CARNATION FARMS

Carnation Farms is a nonprofit organization on a mission to transform the way that people want to eat. We celebrate delicious and nutritious food produced in a sustainable manner by providing inspirational and educational experiences that positively affect heath, the environment, and local economies.  We develop the next generation of food citizens and grow new farmers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director of Farm Production

Position Summary:

The Director of Farm Production oversees the diverse agricultural production that is central to Carnation Farm’s mission, operations, and sales. S/he is an energetic and ethics-driven individual who is passionately invested in the mission of Carnation Farms. The Director of Farm Production will be a transformational farming leader responsible for advancing our sustainable production farming practices promoting Environmental Health, Economic Profitability, and Social & Economic Equity.  This is a full time, exempt position. The number of hours worked may change according to the season.

Reports to:  CEO

Direct Report Team:  Production and Livestock Team, Farm Facilities Team

Provides Direction to: Farmers in Training during Production and Livestock rotations

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Transformational Farming Leader

• Leader
  • Play a collaborative role on the Leadership Team of Carnation Farms
  • Partner with the Leadership Team to determine progressive and responsible improvements to our land stewardship and production practices
  • Represent Carnation Farms to the public as the leader of the agricultural production team
• Farmer
  • Advance environmental health at Carnation Farms and the broader watershed
    • Maintain Organic Certification, including oversight of the annual application and inspection cycle
    • Build soil health in all production areas
    • Increase biodiversity and enhance wildlife habitat across the farm
    • Steward natural resources across the farm, including supervision of the team responsible for wastewater treatment and potable water
    • Partner with Director of Sustainable Agriculture Education to fulfill environmental obligations with third parties/agencies
    • Partner with Director of Sustainable Agriculture Education on transition of R&D and Trial crops into production planning and schedule for future seasons
  • Create the economic profitability model for agricultural production at Carnation Farms, responsible for:
    • Planning
    • Process
    • Quality
    • Results
  • Ensure social & economic equity at Carnation Farms and across rural King County through:
    • Equitable working conditions
    • Living wages

Agricultural Production Execution

• Lead agricultural production
  • Design and oversee agricultural production such that Carnation Farms has the quality, variety, and volume of produce and livestock needed to support internal and external demand
  • Ensure farming operations and practices meet health, safety, and environmental standards and regulations, including food safety programs
  • Deliver a compassionate and responsible livestock system throughout production, care, and harvest
  • Keep meticulous records to track effectiveness and adjust plans as necessary
• Direct agricultural production team
  • Hire, organize, direct, and instruct agricultural production team members in activities such as planting, irrigation, harvesting, washing, and packing
  • Practice highly effective communication and people management skills
• Safeguard infrastructure
  • Operate farm equipment and assist with servicing, ensure that all vehicles are well-maintained and safe for employee use
  • Inspect farm buildings and equipment, such as water pipes, hoses, fences, and animal shelters, making sure routine maintenance is carried out and repairs made when necessary
  • Make careful purchasing decisions with regards with farm machinery and supplies

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• 5+ years managing agriculture as a sustainable business, non-profit experience a plus
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in agricultural business, food science, animal or poultry science preferred
• Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including washing, packing, and storage techniques
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people
• Awareness of environmental legislation, policies, and principles relevant to agriculture
• Ability to work collaboratively across the organization and effectively communicate key data to Carnation Farms staff, senior management, Board, and other stakeholders
• Customer-oriented, positive attitude

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid, current driver’s license with clean record
• Pass background check