The Farm Production Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of produce farming and production on our organic farm and CSA. This role includes planning, seeding, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of a wide variety of organic vegetables. The Farm Production Manager will work closely with the owner and other team members to ensure the efficient, sustainable, and high-quality production and distribution of organic vegetables.
Responsibilities:
- Crop Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive crop plans, including crop rotation, planting schedules, and variety selection, ensuring maximum yield and productivity while adhering to organic farming principles.
- Seeding and Transplanting: Manage the seeding and transplanting processes, including nursery management, soil preparation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
- Field Management: Oversee and execute the cultivation, irrigation, and pest management activities, ensuring that all practices follow organic standards and maintain the health and quality of crops.
- Harvest, Post-Harvest and Sales: Direct the timely and efficient harvesting of vegetables, ensuring proper handling, washing, sorting, and packaging techniques to maintain optimum quality standards. Coordinate deliveries and on-site and off-site market setup to provide appealing, clean and healthy displays of produce. Ensure accurate product documentation.
- Workforce Management: Supervise a team of farm workers, providing guidance, training, and support to optimize their productivity, including scheduling and assigning tasks appropriately.
- Manage customer and member relations and communications via social media and weekly newsletter emails.
- Inventory Management: Monitor and maintain accurate inventory records of seeds, equipment, supplies, and other necessary materials for vegetable production.
- Quality Control: Implement quality control measures to ensure that all harvested vegetables meet organic farming standards and customer expectations. Regularly assess and address any issues related to pests, diseases, or soil health. Prepare and file Organic Certification documents and meet with inspector.
- Farm Operations Support: Collaborate with the farm owner and other farm staff to support the overall operations including equipment maintenance, land and soil management, irrigation systems, and infrastructure development.
- Research and Development: Stay updated on the latest organic farming practices, market trends, and innovations related to vegetable production. Conduct research and experiments to improve crop yield, nutrient management, and overall farm efficiency.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensure that all production activities adhere to occupational health and safety guidelines, as well as local regulations and organic farming certifications.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agriculture, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience in organic vegetable production, preferably on a farm
- Knowledge of organic farming principles, crop rotation, soil health, pest management, and sustainable farming techniques
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities
- Understanding of post-harvest handling, storage, and packaging best practices
- Ability to operate and maintain agricultural machinery and equipment
- Familiarity with organic certification standards and regulatory compliance
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Physical ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks as needed
The Farm Production Manager plays a pivotal role in sustaining the farm's commitment to organic agriculture and ensuring the successful and profitable production of high-quality organic vegetables.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- Weekends as needed
- Year round work
Experience:
- Vegetable Farming: 4 years (Required)
Work Location: In person