Farm Operations Manager
TCF is seeking a Farm Operations Manager to lead the organization’s efforts to grow mixed fruits and vegetables using organic and, whenever possible, regenerative practices. This position also leads TCF’s produce harvesting, packing, and distribution efforts, including donating produce to local food pantries and distributing it to our community partners for use in the farm-to-clinic program mentioned above. The Farm Operations Manager hires, trains, and manages a Farm Apprentice each season. As a small, young organization, everyone helps each other whenever possible. Therefore, the Farm Operations Manager often assists the Education Programs Manager with workshops and field trips and/or others on staff with their respective projects, too.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the decision-making process on what to plant and when, as well as when to harvest produce and how to distribute it
Take the lead on acquiring seeds and starts, tools, soil amendments, and other supplies (through donations and purchases)
Plant, tend, and harvest mixed fruits and vegetables in row crop areas
Manage propagation house for production of vegetable and fruit starts throughout season
Wash and pack produce for farm-to-clinic program and food pantries
Manage drip irrigation, pest and weed management, fertilization and compost systems, in coordination with Education Program Manager
Use cover crop rotation and compost application to improve soil fertility
Maintain accurate records of garden activities (crop plans, planting/ weeding/ fertilization/ harvest dates and details, pest management activities, notable weather incidences. etc.)
Recruit, hire, train/ educate, and manage farm interns/apprentices
We typically participate in the Oregon Farm Corps apprenticeship program, which requires employers to attend trainings, provide ongoing education/ mentorship for apprentices, host semi-regular check-ins and evaluations with apprentices, etc.
Lead in general property maintenance on our 5-acre property (mowing, weeding, mulching, and/or hiring out work as appropriate, especially during the growing season)
Add accessibility features and points of interest on the farm like paths, shade structures, etc., especially during the off season
Share responsibility for caring for fruit trees and farm animals with Education Programs Manager
Collaborate with the Education Programs Manager to plan when and how the learning garden will be used for educational programs
Assist Education Programs Manager with:
Crop planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting from learning garden
Work with the other managers to coordinate volunteers on volunteer days
Create a farm operations budget each October for the following year; track expenses throughout the year
Work closely with the Executive Director to make farm plans, manage expenses, and manage liabilities (this will involve acquiring necessary permits, etc.)
Collaborate with the Grant Writer to provide information relevant for grant applications and with the Executive Director to provide pictures/ quotes/ videos/ etc. for marketing and communications
Collaborate with other farms and related organizations to borrow equipment and share information/ resources as needed
Participate in weekly managers meetings
Prioritize accessibility and equity when planning farm operations (e.g. keeping the fields accessible to youth groups, planting culturally relevant crops requested by farm-to-clinic participants, etc.)
Perform other tasks for TCF as needed
Desired Characteristics:
5+ years of experience with organic farming methods is a must
Experience with regenerative farming methods would be ideal
Basic construction skills
Experience with small engine maintenance
Strong work ethic
Friendly, enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities
Attention to detail and good organizational skills
Proficiency in, or ability to learn, organizational software such as Google Sheets, Docs, etc. for record keeping and communication purposes
Good teamwork skills
Able to take initiative and self-direct
Interested in and committed to:
Advancing all forms of social justice, especially food justice (improving our food system so that everyone has access to healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate food regardless of economic status, race, religion, etc.)
Responsible environmental stewardship
Working with a diverse team to serve a multicultural community
Capable of lifting and carrying at least 50 lbs
Able to use basic tools such as a shovel and wheelbarrow
Prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
CPR, First Aid, and or food handler’s certifications would be ideal
These can be completed once hired, if needed
Other Opportunities Associated With this Job:
Work with a small team of passionate nonprofit professionals
Work in a fun, energetic start-up environment
Meet other local players in the food movement by attending meetings, trainings, and other networking events (optional)
Leave the desk and computer behind to work with your hands in a beautiful, rural environment!
Live near Portland, OR, an exciting city with one of the very best food scenes and access to endless outdoor activities
Time Requirements: 40 hrs per week, year round. Average of one weekend day per month to assist in volunteer days, workshops and events both on and off farm.
Application Timeline: Open until filled. Position starts mid-August 2026.
Work Model: Hybrid (but mostly on-site, due to the nature of the position!)
Pay Details: $52,000/ yr. TCF covers 90% of health, dental, and vision insurance costs; and covers 100% of basic life and AD&D insurance costs. Generous PTO policy, including a 4-week paid winter break plus 15 days of PTO to use throughout the rest of the year.
If you are interested in this position, please fill out our application and send your resume to TCF’s Executive Director, Amanda Martinez, at amanda@thimbleberrycollaborativefarm.org. No cover letter needed.
