Keller Executive Search
Farm Manager - Sustainable Agriculture & Apprentice Development #0610
Keller Executive Search, Oak Harbor, Washington, us, 98278
A nonprofit farmer training organization based on Whidbey Island, Washington, is looking for a seasoned Farm Manager to oversee production operations and guide emerging sustainable agriculture leaders. This position offers a distinctive chance to merge practical organic vegetable and seed farming with significant educational contributions within a purpose-driven organization.
The ideal candidate will possess entrepreneurial vision and creativity, with the ability to recognize broader opportunities and drive substantial organizational growth while enhancing operational efficiency. Future plans encompass incorporating regenerative livestock management and hay production within the next 3–5 years, along with the possibility of expanding into a significantly larger, multi-location operation throughout the island.
Situated roughly 45 minutes from Seattle (90 minutes total travel time including ferry), Whidbey Island provides stunning Pacific Northwest surroundings. The successful candidate will demonstrate open-mindedness, thrive in a community-oriented setting, and feel passionate about the organizational mission.
Primary Responsibilities
Team Leadership:
Lead and mentor farm staff and apprentices with diverse experience levels and objectives; create an inclusive, supportive learning environment that promotes both regenerative techniques and economically viable farming methods; exercise independent operational judgment while ensuring team accountability for results
Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting:
Operate tractors and agricultural equipment with confidence; show capability in diagnosing and fixing equipment issues on-site (island location means off-site repairs may require a month or longer, making problem-solving abilities essential)
Strategic Expansion & Vision:
Assume primary ownership for expanding production from 5 to beyond 12 acres over two years; create and execute 3–5 year strategies for incorporating regenerative livestock management and hay production; contribute to envisioning and implementing organizational expansion across multiple island sites with access to 100+ acres of agricultural land
Systems Improvement:
Evaluate existing farming systems and pinpoint opportunities for improved efficiency; execute certified organic and regenerative methods including strategic tillage use, tarping, rotational grazing, cover cropping, and pest exclusion techniques—adopting a practical rather than dogmatic philosophy
Communication & Collaboration:
Maintain regular engagement with the Executive Director and leadership team to ensure coordination and alignment with the community-centered mission—success in this position depends on teamwork rather than isolated operation
Local Operations:
Conduct local travel between island farm sites and to farmers markets when necessary; organization-provided farm vehicle available
Production Management:
Direct daily operations of a certified organic vegetable and seed production farm cultivating specialty crops; manage all facets including seeding, transplanting, irrigation, harvest, processing, and marketing
Community Engagement:
Serve as an organizational representative in the community through public presentations, conducting tours, and engaging in outreach initiatives; exhibit strong interpersonal abilities and values that align with the mission
Cropping Strategy:
Develop and execute comprehensive crop plans in partnership with the existing farm team; synchronize specialty crop production with regional market needs and maintain operational efficiency
Soil Health Management:
Utilize thorough knowledge of soil building, soil health evaluation, and soil constraints to inform organic and regenerative practices; this represents a fundamental component of the farming approach
Entrepreneurial Leadership:
Apply creative, entrepreneurial thinking to recognize expansion opportunities, efficiency enhancements, and additional revenue channels; assist the organization in thinking ambitiously while remaining grounded in feasible implementation
Financial Management:
Oversee multiple market outlets (wholesale, farmers markets, farm stands, local food hubs) to optimize revenue; control budgets and achieve production and revenue objectives; possible performance-based compensation linked to sales expansion
Documentation & Compliance:
Keep operational logs, monitor progress toward goals, and ensure regulatory compliance with organic certification requirements (note: operation encompasses both certified and non-certified parcels)
Required Qualifications
Organic Systems Expertise:
Background managing certified organic farm operations and executing regenerative practices with a pragmatic methodology; comprehension of soil health, soil building, and soil constraints
Documented Track Record:
Demonstrated success in crop planning, budgeting, staff oversight, and sales through multiple market channels; must supply documentation of previous farm management positions (e.g., crop plans, budgets, operational logs)
References & Documentation:
Professional references necessary from former employers; documentation of previous farm management responsibilities
Teaching & Mentoring:
Capability to connect with and develop apprentices from varied backgrounds with different farming aspirations (from idealistic small-scale regenerative farmers to profit-oriented commercial farmers); comfort with public speaking and facilitating community tours
Communication & Collaboration:
Excellent interpersonal abilities with capacity to regularly check in with leadership; not an independent lone wolf operator—must function collaboratively within nonprofit framework
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Capacity to envision larger-scale opportunities, think innovatively about growth possibilities, and contribute vision to expansion strategies
Leadership Skills:
Proven ability to direct farm operations, manage teams, guide apprentices, and exercise independent operational judgment while sustaining collaborative communication with organizational leadership
