Company description

Lotus Flower Farm in Galien, Michigan is a certified-naturally grown farm dedicated to sustainable approaches to land preservation and food production. Black walnut trees, paw-paw trees and perennial food sources populate the 38-acre farm. Natural springs provide a consistent clean water supply and ample attraction and support for wildlife and birds. We rotate production of a variety of heirloom tomatoes and heirloom vegetables, grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Our essential goal is to create an integrated farm that is self-sustaining and good for the soil.

Founded in 2016, the farm’s intensive production focuses primarily on two 30’ x 144’ hoop houses for our value-added heirloom tomato products business, Tomato Bliss. Beginning in 2019, an additional half-acre fenced market garden and one-to-two acres will be used to grow specialty vegetables, flowers, and legumes for a farm-based catering business and a small number of wholesale clients.

In addition to these primary crops, we are developing a number of other farm projects including perennial flower and vegetable gardens throughout the property, a one-acre fruit forest, and mushroom cultivation – with potential for additional projects.

The farm has a finishing barn with two chillers, an equipment barn, a farm office, and a licensed food processing facility.

Lotus Flower Farm is in SW Michigan’s Harbor Country, close to Lake Michigan beaches, 20 miles from South Bend, and 80 miles from Chicago.

Job description

Lotus Flower Farm seeks a highly collaborative Farm Manager with a passion for regenerative agriculture, a dedication to hard work and experimentation, and a desire to grow with the business. The Farm Manager role is very comprehensive and includes working directly with the farm’s general managers in all aspects of developing and sustaining a thriving farm.

We are interested in a candidate who is guided by the principles of no-waste (organizing farm buildings, tools, equipment and chores in ways that minimize effort and resources) and intensive gardening (replacing harvested vegetables with seed starts so the garden is always in production). For the right candidate, there is the possibility of developing additional projects at the farm guided by their own interests.

Responsibilities

1. Hands-on leadership of organic production of heirloom tomatoes for Tomato Bliss and of specialty vegetables and flowers for catering business and wholesale clients, including

• Schedule seed starts and planting
• Develop weekly harvest schedule and track progress
• Management of two full-time farm laborers and occasional additional laborers
• Production and procurement of compost
• Plan, organize, and maintain farm infrastructure
• Record-keeping/accounting
• Participate in weekly meetings as well as in planning for long-term development of the farm
• Research for flower production expansion
• Continuing education in regenerative principles and best practices

1. Logistics assistance for Tomato Bliss business, including

• Managing harvest and delivery of tomatoes to local co-packing facility
• Assisting with inventory and distribution of Tomato Bliss products, if needed

1. Logistics assistance for catering business, including

• Washing and sorting vegetables as directed
• Occasional support for events and on-site projects, as needed

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum two years experience of agricultural experience, with heirloom tomato, organic vegetables, and flower growing experience preferred
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for sustainable, regenerative agricultural principles
• Farm planning experience and working knowledge of farm infrastructure
• Knowledge of harvesting and storing techniques for a variety of perishable crops
• Self-motivated, cooperative, solid work ethic, and flexible
• Demonstrated ability to work well in team efforts as well as independently
• Proven leadership skills and defined management approach
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with internal and external stakeholders
• Willingness to work long hours in inclement conditions, when needed
• Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs
• Absolutely must be a non-smoker
• Spanish-speaker a bonus

Compensation

Lotus Flower Farm is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive year-round, full-time salary with paid time off based on experience. LFF is interested in retaining the right individual for a long-term commitment as a key stakeholder in the farm’s future.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $30,000.00 - $60,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline