Vegetable Farm Manager / Director

Vegetable Farm Manager / Director (6293)

Location: Ghent, New York

Job Number: 6293

We are searching for a farmer to develop a four acre vegetable farm on two hundred sixty acres of private land in Ghent, New York. A truly unique and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to make a significant impact on the agricultural community in the Hudson Valley, and the restaurant industry in New York City.

This will be a chef/restaurant driven farm which will supply two restaurants in New York City opening late summer 2019.

The plan for the farm is to operate all four seasons and produce the majority of produce being served at the restaurants. The farmer will be working very closely with the chef to achieve set goals and expectations. We would like to find someone that can start as soon as possible with plans to farm this spring and summer.

The candidate we are looking for will have experience managing a farm of similar size/volume. This position will require hiring the rest of the farm staff, so experience managing others will be required. We are looking for someone that can bring ideas and enthusiasm to grow the farm and the property. There is tremendous room here for opportunity and potential. We are seeking the right candidate that can build a team, and work towards a collaborative vision.

Salary: Negotiable - potential housing on site

Responsibilities:
- Supervise, plan, schedule, and participate in all aspects of our produce operation: seeding; greenhouse management; cultivation and field prep; transplanting; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing, and marketing crops
- Develop crop production plans for greenhouse, high tunnel, and field
- Create field crew schedules; monitor and be accountable for the progress of all field work
- Train and work alongside the farm crew as needed to ensure timely completion of daily tasks
- Manage all aspects of farm record-keeping, including harvest records, sales, and farm expenses
- Order materials and supplies; maintain inventory and keep records of same
- Use mechanized farm equipment; recommend new implements and/or methods to increase productivity and quality of produce
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment

Qualifications:
- A minimum of 3 years of experience farming for commercial markets on 4 acres or more
- Farm management experience or 2-4 years of supervisory farm work
- Experience planning and managing work schedules; experience training staff
- Demonstrated knowledge of organic farming practices including crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, IPM, and soil fertility management
- Ability to safely operate tractors and other farm equipment
- Comfortable working with databases or farm-planning software, POS retail/inventory management software, and email marketing apps
- Ability to lead and work under pressure in a fast paced environment
- Comfortably able to lift 50 lbs
- Valid drivers license

Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in season extension practices
- Livestock experience desired but not required
- Demonstrated ability to stay informed of current research and/or new methods in sustainable agriculture
- An interest in the NYC and global restaurant scene.