Job Opening: Assistant Manager, Oz Farm

We are seeking an Assistant Farm Manager for the 2024 growing season.

This is a seasonal position with flexible starting and ending dates; March/April – November 2024 with possibility of continuing employment.

ABOUT OZ

Oz Farm is an organic farm, non-profit and retreat center which has operated for over 20 years on the banks of the Garcia River in Mendocino County, California. We grow vegetables, flowers and heirloom apples for local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and our CSA program. We provide education in sustainable agriculture for beginning farmers, and expand local organic food access through our nonprofit, Village Oz. We also host retreats and weddings through our Retreat Center.

Communal living includes shared kitchen, family-style dinners, weekly community meetings, and rotating weekend farm duties.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Farm Manager will be working closely with the Farm Managers to help facilitate a smooth running farm operation in the field. The job offers the chance to hone farming skills, deepen and widen your breadth of knowledge, and take on more responsibility and leadership with the crew of apprentices.

Workdays are typically Monday-Friday 7-8 hours/day. All staff are expected to work 1-2x per month at Farmers Markets on Friday evening or Saturday morning, and occasional farm events.

You must be committed to the full farming season.

Tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Field leadership: daily work with farm apprentices in the field, exemplifying and embodying strong work ethic, attention to quality and detail, energetic pacing, and professionalism. The bulk of responsibility is in helping to manage the crew and field work.
• Weekly field walks with farm managers to keep an eye on crop health and availability, making harvest and work lists accordingly. In steady and open communication with farm managers to carry out daily work.
• Manage the farm operation when farm managers are away
• Take part in apprentice training and instruction. This may include both teaching in classroom and field settings.
• Sow, transplant & direct seed crops
• Bed prep & flip using no-till methods and 4-wheel tractor tillage
• Manage propagation and greenhouse systems
• Maintain irrigation systems and troubleshoot problems.
• Maintain detailed farm records.
• Keep the farm orderly and clean. Demonstrate proper use and care for tools.
• Staff the farmers markets and do CSA/wholesale deliveries.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Prior farm experience is required for this position. Our intention is to support and nurture your understanding, skills, and appreciation for local, regenerative agriculture, with opportunities to continue to grow with our farm. Must enjoy quiet hard work, a fast pace, and vegetables(!). We are looking for those who are serious and passionate about farming as a career. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is ready to take on the challenge, responsibility and gratification of farming. Seeking those who are organized, curious, dependable and personable.

• 1+ years of prior farming experience, ideally in small-scale organic vegetable, fruit, and flower production
• Must be able to hold a strong work container for apprentices: efficient, detail oriented, high quality and appropriately paced
• Applicants should be able to work hard and efficiently in all weather conditions and elements i.e. dust, dirt, high/low temperatures, and rain
• Ability to walk extensively, stand for long periods, frequently bend and stoop, kneel, squat, and shovel to complete farm tasks.
• Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment.
• Basic farm carpentry skills and proficiency with power tools preferred
• Ability to comfortably lift 50 lbs.
• Must enjoy repetitive tasks.
• Willingness to learn new skills and be flexible.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to effectively interface with fellow farm staff and community members in a friendly and engaging manner. Ability to give, receive, and incorporate feedback.
• Must be able to work as part of a team, as well as independently on a self-directed basis.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to take initiative in sharing ideas with co-workers.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

RESPONSIBILITY OF COMMUNITY MEMBER

We are looking for someone who enjoys living communally, working closely and making decisions with others, and is a thoughtful communicator. The nature of living and working together is unique; a strong sense of self awareness, boundaries & needs, and the ability to communicate respectfully is important.

• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Abide by all Oz Farm Policies & Protocol
• Participate in community cooking rotation
• Respect & care for communal spaces
• Maintain kindness, communication, and care for other community members

COMPENSATION

$1,000 per month stipend. Compensation includes room and board —

• access to the communal farm kitchen that is stocked with seasonal farm fresh produce and bulk staple food items (no meat or dairy)
• outdoor shower and bathtub
• large front and back porch
• a lounge area with loft space for guests
• access to on-site Wi-Fi network.
• Family-style plant-based dinner 5 nights/week.
• 1 week vacation during the growing season.
• The opportunity to pursue passion projects on the farm outside of the work week.
• Opportunities for continued farm education through working closely with farm managers, attending some classes and field trips.
• Field space for cultivating plants of your choice for local community donation.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a cover letter, resume, 2 references, application questionnaire, and an optional photo to produce@ozfarm.com.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. We are reviewing applications as they are received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.