Job Description Project Overview 
Be Here Farm and Nature Sanctuary (BH) is a is a 9 bedroom agriturismo, “beyond organic” farm, 300-acre nature sanctuary and unique hospitality experience in the heart of the California wine country opening Spring of 2017. 

Just 2 years away from opening, our agricultural processes are already 2 years underway, and we are seeking a full time Farm Director immediately.  

The Farm
The farm is 3 acres of arable land, 2 of which is suitable for intensive annual and perennial production, while the remaining 1 acre is planted in a fruit and nut orchard. Small movable paddocks of roughly 2.5 acres for a mixed goat/sheep flock as well as our chickens surround this core cultivation area.

Our farming philosophy can be described as “responsible agriculture”. We are very particular with what we introduce into the food space, and do not use many common organic solutions, but rather choose to go above and beyond national organic standards.

Candidate Responsibilities and Expectations

• Manage and implement all food production activities including annual and perennial production garden, green house, hoop houses and low tunnels, orchard, bees, mixed flock of goat and sheep (18 total), egg layers (20), mushrooms, cut flowers, herbs, medicinals, and insectary.
• Manage all landscaped areas (in addition to the farm) including .5 (half) acre mixed ornamental and edible orchard garden surrounding Guest House as well as landscaping surrounding all buildings (1 acre).
• Coordinate with Chef to meet needs and demands of kitchen’s highly seasonal and dynamically changing menu. Collaborate with Chef to meet kitchen pars and plan seasonal planting schedule, crop successions, volume, harvest style and timing, value-added needs, etc.
• Manage crop planning, daily work activities, and special projects in full. Set and manage farming project goals, planting plan, work schedules, critical timelines, reporting and tracking mechanisms, and resource allocations.
• Create and manage farm budget with collaboration from Owners for capital expenditures, to be created in Microsoft Excel. Update stakeholders monthly with any changes to farm budget with actual numbers reporting.
• Build and develop the pasture and soil fertility strategies with the application of good management techniques, local organic materials, and inputs that are generated from the surrounding acreage of the property whenever possible.
• Adhere to an established set of BH protocols, identify acceptable sources of manure and other amendment that cannot be generated in the necessary volumes onsite (commercial blood meal, feather meal, and organic fertilizer will not acceptable)
• Manage BH land team including livestock manager, farm labor/grounds crew, any related contract labor, interns, and volunteers. Responsible for job descriptions, postings, hiring, discipline, firing and teambuilding. We will pride ourselves on a strong core of employees and a vibrant team mentality that you will be expected to set precedents for and maintain.
• Instruct the land team with an eye toward self-sufficiency in order to lead private educational experiences for guests when necessary.
• Manage a farmscape that enhances the natural beauty of the site and strengthens the core messages of the brand.
• Manage infrastructure/equipment/building maintenance including compost area, post-harvest center, greenhouse, hoop house, farm and trail signage, guest gathering spaces, internal road maintenance, trail maintenance, farm vehicles, storage areas and irrigation. Source outside contractors when necessary for basic maintenance tasks.
• Track data (crop yields, harvest totals, labor hours, machine hours, crop locations and rotations, disease and pest incidents, applied treatments, moon cycles, etc.) and oversee goal-setting and evaluations of overall farm health, performance, yield and productivity.
• Engage in weekly meetings with ownership and management

Candidates should have +5 years of organic farming experience at a directorial level, or should demonstrate skills and abilities far beyond their years. It is helpful if candidates have experience in all necessary areas, although this is not mandatory (restaurant quality fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, flowers, medicinals, goats, sheep, chicken, compost, green house, hoop house, no-till, alternative soil amendments).

Candidates must be proficient in MS Office, especially excel, as administration, reporting and budgeting is a required part of this role.  

Experience with biodynamic farming and/or permaculture is a plus.  

Candidates should have superb communication and leadership skills, maintain unwavering personal integrity, should be extremely self-motivated, thrive in team environments, and maintain an infectious work ethic on the farm.

Candidates should be comfortable giving direction in Spanish.

Candidates should have a natural passion and gift for teaching, and should be open to interacting with people from all over the world. It is critical that the candidate is a “people person” to meet the demands of the guest experience.  

Compensation

• $50,000-$85,000 annual salary commensurate with candidate’s experience and mastery of required skill sets
• Discretionary bonuses based on milestones and candidate's performance
• 2 weeks paid vacation time (increases to 3 weeks after 2 years employment)
• Full benefit packages available beginning in 2017 as soon as BH opens
• Participation in management bonus pool beginning in 2017 as soon as BH opens
• Fresh produce from the farm
• Potential to develop onsite housing for long standing Farm Director

Thank you for your interest in joining the team. Compensation this position is How to apply DeadlineApril 30, 2015