Farm Production Manager

About

Boston Area Gleaners is a non-profit organization committed to improving access to affordable, healthy food for our communities. We solve problems in the food system by developing innovative approaches to reduce the barriers to access. We focus on supporting the viability of local farms, reducing and redirecting food waste, and filling the gaps in the local supply chain to ensure that fresh, healthy, affordable food is available to everyone.

The land at Stonefield Farm has been in continuous agricultural production for over 300 years. The Simeone family leased and eventually purchased what would become Stonefield Farm in the early 1900s, after immigrating from Italy. What began as a subsistence farm gradually expanded into a successful wholesale vegetable and flower business. Committed to preserving the land and transferring the property to a social cause, the Simeone family sold the property to Boston Area Gleaners in July 2021. As part of the purchase, the Gleaners agreed to continue farming the land and to retain the existing farm crew.

Beginning with the 2022 season, the Gleaners took over the wholesale vegetable business. The long-term goal is to transform the farm from a commercial enterprise to mission-aligned operation. To meet that goal, we are gradually shifting production methods, the crop portfolio, and funding sources. To date, Stonefield’s largest wholesale customer is the Greater Boston Food Bank, and a growing proportion of produce goes directly to local food pantries and food justice organizations through the Gleaners' food access programs.

Expected Schedule

• Full-time; seasonal with the potential to move into a year-round position
• This position is on-site
• Anticipated start is March 2025

Description

Boston Area Gleaners is seeking qualified candidates for the Production Manager position at Stonefield Farm. The Production Manager is responsible for the management of the Farm Team, including the Asst. Production Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Machinery Operator, and Field Crew. Production takes place on twenty acres of fields and three greenhouses at the home farm in South Acton, and a three-acre satellite field in Westford, MA.

Primary Responsibilities

Production Management

• All aspects of vegetable production, including field preparation and tillage, nutrient application, irrigation, cultivation, scouting and pest management, harvest and cover cropping.
• Daily coordination of all activities of the Farm Team
• Daily communication with the Packing and Food Safety Manager to coordinate harvests to ensure efficiency and compliance with best practices for post-harvest handling
• Regular communication with the Food Hub Manager about crop availability
• Daily communication with the Director of Strategy and Operations
• Periodic updates on farm activities to other Gleaners staff members
• Assistance with on-farm volunteer activities

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum three seasons experience in diversified vegetable production and one season in a management role
• Familiarity with best practices in vegetable production, including crop rotation, tillage, nutrient management, IPM and post-harvest handling.
• Familiarity with machinery operation, including trucks, tractors and small engines