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Assistant Farm Manager (perennial systems)

Private Farm • Full-time • United States • $90k / year • 1w ago

Position: Assistant Farm Manager

Number of Positions: 1
Pay: Salaried position at $90,000 annually
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-sponsored healthcare and 401(k) retirement plan
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Season: Year-round
Location: Carmel Valley, Monterey County, CA

Reports to: Ranch Director

Direct Reports: Ranch Hands and Farm Crew

Email resume to:

About the Role

We are seeking an Assistant Farm Manager to join our team and take a lead role in perennial crop production. This position will work closely with the Farm Manager and Ranch Director, supporting the farm’s mission to produce the highest-quality organic food possible. With a primary focus on perennial crops, you’ll be responsible for driving excellence in production, quality control, and continuous improvement across our orchards, vineyards, perennials, and berry fields.

This is a rare opportunity for a skilled agricultural professional to apply their expertise in perennial systems—from wine and table grapes to tree fruits, citrus, olives, figs, pomegranates, berries, and herbs—on a diversified farm in one of California’s most beautiful growing regions.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Production & Quality Control

Oversee day-to-day operations for perennial crops: blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, olives, figs, apricots, plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, apples, quince, persimmons, pomegranates, citrus, and perennial herbs.
Implement and refine organic and regenerative farming practices, with an emphasis on soil health, biodiversity, and ecological resilience.
Monitor phenology, crop load, fruit quality, and harvest timing; execute cultural practices to optimize yields and flavor.
Manage order fulfillment and quality control to ensure all farm products consistently meet the farm’s established produce standards

Team Leadership & Support

Supervise direct reports, providing training, mentorship, and daily guidance.
Collaborate with the Farm Manager to ensure smooth coordination across field crews, harvest teams, and seasonal staff.
Work with the Ranch Director to set priorities, track progress, and achieve production goals.

Sustainability & Stewardship

Apply organic practices including compost and cover cropping, organic fertility programs, irrigation management, and integrated pest management (IPM).
Support ongoing improvements to soil fertility, water efficiency, and long-term perennial system health.

Farm Operations Support

Contribute to the farm safety committee, protocols, training, and crew wellbeing.
Ensure tools, vehicles, and equipment are well-maintained—coordinating vendor support when needed.
Assist in farm-wide projects and contribute to the overall success of the team.

Qualifications

Required:

Strong background in perennial crop agriculture, ideally in California or Mediterranean climates.
Hands-on experience with vineyard and orchard management, including organic or regenerative practices.
Proven leadership and supervisory skills with diverse farm teams.
Familiarity with irrigation systems, pruning strategies, crop forecasting, and harvest logistics.
Keen eye for detail, quality control, and continuous improvement.

Preferred:

Operate and maintain tractors and related equipment safely and effectively to support field work, livestock care, and property maintenance
Degree in horticulture, viticulture, pomology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Knowledge of organic certification requirements and ability to maintain detailed and timely recordkeeping logs.

Physical Requirements and Abilities:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with guests, management, and staff.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback.
Ability to work on varied outdoor terrain
Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods.
Ability to follow safety protocols and use hand tools/equipment safely.
Ability to work outdoors in diverse and extreme weather conditions.
Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds with or without assistance.
Ability to adhere to a regular work schedule of Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM. and willingness to work long and irregular hours as required by the demands of farming
Possess valid unrestricted driver’s license and adequate vehicle insurance coverage.
Authorized to work legally in the US and be willing to undergo an in-depth background investigation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for the entire family – 100% employer-sponsored.
Life and disability insurance.
401k matching up to 6%.
Paid vacation and 10 paid sick leave.
12 paid holidays per year.
Daily lunches and snacks provided.
Potential end-of-year discretionary bonus.
Uniforms and laundry service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits: