Job Description
OVERVIEW
We are seeking a long-term Farm Manager to help expand the farm’s capacity, deepen its impact, and steward the land with care. The Farm Manager will oversee all day-to-day farm operations, including crop planning, field production, harvest management, staff supervision, and post-harvest handling. This is a resident position, with housing provided.
The ideal candidate has experience with the organic certification process for small farms, is skilled in managing interns, and motivated to grow the farm’s productivity and community presence.
This is a unique opportunity to manage an established farm while being employed by Town & County Markets.
WHO WE ARE
T&C is a family-owned company that builds authentic relationships one interaction at a time through consistent commitment to heartfelt service, relating to people as people (not numbers) and by selling the freshest, highest-quality products available. We have a deep passion for food and people and are always looking for service-minded individuals of all backgrounds to join our community.
WHO YOU ARE
You are genuine and authentic in your interactions both with your customers and co-workers. You thrive in a team environment, take your responsibilities seriously, and always consider the customer in your decisions. You see richness and strength in a diverse workforce and treat others with respect to create a place of belonging for all. You care about your community and the environment. Pursuing knowledge in order to add value and grow is your idea of fun. Oh, and you love food!
WHAT WE OFFER (IN ADDITION TO BEING A FUN PLACE TO WORK)
We have a highly competitive benefits package ($9-$23 weekly medical premiums), vacation/sick time, paid holidays, premium pay rates, an Employee Assistance Program, a discount on virtually everything in our markets, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing and a pension, scholarship program and an employee referral bonus program. Whoa! That’s a lot of great stuff!
THE SMALL PRINT WE WANT YOU TO BE AWARE OF
T&C is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, caste, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other applicable characteristic protected by law. We invite women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.
If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can thrive in this role, we’d love to learn more about you. Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
A TYPICAL DAY WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING . . .
Farm Operations & Production
- Manage and oversee all farming operations and activities
- Plan and execute crop planning & rotations through harvest ensuring high-quality harvests that meet market standards
- Monitor health and growth of crops, implementing pest control and crop management practices such as fertilization and irrigation as needed
- Coordinate daily operations and manage schedules effectively
- Maintain organic certification status and sustainable farming best practices
- Manage soil health using organic and regenerative practices to maintain long-term productivity
- Oversee post-harvest handling, washing, packing, and quality control
- Maintain farming equipment and irrigation system
- Practice and maintain all food safety, worker safety, and environmental regulations and standards
Business Coordination & Budgeting
- Work in collaboration with Town & Country Market’s Director of Operations and Director of Produce/Floral to plan crop types, production volumes, and delivery schedules
- Analyze market trends to make informed decision on crop selection
- Develop and implement farming plans based on determination with T&C to optimize productivity and sustainability
- Manage relationships with suppliers effectively
- Maintain accurate records and reporting requirements
- Submit annual documentation to maintain Organic Certification through WSDA
- Create and manage annual budget, track expenses, and ensure profitability by making informed financial decisions
- Stay up to date and comply with all local ordinances
Farm Stand & Property Management
- Manage retail farm stand operations
- Keep the farmhouse and associated property in good condition
- Support the development of new farm programming or expansion opportunities
Leadership and training
- Train, supervise, and support farm interns (collaborate with Butler Greens Farm School)
- Promote teamwork to maintain a productive work environment that promotes communication and respect
- Ensure interns understand tasks and expectations
- Provide and role model an attitude of hospitality
- Ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently
- Operate within the Company’s Core Values, Company Brand, and Business Principles
- Ensures the dissemination of and adherence to all company and department policies
THIS JOB MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF . . .
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in diversified vegetable production
- 5 years' experience managing a farm or leading farm operations
- Proficiency in organic and sustainable farming methods including soil health; and pest, disease, and weed management
- Familiar with modern farming technology and best practices
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems under pressure, especially during critical farming seasons
- Ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and market demands
- Experience maintaining an organic certification preferred
- Knowledge of Pacific Northwest growing conditions
- Ability to operate and maintain small-farm equipment
- Basic computer skills including MS Office
- Strong team leader with a positive, collaborative approach and strong work ethic
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Detail oriented and strong organizational skills
- Ability to take direction and carry out tasks and assignments
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships and trust with a diverse group of staff, guests, and vendors
- Flexibility to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed with occasional evenings or weekends as required
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
- Possess full body mobility (bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching) with excellent manual dexterity
- Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
- Exemplify health department standards
- 18 years or older