Job Description
Kretschmann Farm is seeking a Farm Manager with
minimum of 3 years’ experience on mid-sized organic vegetable and fruit
farm. Unique opportunity; unique timing.
About the Farm:
We are in process of a generational transfer of one of the original and
leading certified organic farms in the East. It’s a mature and stable
business; profitable, and diverse on 80 acres. For 40 years we have
been pioneers not only in organic vegetable production but also a small
disease resistant apple orchard. Our large CSA in 1993 pioneered the
neighborhood delivery so common now. See more about us at www.kretschmannfarm.com
This could be called a “latchkey operation” in a “growth industry,” but
every farm is unique with a myriad of moving parts. We have an existing
well developed farm and market; there are lots of directions the future
could take. Our next generation family member plans on maintaining
farm, but has interests in the arts as well and would cooperatively
manage as well as cooperatively develop an updated vision for the farm.
Diversity is our strong suit–veggies/fruit, country/city, Anglo/Hispanic, and
mature/innovative. We have seasons, year round rainfall, nearby ski
resorts, and the great cultural venues of Pittsburgh.
Overview:
This is a managerial position, but with our small crew there will be
multiple hats to wear including field work. This is especially true
while learning the scope and detail of existing practices.
Living:
Possibility of housing 10 minutes away in a traditional walkable small
town—Zelienople; two blocks to elementary school in excellent school
district. Farm is 20 minutes from very affordable-to-buy housing in
older industrial Ohio River Valley. We’re rural, but uniquely located
well within an hour of Pittsburgh, PA, with great cultural venues,
higher educational institutions, museums, medical care, burgeoning
dining/food scene, technology, and major sports teams. Fresh food is
provided in-season.
Start: Ideally, February 2018.
Could start immediately. Fall would be a great time to see the full
scope of farm planning. Interviews will continue until the ideal
candidate has been identified. The Farm Operations Manager position is a
unique opportunity for an individual with a calling to mid-scale
organic produce production.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
Day to Day Oversight/Maintenance
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Pulling together all the threads so farm functions smoothly
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Checking on proper functioning of facilities eg. power, water, machinery, greenhouse…
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Off hours: minor emergency maintenance
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Monitor weather for planning/action
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Awareness of unexpected events and respond
Soil Building/Maintenance
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Soil testing
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Fertility program
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Cover & soil improvement crops
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Plan & procure amendments
Crop Planning
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Variety selection
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Planting schedule
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Quantities and timing
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Ordering supplies
Packing House Supervision
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Washing
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Post-harvest handling
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Inventory management
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Sanitation
Produce/CSA Delivery
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Insure CSA’s and other products depart the farm expeditiously and arrive at destination in good condition
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Conduct truck and equipment maintenance and repair
Cooperatively Manage with Field Manager
Crop Production
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Field prep: tillage, fitting
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Field planting: seeding, transplanting; manage and implement planting schedules
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Weed and disease management
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Harvest
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Maintain field records
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Greenhouse and high tunnel production
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Orchard maintenance and pruning
Skills & Experience
Qualifications & Experience:
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Good driving record
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Supervisory experience
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Experience operating farm equipment: tractors, plow, tiller, mulch layer, sprayer, cultivators, planters, mower.
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Excellent understanding of an organic farm operation including certification
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Commitment to organic, natural, sustainable, and organic principles
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Passion for this world
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Minimum 3 years similar experience
Capabilities:
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Good written and communication skills
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Proven ability to manage and develop employees
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Physically fit with high endurance; high energy and enthusiasm
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Ability to work long hours under extreme pressure and conditions
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Ability to manage multiple tasks at once
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Ability to adapt to changing situations
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Proven organizational skills
Application Details
Salaried full time position. Compensation commensurate with experience and responsibility. For the right candidate this has the potential for much more than just a JOB; The right person can earn equity in the operation, have a significant say in its direction and can truly be part of the next generation of this organic farm.
Please apply here:
https://kretschmannfarm.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0fd1k
