Sorrel River Ranch Farm Manager Job in Utah

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Sorrel River Ranch Seeks a Full Time Farm Manager for 2019 – Moab, Utah

About Sorrel River Ranch and Farmer D Consulting

Sorrel River Ranch is an exclusive 240-acre riverside oasis surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Utah’s iconic arches, canyonlands, and red rock mesas. Southeastern Utah’s premiere ranch resort elevates the guest experience by offering unparalleled services and customized experiences with authentic western hospitality, local knowledge, gourmet farm meals, and a genuine commitment for responsible land stewardship. The Ranch is framed by the Colorado River, 17 miles outside of Moab, Utah, the Adventure Capital of the West and the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Farmer D Consulting was recently engaged to help further the vision for the farm and assist with hiring a Farm Manager to participate in and lead the effort to implement this evolving vision. The redesign of the farm and its programs will position the farm as a centerpiece of the property and enhance the dining, programming and culture of the place. As part of the reimagining of the farm it would be great to move towards being a more closed loop Biodynamic farm that both provides high quality food and educational experiences for guests, staff and visitors. As part of moving in this direction, there is interest in adding a small cattle component focused on dairy, beef and compost.

Position Overview

Sorrel River Ranch is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to oversee all areas of existing farm operations and lead the farm into its next iteration. You will be part of implementing the vision to elevate the agricultural experience.

The primary goals for the farm operation are to produce high quality ingredients, provide engaging experiences for guests and staff and be as financially self-sufficient as possible. The Ranch aims for seamless integration with the guest experience, farm to table cuisine, and new retail market – JJ’s General Store. The current farm footprint includes approximately 70 acres of irrigated pasture land, currently used for horses, and roughly 1.5 acre organic kitchen garden and small greenhouse.

Strong leadership, initiative and communication will need to be the core of your managerial skills. As the Farm Manager you will:

• effectively communicate with the Chef to develop and plan menu items
• delegate tasks and define roles and responsibilities of your farm team
• maintain consistent communication with the Operations Manager on progress and process
• feel comfortable engaging with guests to enhance their experience
• develop strong morale with the staff by encouraging participation in the farm for those that live on the ranch

Additionally, Sorrel River Ranch is looking to develop agricultural programming so that it nourishes the guests and the land. As the Farm Manager you will:

• focus on regenerative, biodynamic and/or organic principles in farming
• have a high level of integrity when it comes to land management and engaging with the public
• a willingness to learn new processes and collaborate on concepts surrounding the agricultural vision

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise all steps of crop production including planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and building healthy soil.
• Develop annual crop plan based on demands from on-site restaurant, general store and other outlets.
• Planning and implementation of weekly planting and harvest schedule
• Determine and maintain annual farm budget and cost projections
• Coordinate sales and distribution of all farm products such as fresh produce, herbs, flowers and animal products
• Serve as the sales agent for livestock and crops
• Maintain clear records of each season’s planting and harvest logs.
• Supervise animal husbandry related to farm operation such as chickens, goats and cows Determine how to raise crops or livestock according to factors such as market conditions, federal program availability, and soil conditions
• Select and purchase supplies for farm operations such as seeds, fertilizers, supplies, etc…
• Infrastructure planning, creation and maintenance
• Insect, pest, critter and weed control, monitoring and management
• fertility monitoring, general field observation
• Implementation, maintenance and monitoring of deer fencing
• Irrigation planning, implementation and management
• Soil building program including implementing and managing a composting program
• Engage staff, guests and visitors in farm tours, hands-on farm work and educational workshops
• Assist with marketing and engagement efforts
• Cooperate with community partners
• Integration of farming efforts with other departments
• Adapt duties to the seasons, weather conditions, or a crop’s growing cycle
• Maintain farm facilities, such as water pipes, hoses, fences, and animal shelters
• Maintain and Repair farm machinery, as needed (with assistance from on-site mechanic)
• Manage subcontractors
• Some evening and special event hours will be required
• Participate in planning for long term farm development

Required Qualifications and Experiences

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience and a relevant college degree, within the fields of organic/biodynamic farm management
• Experience with operating tractors and other farming equipment with strong knowledge of equipment use and safety
• Outstanding and proven skills in managing diverse teams with maximized productivity and efficiency
• Passion for interacting with and educating guests, visitors and staff of varied ages and backgrounds
• Passion for sustainable, regenerative and/or biodynamic farming
• Cooperative, service‐oriented attitude and ability to work independently and take initiative, set priorities and see projects through to completion
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship development skills
• Ability to be open and flexible to new ways of working with diverse communities
• Creative skills and ability to experiment to attain new, better strategies, approaches, and solutions to challenges
• Flexibility and willingness to take on a variety of tasks along with an ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, team environment
• Computer skills
• Detail oriented
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience farming in a hospitality environment
• Certification and/or Master’s degree in sustainable agriculture education or related field (biodynamics, permaculture, etc…)
• Experience with soil and water management
• Technical knowledge and familiarity with irrigation construction, troubleshooting, and repair
• Experience working with livestock
• Carpentry skills
• Food safety training
• Knowledge of species and climate specific to Southern Utah or similar
• Experience as an agricultural or environmental educator
• Project management experience
• Training in active listening and constructive communication techniques such as Non‐Violent Communication, meeting facilitation, etc.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the General Manager
• Supervises all farm staff

Compensation

• Salary commensurate with experience.
  • As a salaried position the schedule will vary by week and seasons with long days often required and split shifts during the heat of the summer. 40 or more hours per work and 5 or 6 days per week will be required for the position to be successful.
• We have an employer sponsored (Gold or Bronze Option) Medical Plan and optional Dental Plan available to all FTYR staff members after completing 90 days of employment

Housing

• The Farm Manager will be eligible for On-site Employee Housing options on a space available basis at the time of job acceptance. Housing options range from private one bedroom apartments to shared rooms and are priced from $75 per paycheck for a shared room (every 2 weeks) to $350 per paycheck for a private one bedroom apartment

Typical Working Conditions

• The Farm Manager will work outdoors. There will be exposure to Southern Utah outside temperatures, products used in the agricultural industry, operation of equipment, working with animals and loud noises.

Essential Physical Tasks

• Continual walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, cutting and carrying.

Equipment Used

• Tractors, Bobcat, Kubota, dump truck, delivery truck, pick‐up truck, rental equipment, hand tools, power tools, computer.

How to Apply for the Farm Manger Position

Please email your resume to jobs@farmerd.com and state the project for which you are applying in the subject line of the email (Sorrel River Ranch).

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/