Vegetable Production Manager Fishkill Farms
- Date Posted December 13, 2022
- Location Hopewell Jct, NY
- Category Agriculture / Production
- Job type Full-Time
The Vegetable Manager oversees all aspects of the production of 100+ varieties of vegetables produced for our multiple outlets, through four seasons of the year. Working closely with the Orchard Manager, Farm Manager and production crews, the Vegetable Manager is responsible for the successful crop planning, planting, pest management, harvest, storage and packing of all of the farm’s annual crops.
This hands-on position requires work-week planning, daily task delegation, frequent interaction and monitoring of work crews in addition to equipment operation for field preparation, spraying, fertilizing and irrigation. Besides work planning, administrative tasks include production and harvest record-keeping on paper and digitally. Good communication and workforce management skills are required.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
- Oversee all daily and seasonal production tasks for vegetables on the farm: crop planning, planting, primary tillage, cultivating, irrigation, mowing, spraying, harvest, and wash and pack etc.
- Supervising and hands-on management and support of crews numbering 3-12 including training and scheduling.
- Coordinate field preparation with the Orchard Manager.
- Crew leadership: provides feedback to crew through regular 1:1 meetings and annual reviews.
- Coordinates with the CSA Manager and Coordinator to plan harvest and packing of vegetables to fill orders for our CSA, Farm Store and multiple markets.
- Precision management of vegetable crops; knowledge of all pests and diseases of major concern, crop nutrient requirements, and organic pest management strategies.
- Responsible for safe and legal application of crop protectants used on the farm, following label guidelines for chemical compatibility, pre-harvest intervals, re-entry intervals.
- Maintain detailed production records: planting, nutrient management, irrigation, harvest records, crop protectant, packing and distribution records.
- Coordinates with Facilities Manager, CSA Manager and Farm Manager to ensure the team is equipped with appropriate tools and supplies in advance of jobs; reduces farm expenses by ensuring tools are properly used and maintained.
- Works with management to ensure the cleanliness, organization and safety of all production areas including barn, workshop, chemical storage, and production fields.
Proficiencies and Qualifications
- Expertise in organic vegetable production at scale, with 5 years of relevant experience.
- Proficiency with agricultural equipment including tractors and implements.
- High level of organization; excellent communication skills. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with management and staff.
- Proficiency with Google Docs and other planning and recordkeeping software.
- Driver’s license with a reputable driving record.
- Holiday Pay
- 5 days PTO after 1 year
- Employer sponsored 401k plan (4% match) after 1 year
- Education and training for necessary licensure and job related courses.
- All farm-grown produce is available for personal/ family consumption at no cost, with the understanding that items from short crops are limited and those that require significant harvest cost, should be personally harvested.
- Farm store discounts