Farm Lead Job in Washington State

Posted on November 6, 2021 by Taylor in Employment, Farmer, Farming // 0 Comments

Farm Lead Job at the Trellis Center in Ellensburg, Washington – 2022

FARM LEAD JOB DESCRIPTION

The Trellis Center operates a small non-profit vegetable, herb, and flower production farm, dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Our ideal candidate is dedicated to the importance of environmental stewardship and is energized by building relationships with people of all abilities.

The Farm Lead manages all aspects of our growing operation at several purposely constructed areas.

These multiple areas include:

Hydroponic Building – Climate-controlled hydroponic room with automated LED grow lights,
processing room, refrigerated cooler room for harvested plants.
Herb Building – 340 sq. ft. of growing shelves utilizing automatic capillary mat irrigation system with LED grow lights
Greenhouses -1,800 sq. ft. Fully automated, climate-controlled greenhouses with automated LED grow lights, processing area
Outdoor garden area- 48 raised garden beds and a small cultivated/irrigated field for row crops.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing all aspects of growing operation which includes planning start-of-season operations (crop layout, seed selection, marketing strategies, etc), monitoring crop development and needs
Creates an environment of accountability, respect, and teamwork in the workplace
Work with the Program Manager in planning the delivery of tasks involved in the growing areas following the mission and goals of the organization
Collaborate with staff on tasks, obtains needed materials, and instruct planting/tending/proper harvest
Orient new staff to growing areas upon hire
Assess and acquire all materials necessary for growing in specific areas
Operate farm within budget
Create and manage sales of all produce, herbs, and flowers at the on-site farm store and in the community
Perform or oversee harvest and processing of produce
Maintain clean and orderly growing areas and all processing areas
Set up, monitor, and maintain irrigation delivery systems at all areas
Winterize all outdoor growing areas at the end of the season

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational background in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science or relevant experience in the above fields
Practical experience working in vegetable production
Organized with the ability to prioritize daily farm tasks for a smooth operation of programs
Resourcefulness and handiwork skills to maintain smooth operation of infrastructure and equipment
Strong problem-solving skills
Knowledge of plant biology and growing science
Knowledge of produce, seasonality, and processing technique
Knowledge or strong interest in the production of herbs/flowers
Strong communication in both verbal and written form
Management skills to teach proper technique (and adaptive technique) to staff and participants
Leadership skills to guide staff and participants to achieve the highest level of success in the growing areas
Knowledge of hydroponic and capillary mat growing techniques or willingness to learn
Ability to keep detailed records of farm operations. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel and the ability to do extensive internet research
Strong knowledge of compost and composting techniques
Commitment to organic/sustainable practices