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We are currently hiring for:

  • Head of Vegetables & Crops

​Scroll down for detailed job descriptions.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

WHO WE ARE

Caney Fork Farms (CFF)  is a diversified regenerative organic farm in middle Tennessee. Our mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative organic farming in our region benefits farmers, the environment, and the community. CFF produces mixed vegetables, chestnuts, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised pork, and we sell them directly to consumers in our region. Our work is centered around the soil, focusing on carbon farming practices that store atmospheric C02 below ground. In addition to farm production, we have a robust research program studying different organic agriculture methods and how those methods impact soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall agroecosystem health. We organize and share the information we have learned with other stakeholders. 

We are a fun and exciting workplace with challenges and opportunities to expand your knowledge. We believe in the work we are doing, and we take ownership of it. The work environment is communal and nurturing, and we believe in having hard conversations, holding each other accountable, and building trust through vulnerability. We foster a safe space for walks of life.

We share in the 4 Caney Fork Farms Core Values, and the right candidate will also.

  • Be Good to Each Other
  • Do the Hard Stuff that Matters
  • Honor Relationships
  • Be Curious and Innovative

The Farm is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Farm’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. Details of our equal employment opportunity policies are further explained in Anti-Discrimination & Harassment. 

INTRODUCTION  

The Head of Vegetables & Crops (HVC) oversees the team responsible for vegetable and flower production (new enterprise). The HVC works with the Farm Director on the grain and pulse production at our satellite farm and with the Agroforestry Manager, as the V&C departmental labor is shared with these other enterprises. The grain and pulse enterprises are new to the farm as of 2024, and we continue refining methods. We have also recently finished building a grain cleaning facility, but the structural integration within the farm has yet to be determined. The HVC is a very diversified role with a lot of responsibility. The person in the seat must maintain a high level of general abilities and knowledge while knowing where to focus on critical details that allow each enterprise to advance. Vegetables are the annual primary revenue generator, followed by chestnuts and grains. As of 2024, this department is expected to grow rapidly over the next 3 years and will eventually be the highest-grossing department on the farm. The ideal candidate for this role will be a good leader and delegator, have strong agriculture knowledge, including soil health, fertility, equipment operation, finances, and budgets, and computer skills and a willingness to embrace the various technologies utilized on the farm. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

  • V&C Team fully understands and is aligned with the vision
  • Vegetable gross revenue
  • Vegetable COGS and Direct Overhead, including hourly labor
  • Flower gross revenue 
  • Flower COGS and Direct Overhead, including hourly labor
  • Annual Vegetable and Flower Crop Plan
  • All record keeping is up-to-date and accessible when needed - including yield data
  • Ensure OSP is up-to-date and all materials are current
  • Ensure the crew knows how to operate equipment and tools
  • All departmental equipment and infrastructure is maintained and functioning
  • The wash pack area and seed closet are clean and organized 
  • The Potting Shed and Greenhouse are clean and organized
  • All food safety standards are adhered to, and paperwork is current
  • Ensure the flow of communication between the department and sales is smooth and consistent
  • Ensure all vegetable and flower packing supplies are inventoried and stocked

DAILY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Attend weekly Leadership team meeting
  • Lead departmental weekly meetings and quarterly meetings
  • Ensure all cascading messages from the leadership meeting are communicated to the team
  • Support team with on-the-ground work in all areas of the department (not a desk job)
  • Hold team accountable for their areas of influence
  • Help the team prioritize tasks based on weekly, monthly, and quarterly To-Do’s/Goals
  • Ensure the team is working effectively in all areas of production - (field prep, planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigating, trellising, pest & disease control, etc).
  • Understand soil tests as they relate to crop yields and soil health outcomes.
  • Understand irrigation systems and how to repair and improve them when necessary.
  • Understand when and where it is most effective to engage with fieldwork and do so
  • Seek opportunities and leads for wholesale vegetable and flower sales
  • Ensure weekly CSA, market, and wholesale communication is flowing to Sales
  • Make strategic harvest plans that maximize the vase life of each crop and make the most efficient use of the labor at hand

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

Attention to detail is a must, as well as a strong work ethic and alignment with our core values. The HVC must be able to work on tasks both in a group setting and alone. The HVC must understand our vision and be able to communicate it to the team and lead according to the vision. The HVC must have a solid general knowledge of vegetables, flowers, field crops, soil health, equipment, and preventative maintenance within the department. Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, learning, and picking up new software when needed, are necessary. Strong communication skills are a must, including timely and effective transfer of information to the necessary parties within the farm. The HVC must be emotionally intelligent, have the ability to lead and manage team members effectively and understand where there are opportunities for increased and/or improved communication. The HVC must be willing to give feedback when necessary and do so effectively and appropriately. The HVC must be present and supportive of the team weekly and be willing to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes. The HVC must be able to manage a budget and be disciplined to check the budget regularly to ensure this is happening. 

    

DIRECT REPORT DETAILS     

  • Harvest and Propagation Lead
  • Vegetable Field Lead
  • General Crew Member (1-2 includes apprentice)
  • Agroforestry Manager
  • Moonlight Labor Collective (When on-site)

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the team member in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

  • Employee Handbook
  • Mission and Values Statement   
  • Caney Fork Farms Google Drive &  Notion
  • Core Processes and SOPs 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

 

Must be able to work outside in most conditions, including hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions. Team members are responsible for avoiding unsafe weather conditions like lightning and extreme temperatures. Vegetable farming is acutely labor-intensive. Repetitive motion, bending, crouching, squatting, and the ability to lift 50 lbs are all aspects of the position. Team members must maintain proper form and tool usage to avoid injury. 

Both emotional intelligence and patience are required when working with other staff members—work to bring in your best self each day and encourage a positive work environment. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

All weather conditions. Tractor work, walk-behind tractor work, office work, and driving are all environments where the HVC must be comfortable. Listening to your body and knowing your limits is key. Team members are always allowed water and rest breaks throughout their day. Some days will be longer than others during high labor times of the year. 

**This job description is designed to give you an overview of this position's main tasks and responsibilities.  As Caney Fork Farms evolves and grows, this job description may be changed in consultation with you.  You will be expected to embrace such changes, work flexibly, and rise to the challenge of developing your skills over time.**