Location Requirement:
Must be willing to relocate to Whidbey Island or live locally; on‑site presence is critical (ferry commuting from Seattle is not practical for this position)
Legal Requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
Commercial Management Experience:
Minimum 5 years of full‑time, hands‑on management experience on a commercial organic vegetable and/or seed farm of at least 10 acres, with proven leadership in scaling production (Note: Academic coursework, internships, volunteer positions, or recent graduate degrees alone do not satisfy this requirement)
Preferred Qualifications
Passion for fresh, locally grown food, community involvement, and building something enduring
Track record of revenue expansion and achieving financial objectives in agricultural operations
Background with seed production, regenerative livestock management, and hay production
Comfort with both certified organic and non-certified field management
Experience with specialty crops (non-traditional row crops) in addition to conventional vegetable production
Experience managing operations across multiple farm sites
Comfortable operating tractors and farm equipment; aptitude for diagnosing and repairing equipment on-site when problems occur
Familiarity with nonprofit farmer-training programs or educational farm settings
An appreciation for complexity, problem-solving capability, and a healthy sense of humor
Experience expanding production from intensive bed-based systems to larger field blocks and multi-site operations
Compensation & Benefits
Salary:
$80,000 per year (Washington State overtime‑exempt salary threshold; statutory increases apply)
Performance Incentive:
Potential for performance‑based compensation/commission tied to increased production and sales revenue growth
Health Insurance:
Comprehensive coverage provided
Paid Time Off:
Holidays and vacation time
Housing Assistance:
Temporary housing options available to assist with the relocation process while you establish yourself on the island
Equipment & Vehicle:
Farm vehicle provided for local travel; access to full range of farm equipment
Professional Growth:
Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an established nonprofit farm; lead expansion from 5 acres to potentially 100+ acres across multiple island sites; develop new enterprise integration over 3–5 years; this could be the capstone role of your agricultural career
Work Environment:
Pragmatic, mission-driven team; seasonally driven hours (typically aim for 8‑5 schedule, extended hours during peak seasons as needed); weekend farmers market participation required
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity:
Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compliance with Laws:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Both Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E‑Verify. Information about E‑Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information:
Rhode Island:
We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut:
We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey:
We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information:
In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
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The ideal candidate will possess entrepreneurial vision and creativity, with the ability to recognize broader opportunities and drive substantial organizational growth while enhancing operational efficiency. Future plans encompass incorporating regenerative livestock management and hay production within the next 3–5 years, along with the possibility of expanding into a significantly larger, multi-location operation throughout the island.
Situated roughly 45 minutes from Seattle (90 minutes total travel time including ferry), Whidbey Island provides stunning Pacific Northwest surroundings. The successful candidate will demonstrate open-mindedness, thrive in a community-oriented setting, and feel passionate about the organizational mission.
Primary Responsibilities
Team Leadership:
Lead and mentor farm staff and apprentices with diverse experience levels and objectives; create an inclusive, supportive learning environment that promotes both regenerative techniques and economically viable farming methods; exercise independent operational judgment while ensuring team accountability for results
Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting:
Operate tractors and agricultural equipment with confidence; show capability in diagnosing and fixing equipment issues on-site (island location means off-site repairs may require a month or longer, making problem-solving abilities essential)
Strategic Expansion & Vision:
Assume primary ownership for expanding production from 5 to beyond 12 acres over two years; create and execute 3–5 year strategies for incorporating regenerative livestock management and hay production; contribute to envisioning and implementing organizational expansion across multiple island sites with access to 100+ acres of agricultural land
Systems Improvement:
Evaluate existing farming systems and pinpoint opportunities for improved efficiency; execute certified organic and regenerative methods including strategic tillage use, tarping, rotational grazing, cover cropping, and pest exclusion techniques—adopting a practical rather than dogmatic philosophy
Communication & Collaboration:
Maintain regular engagement with the Executive Director and leadership team to ensure coordination and alignment with the community-centered mission—success in this position depends on teamwork rather than isolated operation
Local Operations:
Conduct local travel between island farm sites and to farmers markets when necessary; organization-provided farm vehicle available
Production Management:
Direct daily operations of a certified organic vegetable and seed production farm cultivating specialty crops; manage all facets including seeding, transplanting, irrigation, harvest, processing, and marketing
Community Engagement:
