Farm Manager

Company Description

Project GROWS is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grow a healthy community by connecting all people to nutritious foods. We envision a world with an equitable food system where everyone has the access and knowledge to choose, grow, and enjoy foods that support a healthy life.

Established in 2012 as a community collaborative focused on preventative health and wellness, Project GROWS continues to expand its reach in our region, responding to local needs with practical, innovative, community-based solutions for health and well-being.

With a 10-acre farm outside of beautiful Staunton, Virginia as our base, we utilize three key strategies in creating a healthy community:

• Running thriving local food markets with a focus on access and affordability
• Providing extensive farm and nutrition-based education programs for youth and adults on our farm, in schools, and throughout the community
• Actively increasing local food system development through partnerships and resource-sharing with local farmers and community partners.

In all of these arenas, we act as both resource and advocate to help our community strengthen its collective ability to improve health.

At Project GROWS, we pride ourselves on cultivating a friendly, thriving work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported in their personal and professional growth.

The Farm Manager will bring strong experience in ecological, year-round vegetable production, along with the leadership skills needed to effectively supervise, train, and motivate staff and volunteers on our 10-acre farm (1-acre in crop production). This role requires someone who is passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, has excellent skills in managing people, and can collaborate to foster a growth-minded work environment.

A self‑motivated work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build and maintain community relationships are essential. As a core member of the Project GROWS team, the Farm Manager will contribute to broader organizational planning and evaluation and will model teamwork, accountability, and creative problem‑solving in support of our mission to advance food education and food access.

• Oversee Farm Production and Infrastructure: Lead all crop production efforts, including open fields, high tunnels, and greenhouse spaces. Develop and implement systems for managing plantings, rotations, pest and nutrient controls, irrigation, and overall farm maintenance. Create and manage weekly task lists to guide daily operations. Set and monitor annual goals and budget. Maintain safe, organized, and accessible growing spaces. Ensure proper maintenance of equipment, tools, walk‑in coolers, and processing areas.
• Manage Distribution Across Outlets: Oversee harvesting, washing, packing, and storage of crops with a focus on food safety and quality. Manage mobile market supply and demand in collaboration with Mobile Market Manager and coordinate other produce sales and donations. Maintain detailed records.
• Manage Farm Staff and Volunteers: Hire, train, schedule, and supervise interns and seasonal staff. Lead small groups in farm tasks with clear instruction, safety protocols, and support. Coordinate weekly farm volunteers, group volunteer events, and seasonal garden work parties. Foster new volunteer relationships and nurture longstanding partnerships.
• Manage Youth Leaders in Agriculture (YLA) Program: Hire, train, and supervise summer YLA workers. Coordinate recruitment efforts with partners. Plan program activities and events, work schedules, and leadership development opportunities.
• Collaborate with Program and Community Partners: Coordinate with education and market teams to align farm activities with programmatic needs. Foster relationships with diverse partners including schools, businesses, farmer networks, and other nonprofits groups.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in full‑season vegetable production
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability
• Working knowledge of sustainable and regenerative ag methods, including…