About the Farm
Blue House Farm grows on fifty acres in two small agricultural valleys near Pescadero, California. We grow a diverse variety of certified organic vegetables, fruits and cut flowers year-round. Now in our twelfth growing year, we supply our farmers' markets and wholesale accounts with the highest quality produce available.
About the Flowers
We grow a large diversity of high end cut flowers outdoors on 4 acres of beautiful land at our Pescadero ranch property. We sell single variety bunches and our bouquets to our dedicated wholesale buyers and year around Farmers Markets in the Bay Area. We also offer floral design services for weddings and other events. Our cut flower program is expanding this year to growing in our new greenhouses at our other ranch which will help extend our season. It is important for us to maintain a great relationship with our clients by providing top quality cut flowers and customer service while also being good stewards of the land.
JOB POSITION – FLOWER MANAGER
Flower-specific responsibilities include:
· Manage all aspects of the farm’s flower production on four acres. Ensure a steady supply of a variety of marketable flowers from February through November
· Manage up to 5 flower team staff including at least one Spanish speaking team member
· Harvest flowers up to 30 hours per week at the height of the season
· Organize a bouquet-making process that practices efficiency, while maintaining high quality, beautiful bouquets for markets and wholesale orders
· Arrange flower bouquets
· Trellis and stake beds, irrigate, fertilize, plant, and hoe as needed
· Coordinate tractor work and irrigation with field/tractor manager or harvest crew leader
· Maintain and improve crop plan, sowing schedules, seed orders, and inventory
· Complete greenhouse and field flower sowing, manage timely planting and weeding
· Keep work areas clean and organized
· Grow wholesale accounts, with an emphasis on good communication and consistent supply of quality product
· Communicate weekly availability list to all wholesale accounts
· Conduct seasonal hiring and interviews as needed
· Conduct varietal research and trialing
In addition, all staff contributes to the following responsibilities:
· Vending at one farmers market per week, which includes driving a box truck, customer service, detailed record-keeping, attention to detail and repetitive heavy lifting
· General farm work and participation in projects as needed
The work requires the physical and mental capacity to contribute daily to an often rigorous, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding agricultural practice. Staff work 30-40 hours/week from January through March and 50+ hours/week from April through December.
Qualifications
Applicant needs to have a minimum of 2 years experience on a production farm, cut-flower growing experience, and strong floral design skills. The ability to speak basic, conversational Spanish is strongly desired. Applicant is willing to make a two-year minimum commitment.
Applicant should be self-motivated, hard working, eager to learn, have excellent people skills, great multi-tasker, and be in good physical condition. Ability to perform certain tasks such as heavy lifting (over 50#), repetitive grasping, standing, bending, and walking (No applicant will be rejected because of a condition or impairment that, with reasonable accommodation, does not prevent performance of work.)
Compensation and Housing
This is a year-round salaried position. Salary includes on-site housing, health insurance, food from the farm, and one month of paid vacation.
It is a high priority of the farm to provide a quality experience to those working here. The farm participates in the Central Coast CRAFT farmer-training program. An ideal applicant is interested in participating in many aspects of a small-scale, diversified farming operation and has a serious interest in advancing an agricultural career.
The Hiring Process
If you are interested in working at Blue House Farm, please send a resume and cover letter with the following information:
Position you are applying for
Relevant past work experience, including specific responsibilities and duties, especially related to the position you are applying for
Your goals relating to agriculture + floral design
Spanish language ability
Other related skills (ie: carpentry, cooking, writing, tractor driving, plumbing, retail sales, computers, delivery truck driving, etc...)
2 references
Send to: flowers@bluehousefarm.com. If your qualifications match what we're looking for, we will contact you to schedule a phone or on-farm (preferred) interview. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.