Assistant Farm Manager

Department:     Agriculture

Position:             Assistant Farm Manager

Reports To:        Farm Manager

Reports:             Field Crew (6-8 employees)

Hourly Rate:      $25/hr 40 hours/week, (February-December 31)

Company and Property Overview: A premier agro-tourism destination, Beach Plum Farm integrates the daily operations of agricultural, hospitality and retail sales into an immersive experience. Combining the rich accommodations of Cape Resorts with functioning agricultural operations that support the health and wellness of our world.  Our farming activities were at the forefront of Farm-to-Table dining supplying 5 local restaurants with fresh locally grown and seasonal ingredients including vegetables, herbs, flowers, poultry, eggs, and pork products. From this, public interest in our agricultural operations and the development of retail outlets led our company to begin providing accommodations for events and lodging as a premier destination in southern New Jersey. 

Position Overview:  

• Execute the daily tasks associated with annual and perennial crops.
• Manage field crew employees using effective time and labor management skills.
• Coordinate with Greenhouse workers on planting and harvest timelines.
• Oversee and participate in the planting, weeding, irrigation, fertilizing, and harvest of all annual and perennial crops. 
• Perform the majority of tractor work at main campus and satellite fields. 
• Operate tractors safely and use tractor implements correctly.
• Light tractor maintenance. Performing daily maintenance checks to ensure the longevity of the machine. 
• Communicate effectively and often with Farm Manager and Livestock Manager. 
• Daily record keeping as required by the Farm Manager. 

Job Competencies:

• Urgency and Commitment to Task: Demonstrates dependability and shows a sense of urgency about getting results; commitment to getting the job done; take responsibility for actions and achieve results; overcome obstacles.
• Communication Skills: Presents ideas, concepts, and information effectively and clearly through the spoken word; actively listens; communicates comfortably with various audiences; responds effectively to questions.
• Creativity and Flexibility: Adapts and changes course of action when appropriate; effectively transitions from task to task; deals well with unresolved situations, frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; maintains objectives amidst shifting priorities.
• Curiosity and Initiative: Acts proactively; addresses issues or opportunities without supervision; focuses on desired results and accomplishments; demonstrates clear purpose, enthusiasm, and a "can-do" attitude.
• Precision and Managing Execution: Manages multiple projects and effectively prioritizes tasks, responsibilities, and goals; uses goals to guide actions and creates detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks; utilizes resources effectively to meet goals.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish business goals and objectives; asks others for their ideas and opinions; supports team's decisions; contributes to the team's efforts.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Must read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.
• Must have strong record keeping experience 
• Must possess basic computational ability and computer skills.
• Most work tasks are performed outdoors. Must be able to work in all outdoor temperatures.
• The worker is subject to noise: there is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout to be heard above the surrounding noise level.  Also subject to vibration:  exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
• The worker is subject to hazards which includes: a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, chemicals, and atmospheric conditions—one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin:   fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses, and oils or other fluids.
• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 4 hours in length and be able to reach other locations of the farm in a timely manner.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch.
•  Must be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular and continuing basis and infrequently lift 50 pounds
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening, and hearing ability and visual acuity.
• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.
• A passion for agriculture.
• The ability to make decisions in stressful environments.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work overtime as required.
• Preparing plans and schedules for planting and harvesting and ensuring staff understands expectations.
• Perform tests on soil and water.
• Ensuring seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplies are regularly restocked.
• Scheduling repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and machinery.
• Ensuring all staff adheres to health and safety regulations.
• Collaborating with senior staff to prepare budgets and financial reports.
• Building professional networks and keeping abreast of developments in agricultural science.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2 years of farm management experience required. 
• High school or equivalent education required. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.