JOB OPENINGS
Title: Farm Manager
Reports To: OFS Executive Director
Location: Organic Farm School, Clinton, WA
Start Date: January 2026
Compensation: $80,169/year, overtime-exempt, with holidays/vacation, health insurance
Housing Option: temporary options available to assist in the relocation process
About the Organic Farm School (OFS)
OFS is a small but established non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture production, farmer education, and community engagement. We have a good reputation throughout the PNW. Since 2009, we have trained and launched 85 organic farmers nationwide, with 57 currently working in farming or farm-related roles. Many of our graduates are making a positive impact here in our local community. Over the next two years, we will expand our operation from 5 to more than 12 acres, maintaining emphasis on certified organic vegetable and seed production. Longer term, we plan to incorporate regenerative livestock management and hay production into our program on additional acreage.
Our primary leadership roles are:
Executive Director – interacts with the Board, holds the mission/vision of the organization, manages community/donor relationships, provides staff evaluation and support
Farm Manager – designs and implements a robust crop plan, integrates apprentices into the the system and holds them accountable for outcomes, creates a two-to-five year plan for expanding vegetable and seed production alongside hay and livestock enterprises
Hospitality Manager – designs and implements agri-tourism programs, oversees facility rentals and events
While each role is specific, there is considerable overlap, as each element fuels the others. This interdependence necessitates strong communication and collaboration skills for all staff.
Position Overview
We seek an experienced, hands-on Farm Manager to lead our certified organic farm. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing all aspects of a commercial farm operation, mentoring staff, and driving production and revenue goals.
Required Qualifications
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 demonstrated leadership in scaling up production. Experience with regenerative livestock management and hay production is highly desirable. Note: Academic coursework, internships, or volunteer roles alone do not meet this requirement.
Documented success in crop planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and sales across multiple market outlets (wholesale, farmers market, farm stand, local food hub, etc.).
Proven leadership in supervising farm teams, training staff, and making independent operational decisions.
Experience managing certified organic farm systems and implementing regenerative practices, including judicious use of tillage, tarping, rotational grazing of livestock, cover cropping, and pest management via exclusion methods.
Strong communication skills and comfort with public speaking, including leading community tours.
Ability to maintain operational logs, adhere to budgets, and meet production/revenue goals.
References required from previous employers, plus documentation of past farm management roles (e.g., crop plans, budgets, operational logs).
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
Desirable Traits
A love of complexity and a healthy sense of humor.
Enthusiasm for working with a leadership team and mentoring apprentice farmers.
Passion for fresh, locally grown food and community engagement.
Responsibilities
Lead all aspects of farm operations, including seeding, transplanting, irrigating, harvesting, processing, and marketing
Take primary responsibility for increasing both vegetable and seed production as the farm expands from 5 to over 12 acres in the next two years, ensuring continued excellence in certified organic practices and meeting production and revenue goals
Lead the planning and implementation of the farm’s expansion into regenerative livestock management and hay production over the next 3–5 years, including developing systems, training staff, and integrating these new enterprises into the overall farm operation.
Collaborate with the leadership team to set strategic goals, monitor progress, and adapt operational plans to support both immediate and long-term growth in these key areas.
Collaborate with current farm team to implement and refine crop plans.
Manage multiple market outlets to maximize revenue and stay on budget.
Lead farm staff, fostering a culture of, learning, collaboration, and market success, while adhering to the OFS Mission and Vision.
Represent OFS in the community through tours, outreach, and public speaking.