Job: Farm Manager – Blenheim Hill Farm, New York

Blenheim Hill Farm is seeking a Farm Manager to take charge of the overall planning, implementation, organization, and management of its farming activities. The individual must be “hands-on” and proficient in critical tasks involved with setting up a new farm -- clearing land, building infrastructure such as greenhouses, sheds and fences, as well as livestock and produce production. In addition to being hands-on, the individual needs to be skilled in strategic planning (both short-term and long-term), staffing, and financial management as described below.

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Specific Roles and Responsibilities

Farm Planning / Development

Participate in the overall short-term and long-term planning and development of Blenheim Hill Farm operations.

Implement seasonal strategies for a highly diversified farm operation including: crop rotation, integrated pest management, soil amendment, cover cropping, tillage, propagation, transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, livestock management, etc.

Set goals and milestones, both short term and long-term, and develop systems to monitor progress.

Ensure that all farm practices comply with federal, state, and local government regulations (including the management of employees, activities, etc)

Ensure that all practices protect the agricultural environment along with the farm’s natural resources and biodiversity.

Establish, monitor, meet and exceed product quality control standards established for the farm (e.g. Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Organic Handling Plan, and/or other standards).

 

Budgeting / Financial Management

Develop an annual farming budget linked to the Blenheim Hill Farm management plan and in consultation with the Project Director.

Maintain spending within the approved budget.

Monitor farm progress against annual budget and provide monthly progress reports of revenues and expenses.

 

Farm Facilities / Equipment Management

Provide day-to-day management of all farm facilities and equipment, including maintenance, repair, and replacement schedules (equipment needs to be maintained at the level required to accomplish our goals).

Procure necessary equipment, tools, and supplies for on-farm operations within approved budget.

Oversee independent contractors in the repair and maintenance of overall farm infrastructure and in the construction of new grounds and facilities.

Work with Project Director and accountant to assure that all labor regulations and payroll requirements are met.

Apply and maintain all health and safety standards required by law and the farm safety plan.

 

Recordkeeping / Reporting / Communications

Monitor and document all land use, irrigation, and produce yield/loses and report to Project Director.

Maintain production records, and create and maintain records for crops, soil amendments, and field history as required for organic certification and for quality standards.

Work with CSA manager to ensure all delivery scheduling is kept current, consistent, and in compliance with Blenheim Hill Farm’s goals.

Serve as principle farm representative; interact with general public, subscribers, media, and project director and investors.

Constantly communicate with Project Director, CSA Manager, and staff.

 

Qualifications:

Post-secondary degree (Associate’s; Bachelor’s preferred) in an appropriate discipline (e.g. agricultural science, plant science, animal science, horticulture, botany, agronomy, plant pathology, organic farming, greenhouse mgmt, etc.), AND a minimum of five years demonstrated experience managing a profitable, sustainable, diversified farm operation; OR ten years experience managing a profitable, sustainable, diversified farm with a wide variety of agricultural operations reflecting a longstanding commitment to ecological sustainability, experience in expanding farm operations, planning and executing multiple projects on diversified farms, and managing the varied seasonal demands of farming. Demonstrated supervisory experience of staff, volunteers, and interns and successful experience in recruiting, hiring, and motivating workers. Demonstrated experience in budgeting and financial management. Demonstrated experience in operating and maintaining and variety of farm equipment appropriate for vegetable and livestock production. Effective written, verbal, and electronic communication skills Competence in using computer technology as a management tool (e.g. Excel, Word, Power Point, Access Internet, etc.). Strong leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences and collaborators. Valid NYS State driver’s license or equivalent. Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm. Current New York State Private Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their resume and cover letter to Mona Meng at mona@smorgas.com by April 15, 2011.