Position Summary: 

Under the direction of the General Manager, the Farm Operations Manager will oversee our farming operations; Integrating plant science expertise with effective operational and administrative management. This role requires a dynamic leader who can enhance our farm’s productivity and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Crop Planning and Implementation: Develop plans for crop production, resource management, and sustainability initiatives. This includes but is not limited to: Crop scheduling, varietal selections, crop rotation plans, irrigation practices, soil fertility amendments and integrated pest management.  Oversee the implementation of these plans to ensure they align with our farm’s goals.
• Operational Management: Manage all aspects of farm operations, from planting to harvest. This includes but is not limited to:  Implement scheduling, machinery management/logistics, harvesting methods and overseeing the maintenance and procurement of farm supplies.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Lead, recruit, and train farm staff, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of meeting our farm’s operational needs. Promote a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Plant Science Application: Apply scientific methods to enhance crop vigor and productivity with respect to farm and resource sustainability. Monitor plant development and soil health, implementing corrective measures when necessary.
• Administrative Oversight: Manage the farm’s financial budget, operational records, and administrative tasks. Prepare detailed reports and forecasts for business manager.
• Innovation and Research: Stay updated with the latest agricultural technologies and practices. Implement innovative solutions that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s of Science in an Agricultural related field. Work experience may be taken in consideration in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience Requirements:

Minimum 4+ years’ experience in the operation of a farm, including supervising farm workers, and working in sustainable organic agriculture or related field. Educational experience may substitute for work experience.

License/ Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to pass a soft criminal/background check

Position Essential Functions:

Crop planning and field maintenance including soil building, disease and pest management, harvesting and quality control, weed suppression, plant nutrition, irrigation system maintenance, etc.

Employee health and safety; assisting in the development and maintenance of plans to protect the health and safety of farm workers such as Worker Protection Standards, Heat Illness Prevention and Emergency Plan, etc.

Food Safety; establishing and maintaining the food safety plan.

Employee Management: directing the daily activity of farm staff, providing farm employees with guidance and training, providing coaching to employees when necessary, participating in recruitment when positions become open.

* This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.  Employee may perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies and Annual Requirements:

• Able to uphold a high level of confidentiality.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with all staff to ensure all projects are performed and completed to the specifications given.
• Must demonstrate a strong commitment to the sustainable nature of the farm by recommending energy and water conservation practices, as well as other agricultural practices, to the Tribe and implementing them when approved.
• Maintain the Organic certification of the farm.
• Maintaining the overall health and well-being of the crops and soil.
• Create plant schedules.
• Provide an enriching, safe and inclusive environment for the employees reporting to them.
• Lead the maintenance of landscaping around the Temalpakh Farm, including the demonstration gardens, the pollinator corridor and other specialty gardens.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will provide supervision and direction to the Farm Hand(s), Row Crop Supervisor, and Date Crop Supervisor. The Farm Operations Manager is responsible for providing the employees reporting to them with coaching as necessary, annual appraisals, ensuring a safe work environment and organizing/providing training as necessary.