FARM MANAGER

ChoZen Retreat, LLC; Sebastian (FL); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

ChoZen Retreat, LLC in Sebastian, FL, seeks a Farm Manager to lead regenerative farming, edible landscapes, and education across three market gardens and a food forest.)

You will oversee crop production, soil health, nursery operations, volunteer programs, budgeting, and community outreach, while expanding orchards and marketing locally.

Qualifications

• Experience in permaculture, sustainable farming, or a related field.
• Willingness to design and manage diverse ecosystems and education programs.
• Ability to work hands-on outdoors in varied weather.
• Strong communication and collaboration with volunteers and local markets.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate annual vegetables and develop perennial food systems.
• Order seeds and necessary supplies for planting and maintenance.
• Onsite resource management, education and training.
• Prepare and amend soil to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Plant, maintain, and monitor crops and manage crop life cycles.
• Harvest crops, manage preparation, and oversee proper storage techniques.
• Track and analyze crop yield and other vital metrics for efficiency.
• Oversee care for various fruit trees including fertilizing, pruning, disease management.
• Plan and implement expansion of orchards and food forests.
• Manage nursery operations and propagation of plants and seedlings.
• Oversee weekly volunteer program and work exchange / apprenticeship program.
• Operate and maintain large farm equipment, including tractors.
• Develop and manage the farm budget and ensure profitability.
• Oversee marketing and sale of crops to local markets (organic and specialty).
• Engage with local communities and markets to promote farm products.
• Collaborate with marketing team on social media content for education and activities.
• Design and conduct educational programs such as workshops and volunteer days.
• Develop and lead Lunch and Learn sessions on regenerative practices.

Skills

Physical stamina

Communication

Project management

Independent work

Attention to detail

Marketing & social media

Team collaboration

Education

Permaculture or sustainable farming experience

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated, passionate and experienced Farm Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of hands‑on farming expertise, strong business acumen, and a passion for sustainable & regenerative agriculture, permaculture & education. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including managing crop production, caring for diverse ecosystems, and leading educational initiatives.

The property and farm you will be managing boasts diverse ecosystems and microclimates, providing a unique opportunity to design, plant, manage, and expand our food forests and gardens. Our goal is to cultivate more edible and medicinal plants around the property while running 3 highly productive market gardens. The ideal candidate will have experience with traditional market garden crops and a deep understanding of perennial food forest systems suitable for central Florida.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Cultivate annual vegetables and develop perennial food systems.
• Order seeds and necessary supplies for planting and maintenance.
• Onsite resource management, education and training.
• Prepare and amend soil to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Plant, maintain, and monitor the health of crops and manage all aspects of crop life cycles.
• Harvest crops, manage preparation, and oversee proper storage techniques.
• Track and analyze crop yield and other vital metrics to ensure efficiency and improvement.
• Oversee care for various fruit trees including fertilizing, pruning, and disease management.
• Plan and implement the expansion of orchards and food forests to increase productivity.
• Manage nursery operations, focusing on the propagation of plants and seedlings for agricultural projects.
• Managing the weekly volunteer program and work exchange / apprenticeship program
• Operate and maintain large farm equipment, including tractors.
• Develop and manage the farm budget, prepare detailed reports, and ensure financial activities align with overall profitability goals.
• Oversee the marketing and sale of crops to local markets, including organic and specialty products.
• Engage with local communities and markets to promote the farm's products and initiatives.
• Work closely with the marketing team on developing and enhancing the farm’s activities presence on social media platforms like Instagram & Facebook, ensuring regular and engaging content that promotes agricultural education and farm activities.
• Design and conduct educational programs such as workshops, seminars, and volunteer days, focusing on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
• Develop and lead "Lunch and Learn" sessions to educate staff and visitors about sustainable practices and the importance of regenerative agriculture.

Skills & Capabilities

• Must be able to lift fifty pounds.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to handle multiple projects and priorities with a strong attention to detail.
• Have excellent verbal and communication skills with the ability to present thoughts and ideas clearly.
• Have a desire to promote environmental awareness and eco‑action projects available to communities far and wide.
• Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Be reliable, flexible, and punctual
• Be a self‑starter and able to work independently
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Adhere to and perform well against all company's policies and procedures.
• Effective marketing and social media skills to promote volunteer days and education around regenerative soil, agriculture and permaculture.

Education and Experience

Extensive hands‑on experience in permaculture, sustainable farming, or a related field.

Please note:

This is a hands‑on job with an organization in an early phase of its development. We are looking for a team player willing to jump in and support wherever needed. ChoZen is expanding at a fast pace and our needs are constantly shifting. Flexibility and an entrepreneurial attitude are qualities that are non‑negotiable!

About ChoZen Retreat

ChoZen Retreat is an eco retreat sanctuary located on the banks of the St. Sebastian River and Preserve. With 88 beds, a regenerative farm, an event venue, a sea plane and miles of nature trails, ChoZen Retreat provides a serene and sustainable environment for guests to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature.

ChoZen's mission is to inspire action to protect mother nature and all of its inhabitants, becoming a catalyst of awareness for the fragility of our planet. ChoZen spaces and experiences are an invitation for thought leaders and change makers across all disciplines and backgrounds to honor themselves and nature as a path to restore the balance between the planet and humanity. Our aim is to build a sustainable future for people and the environment in which we all coexist in harmony.

About ChoZen Farm

ChoZen Farm is a regenerative agricultural initiative located at ChoZen Retreat, adjacent to the St Sebastian River and 22,000 acre nature preserve with 26 endangered species. It serves as a demonstration of sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. ChoZen farm features three expansive market gardens, a food forest, nurseries and miles of nature trails with edible landscape. The Fall ChoZen Farm will be launching its artisan market and resume its lunch and learn educational series.