Organization: Sustainable Connections
Title: Perennial Production Manager
Location: Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson, WA
Work Environment: Fast-paced working farm and retail nursery amidst educational programming
Term: 100% full-time, introductory employee (90 day period before becoming regular employee), non-exempt
Reports to: Farm Director
Application Deadline: Application review begins 11/1/2019, position open until filled

Summary
Join our great team at Cloud Mountain Farm Center, a working farm since 1978, nestled against the beautiful Cascade foothills in rural Whatcom County. We grow a wide variety of vegetables, tree fruits as well as some berries and wine and table grapes. In 2011 we became a nonprofit with a mission to build experience, knowledge and community, in order to expand dynamic local food systems. We are dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities to new and experienced farmers as well as home gardeners, as Cloud Mountain Farm Center is an integral part of the Food & Farming program at Sustainable Connections.

The perennial production manager position will oversee food production activities related to perennial cropping systems – orchard and vineyard. This is a farmer educator responsible for leading the intern work crews (paid staff) during the 8-month internship, and community workshop offerings. Responsible for generating and adhering to budgets for perennial production activities. Equipment, infrastructure, and the general environment is operated under a shared agreement with other enterprises and farmers.

Skills & Qualifications
The ideal candidate we are looking for, will be able to meet these shared expectations of all employees:
• Set the standard in respective responsibilities in the workplace
• Show leadership and a professional commitment to the Center’s goals of community, education and sustainability in daily activities
• Demonstrate professionalism, positive attitude and respect for others in all work & communication
• Participate in Center events as needed

Primary Responsibilities:
Education
• Serve as an experienced and compassionate leader and mentor for interns, engaging them in discussion of the work at hand and agricultural issues in general
o Develop and deliver workshops related to perennial systems for intern education days
o Provide educational direction for field based activities on work days
• Provide mentorship for Production Assistant positions focused on perennial work
• Provide support when needed with vegetable production systems
• Engage with Production Team (inclusive of Annuals Manager, Production Assistants, and Post-harvest Coordinator) in weekly meetings, weekly work plans, and overall support of constructive problem solving
Field work
• Manage and participate in all aspects of fruit and wine grape production based on the demands of the season and as part of the food production team: Pruning, trellis maintenance/construction, orchard/vineyard floor management, planting/removal of crops, fertility, irrigation, and harvest/packing
• Utilize tractors, heavy equipment and implements during day to day work
• Lead intern work crews in the field – be a source of knowledge, information and experience within the day’s work activities. Make sure intern tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
• Adhere to safety standards and demonstrate/enforce with work crews

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Develop, manage and implement IPM programs for all tree fruit, vineyard and nursery crops
• Maintain protocols and spray records for all IPM plans/pesticide applications
• Hold a valid Washington State Private Applicators License
• Collaborate with nursery team on IPM strategy for nursery stock

Budget & Certifications
• Develop and manage revenue and expenses related to perennial budget
• Coordinate with Sales/Marketing Coordinator to project crop quantities at the beginning of the year and then weekly fresh sheet projections as crops are harvested
• Maintain certifications related to perennial systems: organic, GAP, transitional organic

Compensation:
This is a 100% time, non-exempt position to be compensated between $18 – $21 hourly depending on qualifications and experience. Starting benefits include paid time off accrual of 5.33 hours per pay period or 16 days per year, 6 days of holiday break from Dec. 25 – Jan 1, a 3% match SIMPLE IRA non-designated retirement plan, and an individual monthly benefit.

To apply:
Email a cover letter, resume with three professional references to maryt@sustainableconnections.org.

Sustainable Connections complies with all federal, state, and local laws which prohibit discrimination in employment. Sustainable Connections is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.

Sustainable Connections is an equal opportunity employer that believes it is the responsibility of the company and all its employees to ensure there is no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, genetic information, or any other protected status.