Crop Production Manager

Santa Cruz Permaculture is hiring a Crop Production Manager for their educational farm in Santa Cruz, CA. The role involves managing crop production, supervising staff, and maintaining farm tools. It starts part-time in spring and moves to full-time in summer, requiring a minimum two-year commitment. Candidates should have experience in crop production and strong leadership skills. Compensation is $17-$20/hour based on experience.
Job Posting: Crop Production Manager

Santa Cruz Permaculture Farm is a coastal 26.5 acre educational farm established in 2022. We grow exceptional fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs while enhancing biodiversity, regenerating soils and watersheds, and educating the next generation of food system leaders.

Learn about our courses and farm at santacruzpermaculture.com.

Location: Highway 1 just ten minutes north of Davenport at 640 Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero.

Schedule: 12-24 hours/week April-May and 24-40 hours/week from June on.

Compensation: $17-$20/hour depending on experience and ability to be self-directed.

Job Description: We’re looking for a farmer to join our team as crop production manager and general field crew member. This position starts as part-time in spring and moves to full time in summer with a minimum two year commitment.

Responsibilities and Duties
• Implement our annual crop plan, including crop rotation schedules.
• Manage planting, irrigation, fertilizing, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Working to learn the diversity of crops and how to perform the tasks as efficiently as possible.
• Supervise and train seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Monitor and maintain farm tools, machinery, and infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate records of crop yields, planting schedules, and input usage.
• Ensure compliance with our organic certification and standards.
• Delivery and farmers markets as needed.
• Occasional participation in farm tours, workshops, and other community events to promote education about regenerative agriculture.
• Be punctual.
• Have reliable transportation.
• Be comfortable being out of cell range during your farm day.
• Communicate your needs proactively.
• Receive and give feedback gracefully.
• Avoid taking time off during peak season (June-October).

Required Qualifications and Skills
• Experience in crop production, preferably with regenerative or organic farming practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience managing teams.
• Ability to operate and maintain farm equipment and tools.
• Physical stamina to work in diverse weather conditions and perform manual labor.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Clean driving record and CA drivers license.
• High level of attention to detail and time management.
• Dependable with thorough follow through.
• Strong computer skills (email, Google Apps).

Recommended Qualifications and Skills
• English and Spanish speaking is a plus.
• Experience with farm sales.
• Degree or certificate in agroecology or sustainable agriculture.
• Permaculture Design Certificate
• Prior experience with Santa Cruz Permaculture is a plus.

Benefits and Perks
• Competitive pay based on experience ($17-20/hour).
• We often have extra produce from our fields and farmers markets to share with employees.
• Work in a beautiful location surrounded by nature and like-minded individuals in a vibrant, supportive farming community.
• Opportunity to deepen knowledge and practice in permaculture and regenerative farming. This includes both “learning on the job” as well as participation in our courses outside of work hours.

If you’re passionate about building a sustainable food system and ready to take your farming career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you!

To Apply

The position is open until filled. Please fill out our job application here

Please include:
• 1-2 page cover letter addressing the questions: Which position you’re applying for? Why are you interested in and uniquely qualified for this position? How does this position align with your values and long-term goals? Why farm? Why are you interested in working at SCP Farm? What do you bring to the table? What are your growth points?
• Resume
• 3 references