Farm manager job description

• Conduct day-to-day farm operations in relationship to crop production. Field responsibilities include, but are not limited to soil preparation, planting, harvesting, weed, pest and disease management, livestock management, equipment maintenance and repair, etc.
• Manage and coordinate labor efforts among full-time staff as well as seasonal workers and interns when available
• Document and ensure proper documentation of staff of field operations on Rodale Institute forms to satisfy organic certification requirements, research data collection needs, financial accounting and maintain production records on a regular basis
• Coordinate maintenance schedules for tractor(s), truck(s) and other equipment
• Coordinate property maintenance that includes mowing, landscaping, fence repair, pruning, tree removal, and other activities.
• Operate equipment safely and train staff on safe equipment operation (tractors, tractor implements, small engine equipment, and hand tools) in a safe and efficient manner
• Support the research team in creating field experiments and completing field activities, some field data collection will be required
• Support educational and outreach activities through field tours and presentations when necessary.
• Coordinate with Rodale Institute staff for travel needs and purchasing supplies
• Assist the Communication Department with preparing media
• Prepare a yearly budget and report
• Other duties may/will be assigned on a case by case and as-needed basis

Qualifications: Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather, be able to lift in excess of 50 pounds, have good communications skills (both written and verbal), and be flexible in hours as farm work can be unpredictable. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.

Education and/or experience: Must have a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in agronomic crop production. Previous management experience and work on research farms or projects is preferred. Experience specifically with small grains, corn and soybeans is preferred. Must be experienced in farm equipment operation such as tractor, combine, etc.

Expectations: Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s success. To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors.

Travel: Travel will be required for farm visits, conferences, grower meetings and workshops.

About Rodale Institute: Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach. For seventy years, the Institute has been researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating consumers about how going organic is the healthiest option for people and the planet.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.

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Under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Learning Centers at Fairplex, the Farm Manager provides leadership and Urban Agricultural oversight of the 1.5 acre specialty crop farm. The Farm Manager assures operations are consistent with TLC and Fairplex's vision, mission, culture and strategic plan. The Farm Manager is responsible for all aspects of the organization's farm agricultural function, including, but not limited to, supervision of all farm operation, small bird and rabbits, and future development; liaising with third party operators. Leads in the planning and project management for potential farm expansion, crop maintenance, agriculture retail and education on all levels of The Learning Centers as they relate to agriculture. The Farm Manager works very closely with the Facilities Director to ensure the most practical and productive use of all Fairplex resources. The Farm Manger develops, monitors and implements department and business unit plans and budgets. During the annual L.A. County Fair, leads the organization in varied operational activities.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities

* Oversees all activities of the Farm, and provides agricultural expertise throughout all aspects of the Farm, including, but not limited to urban farm planning, crop selection, agricultural maintenance, Farm Development, potential Farm retail, and urban agriculture teaching and instructing.
* Uses sound judgment to ensure that operating efficiencies are maximized in all areas including, but not limited to, staffing levels, provision of services, and allocation of resources. Ensures all purchasing efficiencies are fully utilized.
* Responsible for producing and achieving the goals of the Farm annual budgets
* Develops and implements policies and procedures that facilitate the efficient operation of the Farm.
* Contracts and negotiates with vendors for equipment and supplies.
* Conducts interviews, hires, trains, mentors, disciplines and terminates department staff.
* Works regularly with TLC Volunteer Ambassador program staff to co-supervise and guide volunteer ambassadors committed to service at the Farm.
* Works closely with other Fairplex departments in determining the Farm layout for the annual LA County Fair.
* Takes necessary steps to ensure that all company financial goals, including revenue targets are met or exceeded.
* Supports the Mission and Values of Fairplex and The Learning Centers.
* As Farm Manager oversees and sets a tone of agriculture excellence for all platforms of The Farm on and off this campus.
* Oversee annual Farm capital improvement plan
* Other duties as assigned

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree preferred. Agriculture related education and/or work experience a plus. Five years of progressive experience in various management positions required. A combination of horticulture, agriculture, teaching, and business management is desired.

Candidate should possess a strong knowledge of all requirements for a wide variety of horticulture operations, such as, urban farming, crop management and rotation, and specialty crop implementation. Preferred candidate will possess farmer's market operations, retail experience, and project management. Candidate must have the ability to effectively communicate with promoters, service providers and the general public. In addition, the person must be able to supervise the work of staff and volunteers during events and be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must possess good organizational skills and be able to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment.

Must be able to work evenings, weekends, holidays and the hours required to fulfill the principal duties and responsibilities.

Manage, supervise, participate in and track soil management, planting, irrigation, fertilization, crop care, and integrated pest management; application of chemicals, harvesting, and food safety of all crops; recommend and implement operating policies and procedures at the farm level; May travel to other centers to transport materials, equipment. May work at other sites related to the program as needed.

Keep records and prepare farm production reports and prepare and implement budget recommendations; procure supplies and materials needed to support farm and garden operations and facilities maintenance.

Work as liaison with faculty, staff, students and other collaborators at the farm to plan and develop objectives, workflows, and deadlines for farm and garden operations. Assist faculty in conducting classes and research data collection; assist with tours and community outreach at the farm and gardens.

Operate, maintain and repair equipment and facilities used in agriculture and farming, including developing and implementing a preventive maintenance and repair program on equipment and facilities and planning and directing the construction, modification, and repairs of buildings and infrastructure at the farm and gardens.

Train, oversee and supervise interns and other staff and volunteers assigned to assist in the maintenance and management of the farm and gardens, including assisting in training volunteer farm crew and staff.
Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and five years of relevant experience managing an agricultural operation and supervising staff. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required number of years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

* Crop Science theory, methods and practices.
* Agronomic and horticulture practices including, but not limited to plant nutrition, soil management, composting, integrated pest management, planting, irrigation, harvest, and food safety.
* Common techniques used in the care of crops organically.
* Understanding of symptoms and care of crop disease and injury.
* Safe equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and safety rules associated with operation of farm equipment.
* Supervision and training techniques and practices.
* University, state, city, county and federal rules and regulations applicable to area.
* Basic computer applications.
* Experiential learning and Extension
* Record-keeping and data collection techniques for farm management.

Skills and Abilities to:

* Lead a team to effectively plan and operate a sustainable small farm with diverse production techniques, including a greenhouse, annual and perennial systems, and aeroponics.
* Think critically and problem solve in a highly dynamic and socially diverse setting.
* Follow instructions and perform acceptable farming practices.
* Communicate and deal effectively with faculty, students, administration, farmers, ranchers, state and federal agencies, and the public.
* Have hand/eye coordination and manual and physical dexterity to safely and effectively operate and maintain farm facility, equipment, and tools, and maneuver around a farm.
* Understand best management practices and keep up to date on latest efforts to improve the sustainability of management efforts for agricultural production.
* Develop food safety protocols for field, harvest and post-harvest handling.
* Think creatively and work collaboratively with other members of the farm team to ensure a positive and interdisciplinary learning environment for sustainable agriculture and food systems.
* Recognize symptoms of crop illness, disease, or injury and be able to treat effectively.
* Manage maintenance and record keeping for farm, facility, equipment and supplies.
* Travel, when required for meetings, training, transportation crops, or supplies and equipment.
* Assist with supervision and training of assigned staff.
* Operate computer to maintain records.
* Work as team member and foster a cooperative work environment.
* Experience with Organic certification a plus.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Optional: Share examples of farm plans or management documents that demonstrate your capacity to handle diverse growing systems.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: Yes