The Farm Operations Manager is to work under the direction of the Small Farms Unit (SFU) manager and the Co-Director of CEFS, at NC State, to plan and manage the implementation of production, research, and field demonstrations at the SFU.
This position has closed. Thank you for your interest.
The Farm Operations Manager position provides field management, coordination, and support on-site at the SFU.
Primary Purpose of Position
- Oversee high tunnel operation, production and management. This position may be required to supervise members of the Small Farm Unit Team (Staff, apprentices and interns) as needed.
- Oversee fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops in the field while maintaining the design and production of the SFU such that it functions as a whole farm system, providing the base of education and outreach activities.
- Operate and provide basic maintenance of farm equipment and tools as well as support the management and oversight of the SFU as needed.
- Demonstrate various production techniques for field demonstrations and evaluations.
- Facilitate field operations for ongoing research so that the research fits into the ongoing SFU whole farm system and provides educational and outreach benefits to farms and communities in eastern North Carolina.
- Coordinate the field demonstration aspects of the SFU so that the CEFS workshop series responds to local agriculture and community needs.
- Work with the internship program and farm apprentice program as their work and interests relate to Small Farm Unit.
- Processing equipment and seed orders through the university system and all applicable bookkeeping associated with this task, as needed and will coordinate and/or support the maintenance of the SFU office, housing and other facilities, as needed.
Departmental Required Skills
Being a strong communicator as the SFU hosts tours, workshops, meetings and community programs, is a must; as is the ability to work with diverse audiences including farmers, community leaders, youth, researchers, extension personnel, students, and others. Ability to prioritize tasks is necessary, while considering input from multiple participants and availability of labor and equipment.
Minimum Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or discipline, with a minimum of 2 years equivalent professional training and experience.
Experience in sustainable and organic production that may include horticultural crops, grains, cover crops, greenhouses, and livestock as all are components on the Small Farm Unit.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
- A highly motivated and independent worker who has the ability take direction as well as to independently problem solve and make decisions, as needed.
- Ability to prioritize tasks is necessary, while considering input from multiple participants and availability of labor and equipment.
- An undergraduate degree in an agriculture related field is highly desirable, with at least 3 years of production system experience.
Work Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with frequent evenings and weekends
Hiring Range
$40,000 – $45,000