Market Garden Production Manager [ Feb 23 ]
Mossy Willow Farm is part of the Small Giants family of businesses. It is a working farm and calming retreat with purpose. We aim to connect our community to the earth and each other through regenerative farming, education and delicious produce.
A core component of the farm is a highly productive 2 acre market garden, inspired by the likes of Jean Martin Fortier, Singing Frogs Farm, Richard Perkins and many others dedicated to this style of production system. This high intensity and abundant operation produces over $300K in annual sales of flowers and vegetable varieties under no-till and organic growing principles. The production area includes a seedling greenhouse, 2 large polytunnels and ancillary caterpillar tunnels. The market garden seasonally employs 3-4 staff and regularly hosts interns.
There is a barn door / shop that is stocked with produce and products from the farm. Farm produce is also sold through local restaurants, farmers markets and grocers. In addition, the beautiful Mossy Willow property also serves as a retreat centre hosting a range of events, retreats, workshops and classes throughout the year, connected to Small Giants or other like minded businesses. Lastly, we have some peripheral activities including honey, eggs and fruit as well as some sheep and goats roaming around.
All team members work in deep partnership with a passionate community encompassing the Property Owners, a Property Manager, a Farm Business Manager and the broader Small Giants team.
About this Opportunity:
We are looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to help run a sustainable farm and market garden producing organic food and flowers as well as being a place of rest and beauty.
The position requires a passionate and keen market gardener who has a proven understanding of regenerative farming and commercial market garden production. Your role will be leading the food and flower production component of Mossy Willow farm. Including packing, logistics, distribution and sales. Long days, weekend work and variable hours is to be expected.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Coordinating all day-to-day operations of a bio-intensive and no-till market garden.
Managing staff members and interns.
Food production and harvesting from market garden and orchards.
Management and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Propagating vegetables and flowers.
Crop and planting schedule.
Plot and bed preparation and management.
Packaging and preparing produce for sale.
Farm gate and farmers market sales.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
You ideally have:
A qualification or significant experience in farming and horticulture.
A demonstrated passion for biodynamic, organic or regenerative agriculture.
Experience in similar market garden production systems, including closed-culture growing.
Great communication and management skills.
A ‘can do’ attitude with a focus on results.
Experience in managing a team.
An inquisitive and enthusiastic approach to learning new things.
Openminded, flexible, willing to take direction and try new approaches.
Ideally experience with organic and biodynamic practices
Applications:
What we offer in return is the chance to join the Small Giants family and work in a location of unparalleled beauty, just 1 hr from Melbourne. A fair remuneration package will be negotiated along with the potential to live on the farm.
To apply please provide your CV and Cover letter demonstrating your passion for regenerative agriculture and outlining how your experiences make you an ideal fit for this position.
Please apply directly to adam@mossywillowfarm.com
To learn more about Mossy Willow Farm head over to www.mossywillowfarm.com
Contact Information
For more information about the role contact us via one of the methods below:
email van@smallgiants.com
public Mossy Willow Farm