Gardens and Production Manager – Full Time – Long Term – Year Round
Job description: The garden manager is the lead farmer in charge of all things vegetable, herb and cut flower on our farm. This includes labor as well as management. The Gardens and Production Manager reports directly to the farm owner and is in charge of managing a small part time staff and delegating tasks to them as well as organizing weekly volunteers. Experience in organic farming is not necessary but a plus. We are happy to train the right person with the right attitude. The manager will need to have the following qualities: strong work ethic, a desire to learn and grow, positive attitude, desire to self start, desire to try new things and experiment, a positive attitude and an open mind.
What are the hours like: Manager can make own hours as long as no less than 40 hours per week are being fulfilled and markets, restaurant orders and subscription boxes are packed and prepped for. Manager should realize, some weeks schedules will be more than 40 hours, but the manager should keep a healthy work life balance as it’s easy to overwork on a farm. The manager is responsible for tracking hours worked each week and turning them into the spreadsheet. The managers schedule should include Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and occasionally Saturdays and Sundays depending on needs. Thought should be given for time of year and weather, meaning work may start at 6am during the hottest time of the year or perhaps, work will go later later in the evening at times. Manager should be flexible when making their schedule so that needs in the garden are fulfilled at different times of year. Manager should expect weekly check ins to go over each week’s plans and schedules. Communication lines should always remain open. Although the manager is making their own schedule, it still needs to be approved weekly by the farm owner.
Whats the job like: This is a very physical job and the manager is expected to work in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold or rain. Experience working outside is a plus, but a love for the outdoors is a must. The garden manager is the lead laborer for the gardens with assistance from other staff, volunteers and farm owner when needed. Daily tasks include but are not limited to irrigation management, seed starting, planting, seedling care, following seeding schedule, flipping rows, hauling compost and mulch, weeding, pruning, starting new garden spaces, fertilizing, pest and disease control and more. Manager is also in charge of seed ordering, amendment and fertilizer ordering, seed starting supply ordering and ordering any supplies that are necessary for growing or harvesting. The manager is also in charge of communicating with farm owner about large budget item needs and planning any big purchases together. If the manager needs assistance with ordering or other administrative work, they should keep an open line of communication with the farm owner so they are able to help. Manager is in charge of harvesting for weekly markets and subscription boxes. Manager is responsible for tracking total poundage picked during each harvest. Manager is also in charge of washing and packing and properly storing products and prepping for markets. Manager should keep a neat, tidy and “clean for a farm” greenhouse, garden shed and packing shed and walk in fridges. Manager is also expected to be ready to greet guests or shoppers when they arrive, check them into their accommodations or check them out if they are making purchases. Sometimes in emergencies, the manager may be asked to step in for some small livestock assistance, but it is rare.
Compensation Packages: As many people have different needs or desires, we have 3 different compensation packages available for our garden manager to choose from at the time of hiring. This is a position for someone looking for 1 year+ commitment.
Compensation Package 1 – The Farm Life Package:
40-50 hours per week depending on season and garden needs
$600 paid per week as 1099 Contractor
Also included is 30 amp RV Site with water/electric/dump
5 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) every 6 months paid at $100 per day after first 90 days of employment
Ideal candidate is a single work camper or a couple with the second person, potentially looking for part time paid farm work – no dogs permitted
Compensation Package 2 – The Adrenaline Junkie Package:
40-50 hours per week depending on season and garden needs
$500 paid per week as 1099 Contractor
20% commission paid monthly on total sales* of veggies, herbs, flowers at markets, subscription boxes and restaurant sales
Max commission of $2,000 per month on top of base salary
5 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) every 6 months paid at $100 per day after first 90 days of employment
*some months veg/flower/herb sales can be as high as $8,000+ but other months, sales can be as low as $1,500 – it depends on the season and mother nature and what the garden manager puts into the garden – this pay is really for someone who thrives under knowing their full potential and working hard to get there – this is also for someone who understands some months are much better than others and they won’t walk into this position and make $4,000 in their first month. This is for someone ambitious and ready to grow into a position and truly hit their potential.
Compensation Package 3 – The Old School Package
40-50 hours per week depending on season and garden needs
$725 paid per week as a 1099 Contractor
5 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) every 6 months paid at $100 per day after first 90 days of employment