Vegetable Production Manager (7262)

The Vegetable Production Manager will oversee the daily operations of vegetable production and animal care at Pond Hill Farm. Tasks include planning what will be grown, ordering and inventory of seeds, fertilizer, hard goods. Planning the schedule of tasks, helping hire seasonal staff, training and management. It is critical that the VPM meets regularly with our Cafe kitchen to make sure that what is being grown is flowing as efficiently as possible into the kitchen. Record keeping, managing the wash pack area and delivery to the kitchen are all part of this jobs responsibilities. At the end of the season the VPM role shifts to assisting with other farm tasks such as winterization, trail maintenance, assisting with Christmas trees, wreaths and garland, snow plowing and planning for the next season. The ability to flex with the needs of the business, learn new skills, lead a crew of people and be a team player are critical to the success and growth of this individual. It is also very important to be willing to be an ambassador of the farm with staff and guests alike. We are looking for an individual to lead the vegetable production department, as well as assists with many other departments such as but not limited to: The vineyard, groundskeeping, equipment maintenance and repair, forestry/ saw mill and wide variety of projects that are ever changing with the seasons. Ideally this role will begin to take over some of the responsibilities from the director of outdoor operations such as vineyard management, pumpkin and squash production.

Pond Hill Farm is a 198 acre agricultural tourism destination in the resort town of Harbor Springs Michigan.  It is nestled on the headwaters of 5 Mile Creek and overlooks Lake Michigan from the top of Sunset Hill Vineyard. The farm's roots are in vegetable and animal production.  The agricultural nature of the farm is a huge part of what draws tens of thousands of visitors to the property throughout the season.   Pond Hill  is known for its free-spirited vibe and growth over the years. It has gone from  a roadside stand that sold eggs for $1/ dozen in 1994 to the destination it is today.  It is now known for its cafe, winery, brewery and live music scene that draws vacationers and locals alike to enjoy the food, drinks and entertainment all on a working farm that is growing more than just plants.

Produce is grown for the cafe menu and used in the canned goods, value added products and in preservation projects.  4 greenhouses are used for season extension which enables us to have fresh produce on our menu more than 8 months per year and preserved produce year round.  The farm also boasts 8 acres of wine grapes, 20+ acres of fields that are irrigated, high fenced and used for pumpkins and winter squash.  A small amount of farm animals are kept to round out the guests “farm experience”  primarily for petting and providing the farm ambiance.  A mix of crop and grazing land,  upland hardwood forest, swampland, 2 streams and 4 ponds (one of which is full of Trout) round out the property making it a home to a 6.5 miles trail system that is maintained year round for guests to enjoy.

The Vegetable Production Manager will oversee the daily operations of vegetable production and animal care at Pond Hill Farm. Tasks include planning what will be grown, ordering and inventory of seeds, fertilizer, hard goods. Planning the schedule of tasks, helping hire seasonal staff, training and management. It is critical that the VPM meets regularly with our Cafe kitchen to make sure that what is being grown is flowing as efficiently as possible into the kitchen. Record keeping, managing the wash pack area and delivery to the kitchen are all part of this jobs responsibilities. At the end of the season the VPM role shifts to assisting with other farm tasks such as winterization, trail maintenance, assisting with Christmas trees, wreaths and garland, snow plowing and planning for the next season. 

• Strong management and leadership skills 
• The ability to lead a team of people with a positive and friendly demeanor
• Two or more seasons of experience as a vegetable grower and or farm manager/assistant farm manager
• Good communication skills and the ability to delegate well
• Experience with simple irrigation and plumbing installation and
• Experience with season extension and vegetable production in greenhouses
• Previous experience with the operation and repair of farm equipment…tractors, PTO implements and power tools
• Forestry experience and the ability to use a chainsaw and sawmill
• The desire to work outside in all seasons and weather conditions
• repair as related to irrigation infrastructure

Two or more seasons of experience as a vegetable grower and or farm manager/assistant farm manager

Good communication skills and the ability to delegate well

Experience with simple irrigation and plumbing installation and

Experience with season extension and vegetable production in greenhouses

Previous experience with the operation and repair of farm equipment…tractors, PTO implements and power tools

Forestry experience and the ability to use a chainsaw and sawmill

• Year round salary position 45-55k depending on experience.
• 2 weeks PTO in the first year
• 401K contribution
• On farm housing opportunity