Research Farm Manager

Job Description Job Description Rodale Institute is hiring a Research Farm Manager to oversee farm operations at our regional resource center in Rockport, WA.  Rodale Institute’s Pacific Northwest Organic Center (PNWOC) is a historic location and well known for its berry production and tourist destination. The center has well-established blueberries and raspberries as well as other perennial fruits. Research over the next five years will be focusing on organic perennial systems, disease and weed management, and potentially integrated crop-livestock systems.  There are several buildings on this site, some of which are livable, a packhouse and warehouse, tractor barn, and a suite of light and heavy equipment.

The Research Farm Manager will be responsible for all activities in the field and facilities.  This position will report directly to the Senior Farm Director.  Applicants should be driven, hard-working, and committed to regenerative organic agricultural research.  All candidates must be prepared to work in a professional environment, complete tasks carefully and in a timely manner, and work in all weather conditions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct day-to-day farm operations in relationship to crop production. Field responsibilities include, but are not limited to, tractor driving, soil preparation, planting, harvesting, weed, pest and disease management, pruning, equipment maintenance and repair, etc. 
• Manage and coordinate labor efforts among full-time staff as well as seasonal workers and interns
• Ensure proper documentation from staff for field operations on Rodale Institute, forms to satisfy organic certification requirements, research data collection needs and financial accounting, as well as maintain production records on a regular basis 
• Coordinate maintenance schedules for tractor(s), truck(s) and other equipment 
• Coordinate property maintenance, including mowing, landscaping, fence repair, pruning, tree removal, building maintenance, and other activities  
• Operate equipment safely and train staff on equipment operation (tractors, berry harvester, tractor implements, small engine equipment, and hand tools) in a safe and efficient manner 
• Support the research team in creating field experiments and completing field activities.  Some field data collection will be required 
• Support educational and outreach activities through field tours and presentations as needed
• Coordinate with Rodale Institute staff for travel needs and purchasing supplies 
• Assist the Communication Department with preparing media 
• Prepare a yearly budget and budget narrative as well as quarterly reports  
• Provide tours and presentations 
• Other duties as assigned ​

Qualifications:

• Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather
• Ability to lift in excess of 50lbs
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be flexible in work hours, as farm work can be unpredictable
• Available to support and manage weekend Berry U-Pick operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in agronomic crop production
• Previous management experience preferred
• Previous work experience on research farms or projects preferred
• Previous experience driving farm equipment such as tractors and combines

Travel:

• Travel will be required for farm visits, conferences, grower meetings and workshops

Other Expectations:

• Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s success
• To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.

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