Farm Operations Manager / Lead Grower

Full-Time, Year-Round Position

Location: Full Moon Farm; Lutz, Florida

Role Description

Are you looking to join a small but mighty farm in the greater Tampa Bay area? Are you passionate about local, organic produce? We are seeking an experienced, highly organized, and hands-on Farm Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of production and daily operations on our 1 acre organic vegetable and fruit farm in Lutz, Florida. This is a working management position requiring both oversight and active participation in the physical work of farming.

The Farm Operations Manager will lead crop planning and execution from seed to harvest, maintain farm systems and infrastructure, supervise potential seasonal staff and volunteers (as needed), and ensure that the farm operates efficiently, safely and in alignment with our values of providing organic, sustainable, soil-grown produce to our community.

Florida's primary growing season runs from September through May, with greenhouse propagation beginning in August. During the summer shoulder season, the Farm Operations Manager will oversee cover crop from seed to harvest, infrastructure maintenance, planning, and preparation/purchasing for the upcoming production cycle.

Primary Responsibilities

Crop Production & Field Operations

• Execute all aspects of vegetable production from seed to harvest.
• Manage greenhouse propagation beginning in August, including seeding schedules, germination, transplant care, and recordkeeping.
• Prepare beds and coordinate planting according to seasonal crop plans.
• Lead and participate in transplanting, direct seeding, cultivation, trellising, pruning, and other field tasks.
• Monitor crop health and implement preventative and responsive pest and disease management strategies
• Continuous weed management
• Harvest produce that maintains high quality for customers.
• Oversee post-harvest handling, washing, packing, cooling, and storage procedures.
• Maintain continuous supply of produce for the farmstand

Farm Planning & Management

• Develop and execute annual and weekly crop plans
• Create seeding, transplanting, succession, and harvest schedules.
• Maintain accurate records related to crop yields, planting dates, pest pressures, labor, and inputs.
• Monitor inventory of seeds, supplies, amendments, and equipment; place orders as needed within budget.
• Track production costs, forecast harvest volumes, assist with annual budgeting, and provide recommendations for improving profitability
• Track production outcomes and learnings for increased efficiency for future years.
• Manage, plan, and curate customers for weekly Veggie Bags

Team Leadership

• Work in conjunction with owners and supervise potential seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers.
• Provide training on farm tasks, safety procedures, and quality expectations.
• Foster a positive, curious, and respectful work environment.
• Record monthly, weekly and daily priorities and ensure work is completed effectively and efficiently.

Equipment & Infrastructure

• Operate and maintain farm equipment and tools safely and responsibly.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on irrigation systems, hand tools, greenhouse components, and small equipment.
• Monitor farm infrastructure and coordinate larger repairs or improvements when necessary.
• Maintain organized workspaces and storage areas.

Summer Season Responsibilities (June–August)

• Establish and manage cover crops to improve soil health and suppress pests and weeds.
• Monitor irrigation and summer field conditions.
• Conduct greenhouse, wash station, and infrastructure maintenance projects.
• Participate in annual planning, budgeting, crop evaluations, and systems improvements.
• Prepare propagation schedules and materials for the upcoming production season.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in vegetable production, market farming, or diversified agriculture, with increasing leadership responsibilities preferred.
• Strong knowledge of crop production practices, including greenhouse propagation, irrigation, pest and disease management, fertility, and harvest techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience supervising and training seasonal staff or volunteers.
• Strong communication and organizational skills and weekly meetings with owners.
• Ability to maintain detailed digital records and utilize Excel/ spreadsheets, Microsoft Word and basic farm management software.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, physically demanding position. The Farm Operations Manager must be able to:

• Work outdoors in Southwest Florida weather conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Bend, squat, kneel, climb, and stand for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive tasks using hand tools.
• Work flexible hours during peak production periods, including occasional early mornings or weekends as needed.

Desired Attributes

• Strong work ethic and willingness to lead by example.
• Excellent communicator.
• Calm, solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Passion for regenerative agriculture and land stewardship.
• Adaptability, curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Cultivate market garden culture and community relationships.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, year-round salaried position.
• Compensation commensurate with experience ($55-60K, $300 workwear stipend, access to farm produce)
• 3 weeks paid time off and holidays, ideally taken during slower times and coordinated with owners
• Professional development opportunities may be available.

Schedule

• Primary Production Season: August through May (greenhouse propagation begins in August; field production September–May)
• Summer Shoulder Season: June through July/August focused on cover cropping, maintenance, planning, and farm improvement projects.
• Typical schedule averages approximately 40–50 hours per week during peak season, with lighter periods during the summer months.

To Apply

Send us your resume! Please share your relevant farming experience, along with a brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you would approach managing a small but highly productive organic farm.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Lutz, FL 33558 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000