Company description

Grow Ohio Valley (GrowOV) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization based in Wheeling, West Virginia, dedicated to building a healthier, more resilient community through local food and agriculture. Our mission is to create a robust, integrated, locally owned food system that improves regional health and economic prosperity. We believe that access to fresh, nutritious food, opportunities for local farmers, and education about sustainable agriculture can transform communities. Through our year-round Public Market, urban farming and Farm Incubator Program, Farm to School initiatives, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and food access programs, we connect local growers with consumers, strengthen small businesses, and make healthy food more accessible to families throughout the Ohio Valley. At Grow Ohio Valley, our work goes beyond growing food. We are creating economic opportunities, supporting healthier lifestyles, educating the next generation, and investing in the long-term vitality of our region.

Job description

Director of Agriculture

Location: Wheeling, West Virginia

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Farm Site Manager and agricultural AmeriCorps members

Position Summary

The Director of Agriculture serves as Grow Ohio Valley's senior agricultural leader, providing the expertise, operational oversight, and hands-on leadership necessary to strengthen the organization's agricultural programs and develop a highly capable farm team. This position is responsible for the overall management of GrowOV's agricultural operations, including farm production, agricultural infrastructure, farmer incubation, staff supervision, and technical education.

Key Responsibilities

Agricultural Leadership & Farm Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for GrowOV's agricultural operations across all farm sites, high tunnels, and greenhouse facilities.
• Develop and implement comprehensive annual and seasonal production plans, including crop selection, planting schedules, harvest projections, and resource allocation.
• Establish and maintain high standards for agricultural production, farm maintenance, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Provide hands-on expertise in soil management, fertility, irrigation, pest and disease management, crop rotation, and season extension.
• Monitor crop health and production performance, proactively identifying and resolving agricultural challenges.
• Oversee agricultural infrastructure, equipment, and maintenance planning to ensure efficient and productive operations.
• Develop standard operating procedures and best practices for farm operations.
• Establish measurable production goals and evaluate performance against established targets.

Farm Team Leadership, Supervision & Development

• Directly supervise, train, and evaluate the Farm Site Manager and all agricultural AmeriCorps members.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, work schedules, and performance expectations for the agricultural team.
• Provide consistent, hands-on instruction and technical guidance to strengthen staff knowledge, confidence, and agricultural competency.
• Develop structured training plans for team members based on their experience, responsibilities, and professional development needs.
• Lead regular farm team meetings to review production priorities, upcoming activities, operational challenges, and progress toward goals.
• Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Hold team members accountable for established production standards, work quality, safety practices, and operational expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and results-oriented team environment.
• Ensure AmeriCorps assignments, supervision, and training align with applicable service program requirements.

Farmer Incubation & Technical Assistance

• Lead and strengthen GrowOV's agricultural incubation program, supporting beginning farmers in developing the skills and experience necessary to operate successful agricultural businesses.
• Provide individualized, hands-on technical assistance in crop planning, soil health, pest management, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Develop structured educational plans and measurable goals for participating farmers.
• Conduct regular farm visits, field demonstrations, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
• Support farmers in improving production efficiency, crop quality, yields, and sales.
• Assist incubator farmers with production planning, farm business development, and market readiness.
• Guide participating farmers through the transition from incubation to independent farm operations.
• Build relationships with regional growers, agricultural extension professionals, and other technical assistance providers.

Agricultural Production & Market Coordination

• Coordinate agricultural production planning with the Public Market, CSA, Farm to School, FARMacy, and the emerging Wheeling Food Hub.
• Work with program staff to identify production needs, seasonal demand, and opportunities for increased local sourcing.
• Support growers in producing consistent, high-quality products that meet market expectations.
• Improve harvest planning, post-harvest handling, and coordination of agricultural products across sales outlets.
• Identify opportunities to expand year-round production through high tunnels, greenhouse growing, and other season-extension practices.
• Collaborate with the Farm Site Manager and market staff to monitor production volumes, harvest schedules, and product availability.

Agricultural Education & Professional Development

• Develop and implement hands-on agricultural training for farm staff, AmeriCorps members, and participating incubator farmers.
• Provide instruction in sustainable growing practices, crop management, agricultural equipment, and farm operations. Identify skill gaps within the agricultural team and implement targeted training to address them.
• Connect staff and participating farmers with external educational resources, technical assistance, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote continuous learning, sound agricultural decision-making, and operational improvement.

Program Management & Accountability

• Establish annual agricultural goals and performance measures aligned with GrowOV's organizational priorities.
• Monitor agricultural production, farm site performance, staff development, and farmer incubation outcomes.
• Maintain accurate production records, including crop yields, harvest volumes, agricultural inputs, and related expenses.
• Participate in agricultural budget planning and monitor expenditures within approved budgets.
• Evaluate agricultural operations regularly and implement improvements to strengthen efficiency, sustainability, and program effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on agricultural experience, preferably in diversified vegetable production and sustainable farming systems.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing agricultural operations, including crop planning, production schedules, infrastructure, and farm resources.
• Proven experience supervising, training, and developing agricultural staff, including individuals with limited farming experience.
• Strong technical expertise in soil health, crop production, integrated pest management, irrigation, greenhouse production, and season extension.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot agricultural challenges and make sound, timely production decisions.
• Commitment to sustainable agriculture, farmer development, and strengthening regional food systems.
• Ability to travel between agricultural sites.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline