Farm Operations Manager

Summers Wellness Farms; Branchville (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive agricultural firm in South Carolina is looking for a Farm Operations Manager to oversee daily farm activities, manage labor teams, and ensure food safety compliance. The ideal candidate has over 3 years of experience in farm management, strong leadership skills, and the ability to operate farm machinery. Responsibilities include planning planting and harvesting schedules, monitoring productivity, and maintaining equipment. This position plays a key role in maximizing efficiency and production while ensuring safety standards are met.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of farm or agricultural management experience, preferably with produce farms.
• Ability to operate farm machinery like tractors and forklifts.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily farm operations and manage crop schedules.
• Supervise farm laborers and assign tasks.
• Ensure compliance with food-safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Farm Machinery Operation

Organizational Skills

Tools

Tractors

Forklifts

Irrigation Systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Farm Operations Manager oversees daily farm operations, coordinates planting and harvesting schedules, manages labor teams, and ensures efficient workflow across all areas of the farm. This role maintains high standards in production, safety, equipment care, and quality control while supporting the overall growth and profitability of the farm.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Production & Operations

• Plan and oversee daily farm operational activities, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Manage crop schedules, track yields, and implement strategies to improve efficiency and production.
• Coordinate post-harvest handling, packaging, and storage.

Team Leadership & Labor Management

• Supervise farm laborers, crew leaders, H-2A workers, and seasonal staff.
• Assign tasks, provide training, and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Create daily/weekly work schedules and monitor productivity.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Oversee maintenance of tractors, trucks, irrigation systems, coolers, and farm tools.
• Maintain inventory of supplies (seed, fertilizer, packaging materials, fuel, etc.).
• Coordinate with mechanics or vendors for repairs and equipment needs.

Food Safety, Compliance & Records

• Ensure all operations follow food-safety protocols (GAP, FSMA, sanitation standards, documentation).
• Maintain detailed records of production, spray logs, worker hours, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with labor, safety, and environmental regulations.

Logistics & Coordination

• Coordinate with delivery drivers, distributors, and customers on harvest availability and order timelines.
• Support planning for farmers markets, wholesale orders, CSA programs, or farm partners.

Requirements

• 3+ years farm or agricultural management experience (produce farms preferred).
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to operate farm machinery (tractors, forklifts, utility vehicles, etc.).
• Knowledge of crop production, harvesting cycles, irrigation, and soil management.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in variable weather.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Performance Metrics

• Crop yield performance vs. planned output.
• Labor productivity and completion of daily task lists.
• Reduction in waste, crop loss, and operational delays.
• Equipment uptime and maintenance compliance.
• Food safety compliance (clean audits, complete documentation).