Farm Operation Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary This full time exempt position works closely with the Kenyon Farm Operations Manager to ensure the Farm is an educational resource at a liberal arts institution, providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the study, research, and production of regenerative food systems.  The Kenyon Farm Production Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the vegetable production and livestock care at the Farm while being the face and voice of the Farm.  This position works closely with the Operations Manager to develop partnerships with the Kenyon community and the wider Knox County community to increase access to local food. The Kenyon Farm Production Manager reports to the Director, BFEC/Kenyon Farm. Essential Functions Vegetable Production and Livestock CareCollaborate with the Kenyon Farm Operations Manager to develop and implement the daily operating plan, including organizing student workers, part-time workers, volunteers to conduct all aspects of vegetable production and livestock care, including but not limited to bed preparation, planting, crop maintenance, harvest, preparation and distribution of farm produce to customers and the community, and care of livestock.Oversee all aspects of vegetable production and livestock care.  Work alongside student workers, volunteers and part-time workers in the fields and high tunnels as much as possible.Develop, market and lead volunteer opportunities relating to vegetable production and livestock care.Develop and implement annual planting plans in collaboration with the Farm team, interested faculty, AVI and other Kenyon/community stakeholders.Operate agricultural equipment including tractors, PTO implements, and other power and hand tools, as needed. Academic and Community ProgrammingCollaborate with the Director of the BFEC/Farm to promote and guide experiential learning at the Kenyon Farm.Work closely with faculty across the curriculum to provide meaningful engagement at the farm in support of courses.  This includes but is not limited to offering discourse on food and agriculture and how they relate to environment, culture, economics, ethics and public health; offering farm tours; designing and teaching practicums related to sustainable farming.Create space for and support academic research projects (relating to vegetable production and livestock care) in partnership with faculty and students.Collaborate with the Kenyon Farm Operations Manager to plan and implement annual events (i.e., Family Weekend event, faculty happy hours, etc.), including set up, tear down, and event supervision when necessary.Collaborate with BFEC’s Assistant Director of Academic and Community Programming to plan and/or support co-curricular, extra-curricular and community informal education programs and events. Maintain knowledge of leading sustainable food programs in higher education and best practices at campus farms to guide the direction of the Kenyon Farm development and to enhance opportunities for academic inquiry. Collaborate with the Director, BFEC & Farm to promote these opportunities. AdministrativeWork closely with the Director, BFEC/Farm to strategize and implement direction of the Kenyon Farm in developing project goals and strategy, including curricular engagement, expansion of farm production, and public programming.Work closely with the Kenyon Farm Operations Manager to hire and onboard student workers (during the academic year), summer interns, and any part-time employees. Train, supervise, and evaluate student workers (during the academic year), summer interns and part-time employees regarding vegetable production and livestock care.Provide input to Director, BFEC/Farm for annual budget, expenditures and revenue.Provide input to Director, BFEC/Farm regarding “lessons learned” from vegetable production and livestock care.Maintain detailed tracking of all aspects of vegetable production and livestock care, including but not limited to crop and animal selection, planting maps, harvest donations/sales, livestock issues, etc. Maintain electronic and hard copy files associated with the Farm.  Use the Farm shared drive for all electronic documents. Collaborate with the Director, BFEC/Farm for marketing and online resources such as the website and social media accounts, particularly regarding vegetable production and livestock.Provide information to Director, BFEC/Farm for donor stewardship and support.Engage and update key constituencies on operations at the Kenyon Farm. Foster, promote, and strengthen interactions among campus partners and introduce new Kenyon employees and faculty to the Kenyon Farm. OtherTake lead with farm chores for vegetable production and livestock careSupport mycology and property care as neededProvide overnight supervision as neededAdditional duties and responsibilities as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Success FactorsComfortable with physical outdoor work.Previous experience with farm equipment, including but not limited to tractors, PTO implements, z-turn mower, string trimmer, chain saw, power and hand tools (preferred)Previous experience with farm management software (we currently use FarmBrite)Ability to lift at least 50 lbs regularly.Ability to collaborate and work independently.Willingness to acquire new skills as job responsibilities demand.Willingness to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the farm, including some nights and weekends, and remain on call for emergencies. Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThe following positions are direct reports to this position: student workers, student summer interns, and part-time/seasonal farm laborers. This position also oversees volunteers. Working ConditionsWorking conditions vary seasonally. The Production Manager maintains a flexible schedule and works primarily outdoors with some time spent indoors (in an office setting).  The work outside includes exposure to sun, pollen, insects, and poisonous plants, and requires the ability to work in heat, humidity, rain, and cold.  Must be able to regularly lift 50 lbs.  Minimum Qualifications5-7 years of experience growing produce and raising livestock with sustainable and/or regenerative practices2+ years of experience supervising employees, preferably student workersExperience with operation and maintenance of farm equipment, including but not limited to tractors, PTO implements, z-turn mower, string trimmer, chain saw, power and hand toolsProven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, consistently meet or exceed deadlines and goals, and work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.Must be self-directed, organized, attentive to detail, and enthusiastic about sustainable agriculture.Ohio Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain an Ohio driver’s licenseBachelor's degree in agriculture, agricultural education or similar field (preferred)Experience working with college students on a liberal arts college farm (preferred) To ApplyPlease submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references using the Apply to this Position icon.