Job Title: Farm Manager
Organization: Salish Regenerative Farm
Location: Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
Employment Type: Contractor
Role Overview:
The Farm Manager at Salish Regenerative Farm is responsible for overseeing all farm operations, embodying the values of regeneration, reconciliation, learning, and collaboration. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role involves managing farm activities, implementing regenerative agricultural practices, achieving financial sustainability, and building strong community partnerships. The Farm Manager will transform the Board's strategic vision into tangible, impactful outcomes on the farm.
Objectives:
The Farm Manager will aim to:
-Ensure daily farm operations run smoothly and sustainably.
-Implement regenerative practices to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.
-Contribute to local food security through efficient crop management and innovative revenue generation.
-Build strong relationships with local communities, educational institutions, and Indigenous organizations.
Key Activities:
Farm Operations Management:
-Oversee day-to-day farming activities, including crop planning, soil health improvement, composting, planting, harvesting, and irrigation.
-Ensure farm infrastructure and equipment are well-maintained and functional.
-Apply regenerative techniques such as minimal tillage, living roots throughout the year, and biodiversity enhancements.
Project Management:
-Lead farm-specific projects, including infrastructure upgrades, crop diversification, and seasonal operations.
-Set and monitor clear productivity goals aligned with regenerative and community objectives.
-Report monthly to the Executive Director on project outcomes, financial updates, and potential challenges.
Financial Oversight:
-Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to establish and manage the farm’s budget.
-Track expenses, manage resources, and identify opportunities for cost-saving. o Generate income through produce sales, educational events, and farm tours.
Marketing and Sales:
-Develop and implement a market strategy to expand farm produce sales to local businesses and restaurants.
-Ensure product quality aligns with regenerative standards, enhancing the farm’s reputation.
-Work with the Board on brand building, focusing on Salish Regenerative Farm’s mission of soil health and environmental restoration.
Education and Community Partnerships:
-Develop relationships with local, national, and international organizations, Indigenous communities, and educational bodies.
-Organize and lead educational sessions, farm tours, and training programs on regenerative practices.
-Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with the Board’s community and climate-focused goals.
Team Leadership:
-Supervise farm staff, volunteers, and seasonal workers, developing a positive, collaborative environment.
-Support volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement in farm activities.
-Address and resolve any team issues, maintaining a respectful, productive workplace.
Board and Farm Advisory Panel Collaboration:
-Collaborate with the Farm Advisory Panel to integrate expert guidance into operational strategies, ensuring alignment with regenerative and community-focused goals.
-Work closely with the Executive Director & Board members to translate strategic goals into actionable plans.
-Contribute to long-term planning, supporting growth in regenerative agriculture.
Timeline:
-Farm Manager will position will start in March 2025, and will run until end of September 2025.
Direct Report:
-The Farm Manager will report directly to the Executive Director of Salish Regenerative Farm.
Qualifications & Experience:
Education:
-Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field. Equivalent experience in farm management/ regenerative agriculture may be considered.
Experience:
-Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management or a related agricultural role, with a strong focus on regenerative or sustainable farming practices.
-Proven experience overseeing farm operations, including planning, planting, harvesting, and resource management.
-Project management experience, with a history of leading diverse agricultural projects and managing budgets effectively.
-Experience in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, or partnership development, ideally within a non-profit or community-focused organization.
Skills and Knowledge:
-In-depth knowledge of regenerative agriculture principles and soil health management
-Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building relationships with team members, volunteers, stakeholders, and the local community.
-Financial acumen to develop and manage budgets, track expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies.
Leadership:
-Proven leadership skills, with experience managing a team and fostering a collaborative, respectful work environment.
-Ability to recruit, train, and engage volunteers and staff, supporting a cohesive and motivated team.
Physical Requirements:
-Ability to perform physical tasks associated with farm management, including lifting, bending, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Preferred:
-Familiarity with Indigenous farming practices or a demonstrated commitment to working with Indigenous communities.
-Experience with marketing and selling farm products, including establishing partnerships with local buyers, restaurants, and retailers.
-Certifications related to regenerative, organic farming, soil health, or sustainability are an asset.
Salish Regenerative Farm is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous applicants, to apply. We look forward to welcoming a passionate individual dedicated to regeneration, community building, and agricultural innovation.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months
Pay: $5,000.00-$7,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Flexible language requirement:
Application question(s):
- What does regenerative agriculture and Community farming look like for you?
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Farm management or Agricultural: 5 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 2025-03-01