Serve as an organizational representative in the community through public presentations, conducting tours, and engaging in outreach initiatives; exhibit strong interpersonal abilities and values that align with the mission
Cropping Strategy:
Develop and execute comprehensive crop plans in partnership with the existing farm team; synchronize specialty crop production with regional market needs and maintain operational efficiency
Soil Health Management:
Utilize thorough knowledge of soil building, soil health evaluation, and soil constraints to inform organic and regenerative practices; this represents a fundamental component of the farming approach
Entrepreneurial Leadership:
Apply creative, entrepreneurial thinking to recognize expansion opportunities, efficiency enhancements, and additional revenue channels; assist the organization in thinking ambitiously while remaining grounded in feasible implementation
Financial Management:
Oversee multiple market outlets (wholesale, farmers markets, farm stands, local food hubs) to optimize revenue; control budgets and achieve production and revenue objectives; possible performance-based compensation linked to sales expansion
Documentation & Compliance:
Keep operational logs, monitor progress toward goals, and ensure regulatory compliance with organic certification requirements (note: operation encompasses both certified and non-certified parcels)
Required Qualifications
Organic Systems Expertise:
Background managing certified organic farm operations and executing regenerative practices with a pragmatic methodology; comprehension of soil health, soil building, and soil constraints
Documented Track Record:
Demonstrated success in crop planning, budgeting, staff oversight, and sales through multiple market channels; must supply documentation of previous farm management positions (e.g., crop plans, budgets, operational logs)
References & Documentation:
Professional references necessary from former employers; documentation of previous farm management responsibilities
Teaching & Mentoring:
Capability to connect with and develop apprentices from varied backgrounds with different farming aspirations (from idealistic small-scale regenerative farmers to profit-oriented commercial farmers); comfort with public speaking and facilitating community tours
Communication & Collaboration:
Excellent interpersonal abilities with capacity to regularly check in with leadership; not an independent lone wolf operator—must function collaboratively within nonprofit framework
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Capacity to envision larger-scale opportunities, think innovatively about growth possibilities, and contribute vision to expansion strategies
Leadership Skills:
Proven ability to direct farm operations, manage teams, guide apprentices, and exercise independent operational judgment while sustaining collaborative communication with organizational leadership
Location Requirement:
Must be willing to relocate to Whidbey Island or live locally; on‑site presence is critical (ferry commuting from Seattle is not practical for this position)
Legal Requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
Commercial Management Experience:
Minimum 5 years of full‑time, hands‑on management experience on a commercial organic vegetable and/or seed farm of at least 10 acres, with proven leadership in scaling production (Note: Academic coursework, internships, volunteer positions, or recent graduate degrees alone do not satisfy this requirement)
Preferred Qualifications
Passion for fresh, locally grown food, community involvement, and building something enduring
Track record of revenue expansion and achieving financial objectives in agricultural operations
Background with seed production, regenerative livestock management, and hay production
Comfort with both certified organic and non-certified field management
Experience with specialty crops (non-traditional row crops) in addition to conventional vegetable production
Experience managing operations across multiple farm sites
Comfortable operating tractors and farm equipment; aptitude for diagnosing and repairing equipment on-site when problems occur
Familiarity with nonprofit farmer-training programs or educational farm settings
An appreciation for complexity, problem-solving capability, and a healthy sense of humor
Experience expanding production from intensive bed-based systems to larger field blocks and multi-site operations
Compensation & Benefits
Salary:
$80,000 per year (Washington State overtime‑exempt salary threshold; statutory increases apply)
Performance Incentive:
Potential for performance‑based compensation/commission tied to increased production and sales revenue growth
Health Insurance:
Comprehensive coverage provided
Paid Time Off:
Holidays and vacation time
Housing Assistance:
Temporary housing options available to assist with the relocation process while you establish yourself on the island
Equipment & Vehicle:
Farm vehicle provided for local travel; access to full range of farm equipment
Professional Growth:
Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an established nonprofit farm; lead expansion from 5 acres to potentially 100+ acres across multiple island sites; develop new enterprise integration over 3–5 years; this could be the capstone role of your agricultural career
Work Environment:
Pragmatic, mission-driven team; seasonally driven hours (typically aim for 8‑5 schedule, extended hours during peak seasons as needed); weekend farmers market participation required
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity:
Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compliance with Laws:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Both Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E‑Verify. Information about E‑Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information:
Rhode Island:
We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut:
We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey:
We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information:
In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
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