Farm Manager(s) - Springfield, MO

​Urban Roots Farm is a Certified Naturally Grown four season urban vegetable farm located in downtown Springfield Missouri. Owners Adam and Melissa Millsap have worked this 1.7 acre farm since 2010 growing vegetables year round using natural and sustainable techniques. In 2019 the owners moved to AR to build another farm and have continued this journey. As owners they oversee high level operations and support  the Farm Manager to lead Urban Roots in its daily operations. 

The Farm Manager at Urban Roots Farm  is primarily responsible for the complete day to day operations of the farm. The Farm Manager works closely with the Field Manager and the Owners to ensure that the farm is profitable through organic vegetable production, sales, and tours and event management.  The manager will be responsible for managing, planning and overseeing the success of this farm. This ranges from field preparation through quality harvest and product delivery and sales. If you're a person that thrives in the outdoors, has high regard for good food, enjoys physical activity, finds problem solving exciting, loves people and is a natural leader plus enjoys getting your hands dirty; this job might be for you. 

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. The Farm Manager must be able to use and maintain farm equipment and tools. It is critical that the applicant be physically fit enough to perform the job. This is a mentally and physically taxing posiston. Able to communicate well with owners, crew and 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. The farm house is a large enough for a family and we will be filling multiple positions as the year begins. While this is not cut and dry, we welcome the opportunity for conversation and variable solutions. 

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 community with staff, CSA members, neighbors, interns and fellow farmers. 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

• Design and implement systems to efficiently manage labor, equipment, and greenhouses
• Work with field manager 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
• 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
• Mechanical knowledge and care of small engine agricultural equipment and tools
• 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 
• Schedule seeding to meet transplant and harvest needs
• 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, mower maintenance, and weed whacking
• Supervising farm employees, which includes keeping up on employment regulations
• Maintain daily and weekly plan of farming activities
• Meet with owners monthly
• 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 30K-40K with onsite Housing option
• 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 
• Paid Holidays