Produce Manager, Skylight Farms --Snohomish, WA

Description:  20 ac organic practices (non-certified) farm is looking for a produce manager to oversee all day to day vegetable production operations, assist in developing and then implementing the production schedule, supervise field employees, and advise owners on planning, management and long term strategic decisions.  This is a full time position during the season with a possibility of reduced schedule during the off-season.  Position begins as early as mid to late February and our season will run through early November.

Skylight Farms is beautifully situated on the banks of the Snohomish River in the Cathcart valley 5 miles south of Snohomish.  Entering our third season of vegetable production, this year we are planning on an approximately 100 member CSA, as well as growing our restaurant sales and direct sales through Farmstr, food hubs, etc.  We have approximately 5 acres currently dedicated to cultivated crops, have two ~3,000 sq/ft tall tunnels, and make extensive use of cover crops, plastic mulch, spun row cover and low tunnels.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and implement all daily vegetable and small fruit production
• Contribute to the farm business planning by providing expertise on farm enterprises including cropping systems, varieties, volumes, inputs, and capital investments
• Manage farm crew to ensure the team is properly trained and motivated and labor is used productively and efficiently
• Ensure timely and appropriate field preparation, crop planting, crop maintenance (weeding, inputs) and irrigation
• Maintain farm records including production plan, field notes, and harvest records
• Oversee order fulfillment, including harvest, cleaning and packing and distribution
• Identify operational issues and problems and develop and recommend solutions

An ideal candidate will have experience with similar or larger scale production, be able to contribute ideas on how to develop, improve and diversify the operation, and be able to lead and motivate the farm crew.  In addition:

• At least 4 or 5 years’ experience in commercial organic vegetable production using similar production methods to our own, with at least 1-2 years’ experience in a management role, and hold a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Must be creative and efficient, organized and able to balance both production and cost management imperatives
• Excellent people and communications skills are essential
• Ability to operate farm equipment including tractor, front end loader, PTO tiller and other implements is also important
• Should have a good attitude and be physically and mentally capable of working long, physically demanding days in often adverse weather conditions
• Working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, as well as best practices, pertaining to food production and safety, as well organic certification requirements (we are non-certified but follow NOP and may certify in the future)
• Comfortable lifting 50+ lbs repetitively
• Carpentry, plumbing and equipment maintenance skills are also highly desirable.

We envision this as an hourly position (rate to be competitive and commensurate with experience), plus weekly CSA box equivalent, with a season-end bonus tied to profitable produce operations and meeting mutually agreed mileposts.  On-site housing is available and encouraged.

More information on our farm can be found at www.skylightfarms.com.  If interested in the position, submit resume and cover letter to Jonathan Fisher, [email protected].