Company description

Project GROWS is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grow a healthy community by connecting all people to nutritious foods. We envision a world with an equitable food system where everyone has the access and knowledge to choose, grow, and enjoy foods that support a healthy life.

Established in 2012 as a community collaborative focused on preventative health and wellness, Project GROWS continues to expand its reach in our region, responding to local needs with practical, innovative, community-based solutions for health and well-being.

With a 10-acre farm outside of beautiful Staunton, Virginia as our base, we utilize three key strategies in creating a healthy community:

• Running thriving local food markets with a focus on access and affordability
• Providing extensive farm and nutrition-based education programs for youth and adults on our farm, in schools, and throughout the community
• Actively increasing local food system development through partnerships and resource-sharing with local farmers and community partners.

In all of these arenas, we act as both resource and advocate to help our community strengthen its collective ability to improve health.

At Project GROWS, we pride ourselves on cultivating a friendly, thriving work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported in their personal and professional growth.

Job description

Overview
The Farm Manager will bring strong experience in ecological, year-round vegetable production, along with the leadership skills needed to effectively supervise, train, and motivate staff and volunteers on our 10-acre farm (1-acre in crop production). This role requires someone who is passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, has excellent skills in managing people, and can collaborate to foster a growth-minded work environment. A self-motivated work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build and maintain community relationships are essential. As a core member of the Project GROWS team, the Farm Manager will contribute to broader organizational planning and evaluation and will model teamwork, accountability, and creative problem-solving in support of our mission to advance food education and food access.

Essential Functions
● Oversee Farm Production and Infrastructure: Lead all crop production efforts, including open fields, high tunnels, and greenhouse spaces. Develop and implement systems for managing plantings, rotations, pest and nutrient controls, irrigation, and overall farm maintenance. Create and manage weekly task lists to guide daily operations. Set and monitor annual goals and budget. Maintain safe, organized, and accessible growing spaces. Ensure proper maintenance of equipment, tools, walk-in coolers, and processing areas.
● Manage Distribution Across Outlets: Oversee harvesting, washing, packing, and storage of crops with a focus on food safety and quality. Manage mobile market supply and demand in collaboration with Mobile Market Manager and coordinate other produce sales and donations. Maintain detailed records.
● Manage Farm Staff and Volunteers: Hire, train, schedule, and supervise interns and seasonal staff. Lead small groups in farm tasks with clear instruction, safety protocols, and support. Coordinate weekly farm volunteers, group volunteer events, and seasonal Garden Work Parties. Foster new volunteer relationships and nurture longstanding partnerships.
● Manage Youth Leaders in Agriculture (YLA) Program: Hire, train, and supervise summer YLA workers. Coordinate recruitment efforts with partners. Plan program activities and events, work schedules, and leadership development opportunities.
● Collaborate with Program and Community Partners: Coordinate with education and market teams to align farm activities with programmatic needs. Foster relationships with diverse partners including schools, businesses, farmer networks, and other nonprofits groups.

Core Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Minimum of 2 years* experience in full season vegetable production
● Demonstrated ability to lead teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability
● Working knowledge of sustainable and regenerative ag methods, including soil health best practices, integrated weed and pest management techniques, and permaculture principles.
● Proven ability to work with people of all ages, including youth
● Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects, budgets, and deadlines
● Strong critical thinker and problem solver, able to anticipate challenges and plan ahead
● Skilled in training, motivating, and leading others in a dynamic work environment, including physically demanding and challenging outdoor conditions
● Effective communicator, skilled at tailoring messaging to diverse audiences and learning styles
● Collaborative team player with a strong commitment to the mission and values of Project GROWS
● Proficient in Google Workspace applications supporting collaboration and productivity

Preferred Qualifications
● Experience managing a farm operation of similar size (1 acre of crop production)
● Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating farm-based education programs with youth
● Experience selling and marketing food in farmers market settings
● Experience working in nonprofit organizations

*While some growing experience is required, a willingness to work hard, try new things, and improvise is most important!
We encourage candidates with limited experience to still apply.

Other Requirements
● Because we are located in an area without access to reliable public transportation, we recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply. In addition, a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record is required to fulfill job duties, for insurance purposes
● Because we routinely work with children, a background check is required for final applicants
● References required for final candidates
● Cell phone communication
● CPR / First Aid training (will be paid for by Project GROWS)
● Along with all other members of the Project GROWS team, the Farm Manager may occasionally be required (with advance notice) to work weekend and evening hours

Compensation

This is full time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt position. Pay is $22 per hour. This position is required to work on-site at our farm location with some opportunity for remote work in the off season depending on organizational needs and workflow. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, a share of seasonal farm produce, and working with a passionate, efficient, fun-loving team.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline