Field Manager on small-scale organic farm

Ann Arbor MI

Description

Job Description: The Field Manager is responsible for formulating daily plans to manage the wide variety of tasks associated with the preparation and turnover of the production fields on the farm. The Field Manager is responsible for operating machinery necessary for field work, as well as leading teams of farmers to complete the steps for robust crop production according to the annual production plan. They are responsible for basic maintenance including checking fluids, fueling, and identifying mechanical issues that may arise. Required responsibilities: ~Work with the Production Manager, Flower Manager, Seed manager, Nursery manager, and Harvest Manager to coordinate around timelines and production updates to ensure we are sticking to the production plan as closely as possible. ~Operate various equipment and machinery to meet the field preparation and turnover goals. ~Operate the JD 5075E and JD 4066M for materials handling including loading wood chips and compost into respective spreaders. ~Operate the JD 5075E and JD 4066M for moving tarping supplies around production fields, including moving cinder blocks on pallets while additional crew unload blocks into place. ~Operate the Massey 165 and Kubota L245 for spreading wood chips, compost, and fertilizer. ~Operate the BCS in a variety of field tasks. ~Effectively manage tarping, mowing, hand weeding, manual crop removal, and other tasks associated with bed turnover in order to meet production goals. Additional responsibilities: ~Work closely with the Production Manager to ensure timelines are being communicated and met around field preparation. ~Assist the Production Manager as needed to keep crop production going smoothly ~Work closely with Harvest Manager to adjust bed turnover timing as needed. ~Openly communicate around mechanical issues and needs surrounding equipment being used. ~Assist in tractor operation during hay making as needed. ~Harvest Crew Member: Join the harvest crew to carry out harvest tasks when available and as needed. Required Skills and Abilities: ~Have a broad understanding of how we manage bed preparation and turnover on the farm. ~Have a good attention to detail and be able to follow the crop plan accurately. ~Ability to lead crews of farmers in various field work tasks. ~The ability to multi-task and have a big picture of the day and week’s tasks to ensure that field work stays on schedule while overseeing and being a part of the field work team. ~Ability to operate machinery safely and precisely is the highest priority. Operators must be highly aware of their surroundings and ensure the safety of those working on the ground around machinery. Operators are expected to always operate machinery unimpaired. ~Ability to learn the operation of multiple tractors and machines. Additional Production Manager Position Notes: This is a new position in 2023. The Field Manager will work closely with Nate, Jill, Michelle, and Hannah to develop the position. They will also work closely with the whole team to learn any relevant skills and to have help executing the field plan. Weekly schedule, hours, and compensation: ~This full-time position starts as early as March and runs through mid-December. November and December hours may vary widely depending on labor needs and weather conditions. ~30-45 hours/week based on seasonal needs. ~Team members are required to be available to work full days Monday through Friday. ~Extended day work hours to cover membership distribution, farm events, and weekend market shifts may be requested but not required. Team members who work a weekend market shift will be given the next Monday off from on-farm work. ~Pay starts at $17-$20/hour with the opportunity for raises over the season as crew members develop skills and efficiency, take on responsibility, and show performance excellence. Application process: To learn about the application process and to apply, please visit our website www.greenthingsfarm.com Green Things Farm Collective is a community-centered, organic, and no-till farm located just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. We specialize in the direct sale of produce, flowers, seeds, and beef, to our local eaters through farm memberships and events, online sales, farmers markets, restaurants, and a variety of local grocery and food distribution programs. With respect for age-old traditions, practices, and economics of small-scale farming and land stewardship, we seek to pioneer a new model of regenerative agriculture that reflects the world we live in today and moves us towards a healthier future. We pride ourselves on building an organization that empowers our team members to hone their farming craft over time and contribute to a compassionate farming community that celebrates good work and well-earned bounty.