Farm Manager Job on Martha’s Vineyard

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Taylor in Employment, Farming, Management // 0 Comments

Farm Manager Job on Martha’s Vineyard Available at Beetlebung Farm – Starts ASAP

This position has been filled. Please check back again next year or find other farm jobs at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/employment/

Beetlebung Farm is a six-acre regenerative farm in the heart of Chilmark, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Our market garden is approximately one acre and grows diverse vegetables, herbs, and perennial fruit which we sell at our on-site farm stand, the West Tisbury farmer’s market and to local restaurants. We are deeply committed to using no/low-till growing practices, improving the health of our soil and producing delicious, nutrient-dense vegetables. After a successful first season, we are looking to refine and expand our growing plan to meet seasonal and year-round community demand while continuing to build our soil and enhance the farm’s biodiversity.

As the new stewards of this cherished, iconic farm, our Farm Group has been working hard since December 2018 to build out the infrastructure to support increased food production and season extension. While our farm’s top priority is the responsible cultivation of the highest quality, healthful food, we are also dedicated to education, creativity, and innovation – being transparent in sharing best practices and challenges with fellow growers and engaging the community in experiencing and celebrating the value of regenerative farming. Flanked on either side by “downtown” Chilmark, our fields and daily operations are front and center for all who drive by and we aim to inspire and welcome engagement from the community.

In addition to operating a productive working farm, we imagine developing a nonprofit center for education, food and craft that will expand the impact of our farm. This center will look to the natural world as a guide, supporting and promoting regenerative practices which reinforce ecological health, a nutritious plant forward diet, individual health and well-being.

We are a young organization with much yet to learn, design, and implement. We are committed and eager and we value collaboration, experimentation, innovation, creative thinking and curiosity.

Farm Manager Job on Martha’s Vineyard – Job Description

Beetlebung Farm is looking for an experienced Farm Manager with the passion, motivation, and energy to drive and oversee the operations and expansion of the farm. The Farm Manager is joining at a critical time and will have the opportunity to improve our crop quality and production capabilities by integrating three new greenhouses being built this fall to expand the one acre of mixed vegetables, berries and herbs currently grown. Beyond our strict adherence to no/ low-till, regenerative growing practices, we engage in seed saving and employ a small vermiculture system. The farm also includes three hives, a small historic orchard and vernal pond.

In addition to being responsible for the farm’s crop production, the Farm Manager will hire and supervise the farm’s seasonal crew, administer the farm’s annual operating budget, represent the farm to visitors and manage the farm’s various sales channels.

Reporting to the Beetlebung Farm Group, the Farm Manager is an integral and valued member of the team. We are looking for an exceptional candidate who will bring a knowledge of regenerative market-gardening techniques, energy and a strong desire to work collaboratively to drive our shared goals and build on the successes of our first year.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of the farm’s vegetable production, including greenhouse management, propagation, fertility management, cultivation, harvesting and seed saving
Manage the farm’s sales channels, including wholesale accounts, a local farmers market and an on-site farm stand
Hire, with input from the Farm Advisor, and manage the farm’s seasonal staff
Work collaboratively with the Farm Advisor to develop a crop plan to meet the Farm Group’s production and sales strategy
Expand our vermiculture operation, design and implement a compost system, incorporate edible hedgerows, revitalize the fruit orchard, and develop a plan to incorporate chickens and permanent fencing
Administer the farm’s annual operating budget and generate regular financial reports
Work with the farm’s property manager to maintain infrastructure and equipment, and ensure that all appropriate safety standards are met
Assist with planning and logistics for on-farm educational or community events
Serve as an ambassador of the farm on and off the property

Skills and Experience

3 – 5 years of experience farming on a diverse, vegetable-producing farm with greenhouses; 2 – 3 years of experience in a management role
An active learner with a passion for regenerative farming and soil health
Demonstrated robust experience in market gardening and farm management, with an emphasis on low-till and regenerative growing techniques
A detail-oriented approach with considerable attention to organization, planning, record keeping and an ongoing commitment to improving systems and practices
Experience operating farm machinery, including two-wheel and four-wheel tractors
Experience with organic growing requirements and federal food safety standards
Interest in cooking and value-added products that minimize waste
Excellent communication, collaboration, teaching and leadership skills and the ability to foster a cooperative team environment
Friendly and engaging attitude with an interest in connecting to the community
Knowledge of Google Drive preferred
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Compensation

Competitive annual salary dependent on experience.

Housing

On site-lodging in a private, two-bedroom house.

Other

Continuous learning is encouraged. Reimbursement provided for all approved professional development opportunities including travel.

We’re committed to building a diverse and equitable team. Beetlebung Farm is an equal opportunity employer, and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected group.