Production Manager

A Meaningful Purpose at Reeds Farm - Vegetable Production Manager Job PostingA Meaningful Purpose at Reeds Farm was founded in 2019 as a non-profit regenerative farm located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Our location is uniquely suited for our mission, which is to become a hub where connection to nature, educational resources and access to organic, healthy food are available to all. From our market and kitchen to our vegetable and animal fields, we work with underserved community members through job exploration and workforce development with a focus on neurodivergent community members. We are also actively collaborating with other nonprofits to build a healthier local food system focusing on nearby Atlantic City. We are seeking a Vegetable Production Manager starting in the first quarter of 2025. This person will be an integral part of our full-time farm staff and coordinate all aspects of vegetable production outdoors and indoors. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for efficiently producing the highest quality vegetables in an ecological growing system with standards meeting and exceeding organic certification. General Description of the Position: The Vegetable Production Manager will oversee all aspects of vegetable farming for a dynamic multi-market production schedule including produce boxes, bulk contract production, farmers markets, an on-site prepared foods kitchen, as well as restaurants. This position is primarily field-based while leading all aspects of production, directing a vegetable farm crew, and building new production areas as needed. Non-field based work includes detailed record keeping, crop planning, and working with organization staff on marketing. A commitment to generating high quality produce in quantity is required. This position will be required to adhere to pre-existing human scale, bio-intensive, and highly diverse production techniques year round in outdoor market gardens, high tunnels, and heated greenhouses. A desire to grow production to the scale of alley cropping for certain crops is also on the horizon. This position will report to the Farm Director and will also be supported by the vegetable farm crew. This is a full-time, year-round position with a primary focus on field work and a secondary focus on office work for planning, purchasing, and record keeping. Required Qualifications:At least five years of vegetable farming experience, including at least one year in a farm manager or assistant farm manager positionExperience with no and low-till vegetable production systems including silage tarping, broadforking, cover cropping, and other modern market garden toolsExperience with season extension, high tunnel and/or greenhouse production systems, and year round growingCommitment to organic, regenerative, and innovative agricultural practicesCrop planning experience and basic computer skills, including Google suite and ExcelMust be capable of meeting the physical demands of the job, including: occasional lifting of heavy objects; working outside in all seasons; strenuous physical laborValid driver's license required for operation of farm vehiclesGood written and verbal communication skillsStrong work ethic and positive attitude; able to keep up morale throughout long days of physical, repetitive work in all weather conditionsExcellent attention to detail; able to maintain high quality standards and follow food safety protocols while working quickly and efficientlyComfortable working both individually and on a teamFlexible; able to adapt to shifting priorities and conditions and help out where neededAble to take direction, learn quickly, ask for help and clarity as needed, and accept and act on constructive feedback Preferred Qualifications:Bachelors Degree in agroecology, sustainable agriculture, biology, environmental science, or a related fieldExperience operating walk-behind and/or 25+hp tractorsExperience with wire weeders, stirrup hoes, wheel hoes, Jang-style (or similar) seedersPermaculture Design Certificate (PDC)Ability to drive a manual transmission Key Responsibilities:Maintaining detailed harvest records in a timely mannerCollaborating with Farm Director and Finance Director to build budgets and maintain financial records; plan for and purchase suppliesEnsuring all tools are cared for, cleaned and put in the proper place after each useCollaborating with Farm Director for all seasonal planningTraining and management of all vegetable crew positions (approximately 3-5 people)Propagation: seeding/direct sow/transplant managementCollaborate with Farm Director to create and carry out an annual crop plan, including greenhouse production, tillage, field prep, fertilization, transplanting, direct seeding, irrigation, weed control, and pest & disease managementCollaborate with the Farm Director to order seeds & fulfill seasonal seeding charts to ensure proper planting and harvesting timeUtilize best practices for soil health improvement: planning cover crops, minimizing tillage, and appropriately amending soils based on soil test resultsField preparations, cultivation, seasonal prep, cover cropping implementation, ensuring transplants occur on time, pest control, weed control, nutrient management, pruning, and plant health management from transplant to harvest.Working with other organizational staff and outside outlets for product marketing and distribution. Compensation and Benefits:$55-70k depending on experiencePaid vacation and sick time, full healthcare benefits after three monthsFree produce from the farm and discounts on products in the farm market To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]