Organization: Sustainable Connections
Title: Perennial Production Manager
Location: Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson, WA
Work Environment: Fast-paced working farm and retail nursery amidst educational programming
Term: 100% full-time, introductory employee (90 day period before becoming regular employee), non-exempt
Reports to: Farm Director
Application Deadline: Application review begins 11/1/2019, position open until filled
Summary
Join our great team at Cloud Mountain Farm Center, a working farm since 1978, nestled against the beautiful Cascade foothills in rural Whatcom County. We grow a wide variety of vegetables, tree fruits as well as some berries and wine and table grapes. In 2011 we became a nonprofit with a mission to build experience, knowledge and community, in order to expand dynamic local food systems. We are dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities to new and experienced farmers as well as home gardeners, as Cloud Mountain Farm Center is an integral part of the Food & Farming program at Sustainable Connections.
The perennial production manager position will oversee food production activities related to perennial cropping systems – orchard and vineyard. This is a farmer educator responsible for leading the intern work crews (paid staff) during the 8-month internship, and community workshop offerings. Responsible for generating and adhering to budgets for perennial production activities. Equipment, infrastructure, and the general environment is operated under a shared agreement with other enterprises and farmers.
Primary Responsibilities:
Education
• Serve as an experienced and compassionate leader and mentor for interns, engaging them in discussion of the work at hand and agricultural issues in general
o Develop and deliver workshops related to perennial systems for intern education days
o Provide educational direction for field based activities on work days
• Provide mentorship for Production Assistant positions focused on perennial work
• Provide support when needed with vegetable production systems
• Engage with Production Team (inclusive of Annuals Manager, Production Assistants, and Post-harvest Coordinator) in weekly meetings, weekly work plans, and overall support of constructive problem solving
Field work
• Manage and participate in all aspects of fruit and wine grape production based on the demands of the season and as part of the food production team: Pruning, trellis maintenance/construction, orchard/vineyard floor management, planting/removal of crops, fertility, irrigation, and harvest/packing
• Utilize tractors, heavy equipment and implements during day to day work
• Lead intern work crews in the field - be a source of knowledge, information and experience within the day’s work activities. Make sure intern tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
• Adhere to safety standards and demonstrate/enforce with work crews
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Develop, manage and implement IPM programs for all tree fruit, vineyard and nursery crops
• Maintain protocols and spray records for all IPM plans/pesticide applications
• Hold a valid Washington State Private Applicators License
• Collaborate with nursery team on IPM strategy for nursery stock
Budget & Certifications
• Develop and manage revenue and expenses related to perennial budget
• Coordinate with Sales/Marketing Coordinator to project crop quantities at the beginning of the year and then weekly fresh sheet projections as crops are harvested
• Maintain certifications related to perennial systems: organic, GAP, transitional organic
Skills & Qualifications
The ideal candidate we are looking for, will be able to meet these shared expectations of all employees:
• Set the standard in respective responsibilities in the workplace
• Show leadership and a professional commitment to the Center’s goals of community, education and sustainability in daily activities
• Demonstrate professionalism, positive attitude and respect for others in all work & communication
• Participate in Center events as needed
Email a cover letter, resume with three professional references to maryt@sustainableconnections.org.