Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center
225 Pavillion Road
East Thetford, VT 05043
(802)785-4737
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center is a certified organic vegetable and berry farm with a farmstand and education center. We have retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop - called the Hello Cafe, and a unique CSA program.
Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture practices for our annual vegetable and flower production farm and to educating consumers about the need to support farms who are committed to growing food in a manner that improves and nourishes the soil.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Join the Cedar Circle team and contribute to our local food system by producing sustainably grown, organic produce on a farm that is dedicated to our natural environment, community engagement, education, research, and the well-being of our staff!
Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center is a certified organic vegetable and berry farm with a farmstand, education center, research team, cafe, commercial kitchen and retail nursery center.
Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture practices for our annual vegetable and flower production farm and to educating consumers about the need to support farms that are committed to growing food in a manner that improves and nourishes the soil. We are looking for a friendly, detail-oriented team member to manage our vegetable and fruit production, collaborate on research projects, work with our partner organizations, deepen our connection to our community and contribute to the well-being of our staff and organization.
OVERVIEW
The Vegetable Production Manager leads all aspects of Cedar Circle’s farm operations with a primary focus on planning, implementing, organizing, and supervising all vegetable and fruit production work. The person in this position identifies seasonal and weekly farm priorities and develops seasonal and weekly plans to ensure field cultivation, planting, irrigation, weeding, and harvests are successfully performed throughout the growing season while keeping detailed records for both planning and farm certifications. This position also plays a critical role in facilitating effective communication throughout the farm team, building our organizational family, and collaborating on research, educational, and community-building opportunities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Team coordination – coordinate, train and supervise daily tasks of Cedar Circle’s vegetable team, including:
Clearly communicate and delegate weekly and daily priorities to the field team
Train production team members in performance of all farm duties including planting, hand weeding, hoeing, harvesting, pruning, watering, etc.
Help to establish a positive, educational and nurturing work environment for all members of the team
Promptly address any staffing issues that may arise within the team
Relay relevant information regarding team performance and questions to farm management
Crop Production – Oversee production in close collaboration with the farm team leads. Responsible for planning, coordinating and ensuring the completion of the following:
Field Planting
Ensure timely planting of field crops ensuring the health of transplants
Coordinate the preparations of fields and beds for field planting in relation to field planting schedules and weekly workflows
Field Cultivation
Initial tillage and field preparation for seeding, transplanting, and cover cropping
Weed management, both mechanical and manual.
All hands-on aspects of season extension and pest prevention through the use of cultural, biological, and pest-deterrent practices in the field
Harvest operations
Schedule, train and pace crop harvest in collaboration with team leads
perform in the field quality control of product being harvested and communicate farm quality standards to field crew
communicate harvest nuances to field crew and management team as needed to ensure a smooth operation
Train and ensure quality control in the Processing Area
Farm Planning and Management – In collaboration with team Leads
Assist in establishment of weekly field production priorities and the development of weekly work schedules
Perform regular field walks to stay in touch with needed field projects, crop growth, and plant health in coordination with team Leads and Research team
Guide crop planning efforts and develop organization systems and documents specific to production, team management and team training
Determine land use and crop rotation strategy in coordination with Research and Development team, Annual and Perennial team, and Director of Agriculture
Evaluate and purchase all seed, planting stock, amendments and supplies in coordination with other team members
Develop and revise seeding plans
Devise nutrient management plan based on crop needs and soil tests
With key staff (production leads), develop daily production plan and convey and answer questions concerning the daily plan at the morning meeting and to other departments as needed
Foster strong interdepartmental relationships and provide communication channels as needed to deliver production department information to other staff as needed
Sales & Budgeting- Evaluation and planning to meet department and organizational financial goals
Conduct audit of production by sales channels
Compare data with five-year history to track progress
Review and project Vegetable and Operations (as related to production needs) departmental budget needs
Strategize farm production scale to maintain customer base, meet needs of local community and organizational financial goals
Track and code all production inputs
QUALIFICATIONS
At least five seasons previous vegetable farming experience
Small engine operation and experience operating tractors and implements
Competence delivering clear directions to field team and project supervision experience
At least three years experience managing a farm and production team
Excellent time management skills
Consistent attention to detail
Positive, approachable interpersonal skills and passion for mentoring new farmers
Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and give/accept constructive feedback on work and technique
Clear, consistent communication skills
Flexible, creative and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
Ability to work for long durations in inclement weather – standing, sitting, bending over, lifting or kneeling
Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week, especially during peak periods
Occasional weekend hours required
COMPENSATION
this position is salaried, 50k-75k
To apply online, visit:
Or email us your resume: growing@cedarcirclefarm.org