Company description

Apricot Lane Farms is a 234-acre farm in Moorpark, CA and home of The Biggest Little Farm. The farm regeneratively grows more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables, and raises cows, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens and ducks, while working in “harmony” with a dynamic ecosystem.

Job description

Market Garden Manager

Apricot Lane Farms is a 234-acre Organic and Biodynamic farm integrated within a reawakened ecosystem. We are seeking a talented and experienced Market Garden Manager to oversee, manage and execute all needs of our farm’s 2.1-acre Market Garden while striving to maintain the principles of Biodynamic and Organic Farming. The ideal candidate has extensive market gardening experience, can effectively lead a team, and is highly organized and wildly passionate about growing produce with a focus on nutrient density and regenerative farming practices.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

● Manage the day-to-day operations of the Apricot Lane Farms’ 2.1-acre market garden including crop planning, soil and bed preparation, greenhouse management, weed management, integrated pest management and disease monitoring, and irrigation.

● Establish a seasonal crop rotation schedule considering soil health principles as well as needs of farm markets and wholesale.

● Coordinate with Director of Soil and Plant Fertility, Sales team, Packhouse manager, Tours and Events Manager, and Communications Manager for garden planning and ensure goals of the farm are met.

● Maintain detailed record-keeping of garden processes, for both internal data and for the Demeter and CCOF Certification Process. Record keeping will include, but is not limited to, fertilizer application, crop rotation, seed and supply purchases, seed saving / daily log and more.

● Coordinate and execute all aspects of garden harvesting and preparation for produce sale with a high level of communication with Packhorse Manager.

● Supervise Garden Team (full-time and seasonal contractors,) maintaining a positive moral while providing training, feedback and evaluations as needed.

● Work closely with Fertility Team to coordinate compost applications, root dips, nutritional foliar sprays and Biodynamic applications.

● Lead by example – maintaining a clean, safe, and positive work environment for the team.

● Actively participate in Farm Leadership meetings and initiatives.

● Coordinate needs of Tours and Events Team to ensure safe and tidy environment for public tours and events

● Help collaborate and support the farm’s needs outside of core responsibilities (e.g. organization of equipment tools, lending a hand to other departments, etc.)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

● Passion for Regenerative, Organic, and/or Biodynamic farming practices and philosophies

● High level of communication with Director of Soil and Plant Fertility, Packhorse Manager, Sales Manager, and Fertility Team to accomplish farm and garden goals

● Ability to be self-motivated and work independently in a fast-paced outdoor work environment

● Ability to effectively lead a team through coaching, mentoring and motivation

● Ability to effectively interact with all levels of guests, volunteers, management, and staff

● Able/willing and able to walk up hilly and steep terrain daily

● Able/willing to work outside in a variety of extreme weather conditions – rain, cold, heat and wind.

● Be able to perform physical work required for garden maintenance

● Be prepared to work a flexible schedule to meet the changing needs of the business

● Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel (or Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Slides)

QUALIFICATIONS

● 3-5 years of hands-on farm and/or market garden experience in a leadership role

● High School Diploma or equivalent, bachelor’s degree or higher preferred

● Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and one-on-one interactions

● Excellent time management, organizational and administration skills

● Excellent problem-solving skills

● Strong leadership skills

● Attention to detail

SCHEDULE

● Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 3:00pm

● Overtime as needed

BENEFITS

● Excellent Health Benefits Package, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Vacation Leave, Flexible

Spending Account, 401K, 401K Matching, Employee Discount and Paid Holidays

● On Farm accommodations possible depending on availability

COMPENSATION

● Salaried $75-$80k

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline

Attachment

click here to download the attached document.