JOB DESCRIPTION
Spring Creek Food Hub based in Springdale, Arkansas is seeking a motivated and experienced Farm Production Manager to grow produce at the 5-10 acre scale at the newly established NWA Land Trust Berryville Farm.
The Farm Production Manager will implement a production plan developed by Spring Creek Food Hub. The goal is to enable the Food Hub to enter and supply crucial wholesale markets as the grower network evolves and develops capacity each season to meet growing demand in targeted produce categories. The Berryville Farm will be a complement to the current diverse mix of excellent growers in Northwest Arkansas as the Food Hub carefully coordinates production to supply local buyers.
The farm manager will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of production, soil fertility, tractor tillage and planting preparations, propagation, direct seeding, transplanting, irrigation, labor crew management, GAP food safety protocols, harvesting schedules and post-harvest packing in close coordination with the Spring Creek Food Hub.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrated experience managing vegetable production using organic farming principles at the 5 acre scale.
- Interest and commitment to organic farming with a working knowledge of organics as defined by the National Organic Program (NOP).
- Desire to implement a soil building and fertility program in concert with production goals for high quality vegetables.
- Ability to safely operate tractors and use farm implements and specialty equipment such as 3-point mechanical transplanters, tine weeders, toolbar cultivators, etc
- Complete understanding and commitment to FSMA & GAP food safety requirements.
- Excellent organizational & time management skills, communication skills and ability to use computers, spreadsheets and apps to manage the farm.
- Demonstrated proficiency in record-keeping associated with crop production and farm management (tracking production schedules, weekly harvests, labor, costs, orders, etc.)
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a passion for team work and continuous improvement.
- Ability to calculate figures, amounts, portions, percentages, and volume in relation to the application of organic fertilizers, soil amendments and irrigation scheduling.
- Ability to identify insects, plant pests and plant damage.
- Demonstrated reliability, dependability, and flexibility in work habits.
- Ability to do weekend work as needed.
- Preferred 3-year commitment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Repetitive tasks such as bending, crouching, lifting, and reaching.
- Full shifts standing and working on your feet.
- Use of hand tools and mechanized equipment.
- Regularly lifting 50+ lbs.
- Working outdoors in all kinds of weather (heat, sun, rain, cold).
- Continuous reading, writing, and speaking, oriented with reality, positive attitude, ability to recall and remember information, work well with others and work under stress.
COMPENSATION
The expected salary for this position is $55,000-65,000 per year.
In addition, the position will be eligible for the following benefits:
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Life insurance policy
- Paid holidays and paid time off.
Housing is not included and there is no farmhouse on the property. The Farm Production Manager could live on-farm in an RV at a designated hook-up or find housing in the surrounding Berryville area (closer is best).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to info@springcreekfoodhub.org with FARM PRODUCTION MANAGER in the subject line.
Applications will be considered as they are received and until the position is filled.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment practices shall not be influenced or unlawfully affected by virtue of any applicant’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history), as defined by the EEOC.
ABOUT SPRING CREEK FOOD HUB
Spring Creek Food Hub works to increase access to local products through aggregation and distribution to wholesale markets and directly to community members, educates farmers and buyers, and improves economic, environmental, and community health of our region’s food system.
