Fairview Gardens Farm is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Farm Manager. The farm manager will possess significant experience with and knowledge of organic vegetable production, a demonstrated aptitude in managing a team of farmers and engaging with volunteers. A successful candidate will have a passionate, healthy, self-motivated work ethic. 

This position requires robust and practical knowledge of agricultural skills and farm management specifically with annual vegetable and fruit tree production. Experience with livestock integration preferred. The farm manager has the primary responsibility for the planning, coordination, and implementation of all farm activities in a manner that supports the organization’s mission. Option to live onsite in a yurt accommodation is available with shower/restroom and full kitchen for use. 

The farm is currently in a transitional phase and in need of long term planning to create a viable and sustainable future of agriculture production. The incoming farm manager should be interested in assisting to develop plans to this end with an emphasis on rebuilding soil health and imposing production measures viable for the size and scope of the farm. 

The farm manager is accountable to the executive director and is responsible for sound agricultural and business management of the farm operation. 

Primary Job Responsibilities
Oversee and manage: All annual and perennial produce production including seasonal crop rotations, fruit trees and livestock. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Managing a team of three or more staff as well as any farm contractors. Training new farm staff and developing community educational opportunities for volunteers. 
• Creating a daily work schedule for the farm team. Overseeing and participating in daily farm work. 
• Maintaining the farm, including tools and machinery, irrigation, livestock and keeping fields and surrounding areas clean.
• Pest management and control.
• Creating and managing a watering schedule for a greenhouse, hoop houses, and production fields.
• Developing extensive annual crop plans, as well as weekly cultivation, harvesting, and distribution plans. Ordering seeds and planning and implementation of weekly planting schedule. Keeping crop records.
• Managing harvest schedule and communicating availability with sales outlets.
• Continuing and building soil-health program and refining our no-till system.
• Communication with executive director on plans, needs, and support of overall goals for the organization.
• Work with the executive director to create an annual farming budget, for which the farm manager will primarily be responsible.
• Work with the program manager to support the volunteer program. Provide regular lists of farm tasks that match with volunteer/educational goals.

• A minimum of five years of organic farm and greenhouse management experience or 7 years combined farm work and management experience with an emphasis on organic practices with desire to build a no-till sustainable farm system. Livestock experience a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, including a proven track record of working in a cooperative team environment that requires a high level of planning, and organization.
• Ability to work well with a variety of community members. In addition, the experience and desire to work with and teach new farm crew members and volunteers.
• Experience with operating, maintaining, and repairing machinery and power equipment. Experience with BCS walk behind tractors preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles of soil biology, no-till crop production, using cover crops, soil testing, and/or other ecological/organic growing methods.
• Understanding of the Organic Certification process.
• Knowledge of livestock integration with emphasis on chickens.
• A detail-oriented approach, with considerable attention to order, cleanliness, and an ongoing commitment to improving systems and practices.
• Creating a daily work schedule for the farm team. Overseeing and participating in daily farm work.
• Maintaining the farm, including tools and machinery, irrigation, livestock and keeping fields and surrounding areas clean.
• • A calm, grounded presence.
  • Deep humility and a good sense of humor. 
  • Flexible, adaptive and efficient.
  • A valid driver’s license
  • Ability to legally work in the USA
  • Ability to use a large tractor and BCS
  • Ability to regularly lift a minimum of 50 pounds
  • Cell phone communication
  • Reliable transportation
  • Satisfactory background and reference checks

Time Requirements

This is a full-time job, year round. A typical work week is approximately 45-55 hours/week (estimates only.) 

Salary and Benefits

• This position will provide a salary based on the candidate’s experience but ranges from $45,000 - $55,000 annually. Typically, an annual evaluation will be conducted, at which time compensation levels are reviewed.
• Onsite living accommodations available.
• Healthcare benefits.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Personal and professional development opportunities in consultation with the executive director.
• The opportunity to work, learn, inspire, and be inspired alongside dedicated staff on a beautiful organic farm in a unique community just minutes from the mountains and beach!