Farm Production Manager Job

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Taylor in Employment, Farming, Management // 0 Comments

Farm Production Manager Job at Gateway Farm in Plymouth, Michigan for the 2021 Season

Gateway Farm is a certified organic diverse vegetable farm located in Plymouth, MI. We focus on growing delicious, nutrient dense vegetables. We have recently implemented a permaculture inspired perennial food production system that will be adding many new facets, opportunities, and products to our current annual production. We also offer ever expanding educational opportunities, including farm tours, workshops, and farm dinners. In everything we do, we try to keep the health of the earth, our local ecosystem, our employees and community front of mind.

FARM PRODUCTION MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible individual with significant farming experience who will work closely with the management team and director of operations on the wide-ranging tasks typical of a diversified vegetable farm. The Production Manager will take a lead role in greenhouse work, direct field work, transplanting, cultivation and harvest of vegetables for our CSA, wholesale accounts and retail sales. The Production Manager will be responsible for training and supervising a field crew of 3-5 individuals. In addition the Production Manager will assist with other aspects of the farm as needed throughout the season, which may include farm dinners, tours, and educational workshops. The Production Manager is an essential part of our core management team and is expected to think and work like a professional; attention to detail, an efficient and strong work ethic, the ability to identify and carry out big-picture projects, the skills to operate and perform minor maintenance on a range of tractors and implements, great communication skills, an upbeat attitude and the capacity to operate with autonomy or effectively lead a small crew are all essential.

Job Details and Responsibilities

The Production Manager is responsible for a working knowledge and supervisory/lead role of the following:

Greenhouse care; making soil blocks, seeding, potting up, watering, implementing fertility plan, pest scouting, organization, hardening off, record keeping
Co-creating cropping plan and timeline; assisted and informed by director of operations and management team
Field seeding & transplanting; prepping beds (rototilling, spreading fertilizer, laying drip tape), use of 6- row Jang, or Earthway hand seeder, hand transplanting
Cultivation; variety of hand tools
Tractor work; equipment hookup, adjustment and use (mowers, multi-purpose tool bar, rototiller, bucket loader, etc)
Fertility analysis and implementation of nutrient management plan; assisted and informed by director of operations
Pest management; scouting and identifying damage to crops, use of floating row cover, fencing & other physical barriers
Harvest, wash and pack; proper handling of harvested crops in field, maintain standards of cleanliness for produce safety, attention to detail, and quality control
Training, overseeing and motivating field crew

Qualifications

The Production Manager must be a self-starter and be able to work in a fast-paced, production oriented environment. Must be able to think quickly and remain calm under pressure. Leadership experience is required. Experience with no-till vegetable production a plus, otherwise must be willing to learn. A successful Production Manager must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the farm. Must be enthusiastic and able to keep the good of the farm in mind.

Working hours vary depending on time of year. 30-40 hours per week in the off season and 40-50 hours during the height of the season. Hours are flexible/will vary based on the need of the farm and crew.

This is a Full Time Position

Application Deadline Dec 1st

Pay: DOE

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Apply early.