Description
Who are we looking for?
Wilson Farm Inc of Lexington, MA is seeking a full-time, year-round individual to join our agricultural team on our diversified vegetable and small fruit farm.
Primary Responsibilities
The Farm Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the farm in Lexington, MA, with a strong focus on crop cultivation, production, and farm team management. This includes planning, purchasing, planting, nurturing, and harvesting crops to achieve optimal yields. We are a progressive IPM Farm.
Crop Cultivation and Production
- Develop and implement detailed crop plans, including crop selection, planting schedules, and field rotation to optimize soil health and yields.
- Monitor soil conditions, perform soil testing, and apply fertilizers, compost, or organic amendments to maintain nutrient levels.
- Design and oversee irrigation systems to ensure proper water distribution and minimize waste.
- Implement pest, weed, and disease management strategies, including integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
- Utilize modern farming techniques, including precision agriculture tools, to monitor crop health and maximize efficiency.
- Plan and execute harvesting operations, ensuring proper timing, techniques, and storage to maintain crop quality.
- Partner and communicate regularly with the Greenhouse Manager to ensure transplant and seed ordering needs are met; including but not limited to pricing, inventory, growing plugs for both Lex & NH farms.
- Other duties as assigned by Owners/Management.
Personnel Management
- Work closely with Farm Operations Manager and HR to ensure that staffing levels are kept at appropriate numbers throughout the year.
- Develop task schedules and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- Ability to work with diverse team of people.
Equipment and Facility Maintenance
- Work closely with Maintenance Manager to ensure that farming equipment is regularly maintained. This includes tractors, sprayers, and irrigation systems.
- Ensure storage facilities are properly equipped for crop storage and preservation.
Compliance and Record Keeping
- Work closely with Management to ensure compliance with USDA and FSMA
- Maintain detailed records of crop production, pesticide and fertilizer use, and field activities
Experience/Qualifications Needed
- Prior agricultural management experience required (farm, greenhouse, crop production, or similar).
- Demonstrated experience supervising teams in a hands-on operational environment.
- Comfortable working with and around farm equipment and performing physical work as needed.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and driving record in good standing.
- Possess or be willing to obtain MA Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months of hire.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Work Schedule
55+ hours/week during the growing season (April through October) and 47.5 (+/-) hours a week during winter. The availability to work one weekend day per week during the growing season is a must.
Physical Requirements
This role is performed primarily outdoors and in greenhouse environments. The Farm Manager must be able to work in a hands-on setting with exposure to typical farm conditions including dirt, noise, machinery, weather changes, and agricultural materials.
- Ability to operate and ride farm equipment for extended periods.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, gripping tools, and repetitive hand motion.
- Ability to occasionally lift 40+ pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied and sometimes adverse weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and cold.
Benefits
- Competitive wages commensurate with experience. This position starts at $25.00/hour
- Health and Dental insurance with generous premium contribution by Wilson farm
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Annual bonus and a 25% employee discount
- Wilson farm owned housing possible as part of a benefit package
Wilson Farm, Inc. is an E/O/E
Skills Required
- Prior agricultural management experience (farm, greenhouse, or crop production).
- Demonstrated experience supervising teams in a hands-on operational environment.
- Comfortable working with and around farm equipment and performing physical work.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and driving record in good standing.
- Possess or be willing to obtain MA Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months of hire.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Availability to work one weekend day per week during the growing season and long seasonal hours (55+ hrs/week in season).
- Ability to operate and ride farm equipment for extended periods and occasionally lift 40+ pounds.
What We Do
Wilson Farm, Inc. is a family-owned partnership based in Lexington, MA, founded in 1884. They produce over 125 varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs on over 500 acres across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The company provides fresh, local, and affordable produce, operating retail farm stands and an open-air nursery and garden center, as well as a bakery and deli offering regional grocery items.
