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Hiring: Vegetable Production Manager – Applecrest Farm Orchards

Farm Description:

Applecrest Farm Orchards is a 100+ acre diversified fruit and vegetable farm located in Hampton Falls, NH.  Started in 1913 and now operated by the third generation of Wagner families, the farm is the oldest and largest orchard on the New Hampshire Seacoast.  In addition to an on-site retail farm stand, creamery, bakery and full service bistro, Applecrest operates a 200+ member CSA program, attends five local farmers markets every week of the growing season and is a strong supplier to local restaurants, grocers and schools.  As a sustainable producer of over two-hundred unique varieties of tree fruits, berries, vegetables, flowers and herbs, Applecrest is a cornerstone of the seacoast-area food shed.

Position Description:

The Vegetable Production Manager will assume responsibility for all components of field and high tunnel production on the farm.  Five-thousand square feet of greenhouses and thirty-five acres of row crop and raised bed horticulture make this a true soup-to-nuts farming position.  At its core, the job requires someone comfortable with, and capable of, handling all manner of agricultural tasks at any given hour, on any given day.

While responsibilities will vary greatly according to time of season, the Vegetable Manager’s main function will be to oversee and assist with the scheduling, preparation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, washing and storage of all propagated, transplanted and direct seeded green crops.  Tasks will include greenhouse and equipment maintenance, budgeting and costing, field scouting, fertility and pest control, crop rotation, cover cropping and irrigation management, as well as a host of record keeping responsibilities.  The Manager will also be accountable for the day-to-day time management and labor requirements involving a crew of up to six hands.

Additional Responsibilities:

In addition to field work, the successful candidate will also assume responsibilities in coordinating with Retail, Bistro, CSA and farmers market managers regarding daily veggie inventory needs to ensure a steady, consistent and timely supply for all sales outlets.

The number of hours per week will fluctuate greatly with the demands of the particular season.  At height of production, the position may require periods of +60 hours, six days a week.  In slower months, this reduces to five days at ~40 hrs. pr/week.

Qualifications:

The ideal Vegetable Production Manager candidate will have a minimum of two full year’s hands-on, practical farming experience and possess a well-rounded knowledge of horticultural technique.  While a degree in agriculture is preferred, it is not a requirement.  Applicants for this position, if not already well on their way, should be resolved to the pursuit of a career in farming.  Additionally, candidates should possess:

  • Demonstrated ability to succeed in a physically strenuous outdoor job.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently at tasks that require a high level of detail.
  • Commitment to efficiency and quality in one’s work.
  • Energetic personality, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic.
  • Strong computer/internet skills and be very comfortable with web-based database software, particularly Microsoft Excel and Word.

Term of Employment, Compensation, and Benefits:

This is a ~$40k salaried “working manager” position with health benefits, three weeks paid vacation plus, holidays.

How to Apply

E-mail your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to jobs@applecrest.com. (The subject line should read: Veggie Manager Position).  Use your cover letter as your opportunity to tell us why we should read your resume!  Please emphasize how your background and skills are an excellent fit for the responsibilities and qualifications in this job description.  As Applecrest is a small family-run operation and every person wears many hats, please feel free to highlight other valuable skills you might possess.

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