCO provides pureed produce, and Covington Spirits produces distilled liquor. We believe that fresh and processed products are best when they come from a happy family and a happy earth.

It is the intention of management to continue growing the business’ revenue exponentially within five years. This growth will come via customer demand in various channels, participating in both traditionally available products and new products aligned with the global food growth trends (e.g., healthy eating, cleaner label). The team, product, and processes are critical to our success as we are recruiting high performers with experience that can perform and manage multiple functional responsibilities.

Our lean organizational structure, headquartered in Snow Hill, NC and doing business there, will allow Ham to control costs and achieve its profitability targets. As a lean organization, it is required that we maintain a collaborative work environment with focus and dedication to achieving the desired results. The goal of Ham is to build a team of members who are honest, hardworking and show ability even without experience as these characteristics will enable our company to continue to prosper and remain at the top of the industry. With our location close to the coast, we exemplify a laid back, family-oriented environment that truly encourages productivity and innovation.

Job Description:

As an Assistant Farm Manager, you will offer support to our farming operations. Specifically with development and execution of farm plans and monitoring of overall crop production. In the absence of the Farm Manager, assign and communicate daily duties to all farm employees. Measure and report daily work progress on the farm to upper management and perform ad hoc duties as requested. The primary focus will be sweet potato production, but will oversee and support other crops as well.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze existing operations and financial documents to recommend improvements.
• Prepare plans and schedules for planting and harvesting and communicating with staff to ensure understanding.
• Negotiate with suppliers as needed to ensure seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplies are stocked.
• Make and implement decisions involved in organizing and operating the farm for maximum production and profit.
• Employ practical application of record keeping for all farm operations.
• Schedule repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and machinery.
• Handle the marketing and sale of grain produced on the farm.
• Assist with the recruitment of new staff and training for all staff.
• Collaborating with upper management to prepare budgets.

Skill & Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge or proven training in Agronomy/Agriculture/Plant & Soil Science.
• Five years of agronomy experience, including the development of employees and teams.
• Knowledge or training in a specialized, technical, or professional discipline such as Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• Strong understanding of agronomy and/or precision agronomy including but not limited to: Cropping systems and farming practices in the region, fertilizer types and blends, seed and drainage regulations, and location farm equipment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Famous software.
• Possess a self-motivating personality as well as team-building skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree required

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and utilize a variety of office equipment. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. and reach overhead.

Benefits:

• Aetna Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Vacation & Holidays as stated in Ham Farms handbook

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person