About the position:
Pie Ranch is seeking a full-time, year round Farm Director for 68 acres at the Año Nuevo site (approximately 30 acres row crop production and 30 acres of pasture). Our current integrated crop and livestock production focus is on diverse coastal vegetables, grains and legumes, as well as cattle and poultry with subleases on the pasture land. The Farm Director requires a strong practical knowledge of organic sustainable agriculture and farm management, a broad understanding of community food security and a deep commitment to food justice and social change. The Farm Director holds primary responsibility for the planning, directing, and implementation of all work and farm & production activities at the Pie Ranch at Año Nuevo site. This position directs, and supervises the Harvest Coordinator, farm crew as well as apprentices and interns (when appropriate). We have 11-12 full time crew members on our team, including field and wash station crew, head irrigator, tractor operator, and driver, at the peak of the season. The Farm Director will also work in collaboration with the Sales and Operations Team to further develop, drive and direct all sales efforts and activities of the farm that are in line with the mission of Pie Ranch: to cultivate a healthy and just food system from seed to table through food education, farmer-training and regional partnerships.
Key Job Responsibilities
Farm, Production and Operations Leadership:
- Develop, track, and carry out the crop plan and seed orders.
- Direct, plan, and manage cultivation activities and related tractor work in fields.
- Manage transplant orders with nursery, oversee and manage the planning and implementation of direct seeding and transplanting.
- Manage insect and weed control, soil fertility monitoring, and general field observation
- Manage and oversee irrigation schedule.
- Direct the development, maintenance and improvement of farm infrastructure as needed
- Create and implement new systems to improve overall production and operations
- Maintain Pie Ranch’s Soil Fertility/Carbon Management Plan
- Soils – Take periodic soil samples and plan amendments or other improvements
- Work with soil scientist to take follow up deeper profile soil tests to analyze and compare carbon data between the various crops and pasture test plots of the ranch.
- CCOF – implement and maintain good record-keeping, participate and manage inspection and certification process
- Maintain thorough records of all farm activities, including pesticide application, irrigation, planting, transplant ordering and crop rotations
- With support of the Finance Director, track and monitor production and animal expenses, including harvest supplies, fuel, certifications, animal feed, etc.
- Adhere to CCOF, AJP/Food Justice Certification, GAP/GHP, Animal Welfare Approved certification standards.
- Supervision, Management, and Teaching
- Establish priorities and work plans for farm crew, apprentice, and interns maintaining daily flow of farm work in the field, while providing any necessary feedback and support.
- Mentor Harvest Coordinator and crew in all aspects of growing and harvesting vegetables and herbs organically, including but not limited to: field irrigation, succession planting, pre-irrigation & flaming, bed preparation, planting, fertility, pest and pathogen management, and cultivation techniques.
- Formalize and adhere to disciplinary process.
- Create and follow incentive process to reward high performing team members.
- Identify staffing needs, create new positions, and lead hiring process.
Harvest and Delivery:
- Support Harvest & Delivery teams in planning and managing weekly harvest schedule, post-harvest handling, distribution and delivery to customers.
Sales and Marketing Support:
- Support the Sales and Operations Manager to further develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders in their food service programs.
Social Justice Support:
- Key player on Agricultural Justice Project’s Food Justice Certification.
- Be available to discuss employee well-being with the HR Director and Sales and Operations Manager.
- Coordinate additional professional development opportunities for employees.
- Create and hold respectful, appropriate spaces for employee conflict resolution and team building opportunities.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 10 years of full-season organic agricultural experience
- A minimum of 10 years of full-season organic farm management, including year-long farm planning and weekly schedules, mechanical cultivation,
- Working knowledge of farm infrastructure
- Supervisory experience with farm workers and apprentices.
- A minimum of 5+ years experience in wholesale and/or retail produce sales.
- Experience managing the distribution and sale of farm products through Community Supported Agriculture, farmers’ markets, wholesales and corporate sales.
- Demonstrated supervisory and training skills—able to comfortably provide hands on group and individual instruction to workers and apprentices of diverse ages and background.
- Experience and skill in tractor work and implements as well as maintenance.
- Irrigation and farm machinery/ small engine maintenance and repair experience
- Experience with and interest in livestock management
- Basic carpentry and general building maintenance skills
- Experience and interest in working with diverse populations - different ages and various economic, social and political backgrounds.
- Possess qualities of self-motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation.
- Strong communication skills; ability to work with team and community members respectfully and with patience.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly, wake up early, and do physical labor
- Weekly commitment: 40-60+ hrs/wk. Saturdays: June - November.
- Desire for long-term commitment and growth.
- A strong knowledge of sustainable agriculture and food issues.
- Understanding of and commitment to food sovereignty and food justice.
- Commitment to ending racism, sexism and all other forms of oppression.
- Bilingual in Spanish
Additional Expectations:
- Work takes place in the field and office settings
- Job may require hard and repetitive physical work
- Work can take place during weekends and evenings
- Possess a current valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Compensation and Hours:
This is a full-time position based in Pescadero, CA. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
To apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@pieranch.org with the subject line “Farm Director at Año Nuevo”.
No deadline for submission — position open until filled.
No deadline for submission — position open until filled.
Pie Ranch is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Email:
City:
Pescadero