What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Operations Manager position at Strategic Focus?
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k)
- Vision insurance
Title: Bonton Farms Operations Manager
Overview of Role:
The Bonton Farms Operations Manager leads agricultural operations to meet production, quality, and training goals that support Bonton’s mission and operations. Oversees planning, staff, compliance, and cross-functional coordination in collaboration with the Director of Farm Operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategy & Planning
- Annual/seasonal production plans, crop rotations, harvest schedules aligned to Restaurant and customer demand.
- Forecast yield, labor, inputs; manage budgets and purchasing; vendor relationships.
- Establish farm KPIs (yield/bed, post-harvest loss, labor efficiency, training completions).
People Leadership & Culture
- Lead and coach Farm Leads, farm hands, apprentices, and volunteers; conduct 30–60–90 reviews and annual goals as needed.
- Model people-centric, trauma-informed leadership; uphold safety and accountability.
- Support People Program a competency-based apprenticeship framework (skill matrix, rotations, learning objectives).
- Train and support on-farm apprentices; support in standardizing lesson plans, toolbox talks, and safety briefings.
- Apply restorative practices and timely performance interventions; escalate to People Program when necessary.
Operations & Quality
- Oversee soil health, propagation, greenhouse/hoop houses, irrigation, IPM, composting, cultivation, harvest, wash/pack, cold chain.
- Implement and standardize regenerative ranching operations for livestock management.
- Perform farming duties including fieldwork, equipment operation, planting, and animal care.
- Maintain equipment and infrastructure; preventive maintenance schedule.
- Coordinate specs and deliveries with internal partners.
Data & Reporting
- Maintain accurate operational and training logs; deliver weekly and monthly updates utilizing FarmBrite software.
Compliance & Risk
- Ensure GAP/produce safety readiness, worker safety protocols, chemical handling, documentation, and audits.
- Ensure safe, productive experiences for tours, classes, and volunteer groups in unision with the entire Bonton Farms organization.
Other
· Support tours, classes, and volunteer events to provide safe, productive experiences.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- 5 years progressive farm/production ag experience; 2 years leading teams.
- Proven success in urban/small-acre diversified cropping; greenhouse/irrigation/IPM/post-harvest expertise.
- Knowledge of organic or regenerative farming techniques.
- Budgeting/scheduling/vendor management; strong documentation habits.
- Basic tech (email, spreadsheets, farm logs/HRIS/LMS familiarity).
- Valid driver’s license; equipment operation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Farm Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Experience working with nonprofit organizations or community farms.
- Familiarity with marketing and distribution of farm products.
- Experience in workforce development/apprenticeship or adult learning environments.
- GAP/HACCP/Produce Safety Alliance or similar certifications.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Comfortable working with heavy equipment and machinery.
- Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Willingness to work irregular hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- Fundamental first aid skills (or willingness to undergo training).
Salary : $23 - $27