Company description

Wally Farms is an experimental and innovative agricultural project dedicated to climate crisis mitigation and adaptation through cutting-edge farming technologies and practices.  Spanning one thousand acres, the farm encompasses a variety of smaller operations including a tree nursery, hydroponic container farm, livestock operation, and agroforestry program, in addition to agrotourism and educational initiatives. Wally Farms aims to pioneer models which can be replicated elsewhere — and demonstrate how a farm can be financially sustainable with independent small farm operations succeeding by being part of a larger farm ecosystem. 

Job description

The General Manager is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing all aspects of Wally Farms, from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in farming, with a focus on sustainable and regenerative practices as well as a keen business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:STRATEGIC PLANNING & LEADERSHIP:

• Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan for Wally Farms, focusing on sustainability, financial viability, and innovation.

• Advise individual operations (tree nursery, container farm, livestock operation, agroforestry and agrotourism programs) to ensure alignment with the overall mission and goals.

• Spearhead efforts to make Wally Farms a leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations across all farm units, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.

• Coordinate with each entrepreneur to help set objectives, allocate resources, and monitor performance.

• Manage the shared infrastructure including electric vehicles, high R-value greenhouses, and a solar-powered microgrid.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

• Implement project management practices for all farm initiatives.

• Develop comprehensive project plans and set clear timelines, objectives, and resource allocation.
  Monitor entrepreneurs progress, track performance, and adjust strategies as needed.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Develop and manage budgets, financial reports, and forecasts for Wally Farms and its individual units.

• Explore and implement revenue streams to make Wally Farms financially self-sustaining.

• Oversee grant applications, investment sourcing, and other financial opportunities.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT:

• Recruit, mentor and assess entrepreneurs across various operations.

• Spend time in each part of the farm — out in the fields, forests, greenhouses, containers, cabins, barns, houses, etc. — understanding every operation and advising each entrepreneur/member of the team. 

• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and ethical behavior.

COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

• Develop partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and industry organizations.

• Communicate the vision and achievements of Wally Farms to the public, stakeholders, and media.

• Lead workshops, seminars, and other outreach activities to promote sustainable farming practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Business Management, or related fields. Advanced degrees are a plus.

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in farming, agribusiness, or agricultural technology.

• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and grant applications.

• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in team management.

• An entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for innovation and sustainability.

COMPENSATION:

Salary range: $100,000-$130,000 plus benefits. On-farm housing available. 
 

Compensation

this position is: salaried, more than $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline