College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Lake Effect Farm is tucked in and around Trails End Campground in Copper Harbor MI. This is a new farm with a wonderful vision. The owners have built a few farms and currently own a farm in MO. We are looking for people to grow with us as we build this farm.

The Farm Manager at Lake Effect Farm is primarily responsible for the day to day operations of the farm. The Farm Manager works closely with the Field crew and the owners to ensure that the farm is profitable through organic vegetable production, sales, and tours and event management.  While this job comes with much responsibility, it also comes with professional development support and skills building opportunity. This new team will be developing a new farm along side us. This will be an opportunity to bring your ideas and passion to the table. You are not stepping into an existing system, you will be building the system and markets with us.

Who should apply?
We are looking for a self-driven, results-oriented person(s) with a positive outlook, and a clear focus with a commitment to sustainable farm methods. Good communication skills with a passion for community involvement. You must be able to work extended hours on occasions and in all weather conditions. It is critical that the applicant be physically fit enough to perform the job. This is a mentally and physically taxing position. Must be able to communicate well with owners, the crew and our community.
Staff management skills are necessary. They include recruiting and managing farm staff, volunteers and leading community programs. Monitoring field labor performance and ongoing staff reviews are critical. Real experience in people management, and a natural ability to build relationships is a must. You will not only need to manage the working of the farm, but hold a responsibility to carry out community collaboration as well.

Couples are welcome to apply. As this position requires many hats and knowledge, we are aware that in many cases couples are interested in these positions.
We are looking for someone to not only join our team, but join our family. As a farm that was built by and with so many, we truly feel lucky to have such a tight community with staff, CSA members, and neighbors. Farming is not only a job, it is a lifestyle. The lines are blurred between work and play, on and off, hobby or chores. 

Essential Functions

• Implement systems to efficiently manage labor, equipment, and greenhouses
• Work with owners  to prepare grow plan
• Propose creative solutions to farm problems
• Work closely with farm team to produce the highest quality crops and plants
• Conduct and manage all field preparations
• Maintain proper records of full plant life cycle including planting and harvest dates and yield for future analysis
• Inspect farm buildings and equipment, making sure routine maintenance is carried out and repairs made when necessary
• Assist in construction of farm infrastructure
• Become proficient in all aspects of  harvest
• Supervise crop harvesting and packing
• Scout sales outlets including new restaurants and markets on behalf of Farm and work to increase sales
• Train and supervise farm interns

Job Requirements

• Farm management experience, small-scale, sustainable agriculture 
• Knowledge of seeding, transplanting, weed control, irrigating, harvesting, packaging and selling broad range of vegetables
• Ability to prepare periodic written reports and plans
• Ability to manage assets – equipment, labor
• Ability to budget, program, manage, schedule resources
• Ability to plan ahead and to look at the whole picture
• Ability to communicate effectively with CSA members and wholesalers as well as the general public
• Must be strong physically and able to be active for long periods of time in extreme weather conditions

Responsibilities may include

• Manage greenhouse plants that are needed by both garden and retail sales which includes watering, fertilizing, potting, propagating (seed and vegetative), pruning potted plants, and weeding pots
• Training and overseeing farm interns and apprentices 
• In charge of bed preparation including using the BCS walking tractor when appropriate
• Managing transplanting of plants to meet growing plan and observing garden rotational requirements
• Responsible for weed control and pest management
• Manage garden harvesting including washing, packing and composting waste
• Perform mowing, and weed whacking
• Supervising farm employees, which includes keeping up on employment regulations
• Maintain daily and weekly plan of farming activities
• Meet with owners weekly
• Collaborate with and work alongside chefs and other local businesses to host events on the farm
• Maintain active presence on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram
• Be available to communicate with customers on social platforms and through email and messenger app
• Accounting and bookkeeping

Compensation

• Salary ranging from 36K-45K
• Training and Continuing education opportunities included
• Performance based bonus
• Delicious food is a bonus and grocery stipend (we eat well around here)
• 40 hours per week with overtime during peak farm activity
• Two days off each week
• 2 weeks Paid Vacation 
• Sick days
• Paid Holidays

Please send inquiries and resumes to info@lakeeffectfarm.com