Farm Manager - Sustainable Agriculture & Apprentice Development

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.

• 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;…