Head Grower & Farm Operations Manager

Confidential; Carmel Valley (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with up to 6% employer match

Paid vacation and sick leave

Lunches and snacks provided on farm

Potential discretionary bonus

Job summary

Confidential in Carmel Valley is seeking an exceptional Head Grower & Farm Operations Manager to oversee year-round vegetable and herb production. This senior position requires strong leadership skills, an understanding of organic practices, and ensuring smooth operations in the absence of the Ranch Director.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in farming, be comfortable with farm data systems, and possess excellent communication abilities. Benefits include a competitive salary, health coverage, and dedicated perks.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a lead vegetable grower.
• Genuine passion for growing as a craft, with attention to quality.
• Proven ability to lead a field crew effectively.
• Professional communication skills during high-activity periods.
• Valid unrestricted California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead year-round vegetable and herb production.
• Manage physical workflow of wash-pack operations.
• Maintain crop plans and harvest logs.
• Serve as the senior point of contact during Ranch Director’s absences.

Skills

Organic and regenerative farming practices

Crew leadership

Data systems and inventory management

Communication skills

Safe operation of farm tools

Job description

We are looking for an exceptional Head Grower & Farm Operations Manager to lead our year-round vegetable and herb production and serve as the Ranch Director’s primary backup on property. This is a senior position for a grower who takes genuine pride in their craft and is equally comfortable leading a crew, managing systems, and holding the fort professionally when leadership is away.

Reporting directly to the Ranch Director, you will own the full growing operation — from soil preparation and crop planning through harvest, wash-pack, and delivery to our culinary team. You will also carry meaningful operational responsibility, serving as the senior on-site point of contact during the Ranch Director’s absences, coordinating with our extended team of hospitality, facilities, housekeeping, and private security staff as needed.

About Us

We are a Private Culinary Farmstead focused on growing world‑class, beautiful, delicious, and nutrient‑dense produce through regenerative practices. Our operation is the direct link between soil and plate, providing a farm‑to‑table experience that is as aesthetically beautiful as it is ecologically sound. We operate with a level of precision and care that continuously strives for improvement, and we are looking for a Head Grower who views farming as a craft.

Our Core Goals

• Produce a large diversity of high‑quality, organically grown, nutrient‑dense foods and farm products.
• Create and maintain a clean, aesthetically beautiful, and ecologically balanced property.
• Provide an intimate and unique hospitality experience for our guests.

Our Core Values

Excellent Service | Trust | Collaboration | Safety | Respect | Integrity | Professionalism | Clear Communication

Core Responsibilities

1. Crop Production & Pest Management

• Lead year‑round vegetable and herb production across all outdoor fields and high tunnels using organic and regenerative practices.
• Manage bed transitions, field preparation, and efficient use of our BCS walk‑behind tractor and farm implements.
• Oversee proper curing techniques and climate/humidity management for long‑term storage crops.
• Monitor fields daily for insect, fungal, and bacterial pressures and respond using organic best practices.
• Implement vertebrate pest management strategies for gophers, voles, ground squirrels, and birds.
• Maintain drip and overhead irrigation systems, troubleshooting and repairing issues quickly.
• Oversee regular cleaning, sharpening, and scheduled maintenance of all tools and field equipment.

2. Crew Leadership & Wash-Pack Operations

• Lead and work alongside the farm crew with clear daily task assignments and scheduling.
• Manage the physical workflow of wash‑pack operations, keeping the space organized, efficient, and safe.
• Coordinate closely with the Greenhouse Manager to keep propagation on schedule and materials ordered ahead of time.

3. Data Systems & Administration

• Maintain crop plans, succession records, and daily harvest logs by location, date, and variety.
• Provide monthly yield forecasts by weight to keep the culinary team aligned with production.
• Run weekly inventory updates on our Local Line platform, ensuring physical stock matches online listings.
• Keep accurate records of all fertility, pest management, and compost tea applications.
• Handle purchasing for seeds, tools, and farm supplies within budget authority, with timely expense documentation.
• Maintain professional, timely communication with management, internal teams, and vendors by email and phone.

4. On‑Site Leadership During Ranch Director Absences

• Serve as the senior on‑site point of contact when the Ranch Director is on vacation or unavailable.
• Maintain clear communication with our extended on‑property team including hospitality, housekeeping, facilities, and security staff.
• Exercise sound judgment in operational decisions and emergencies, knowing when to act and when to elevate.
• This role requires reliable on‑call availability and the ability to respond to on‑site situations within a reasonable timeframe. No remote work option.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated experience as a lead vegetable grower with a strong track record in organic or regenerative production systems.
• Genuine passion for growing as a craft — attention to variety selection, soil health, and produce quality.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a field crew with clarity, consistency, and respect.
• Comfortable with farm data systems, harvest tracking, and inventory management tools.
• Professional communication skills and calm, reliable presence during high‑activity periods on the property.
• Safe operation of farm tractors, implements, and hand tools with a solid maintenance awareness.
• Flexible availability including core hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with willingness to extend as seasonal and operational demands require.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in varied conditions, lift 50 lbs, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods.
• Valid unrestricted California driver’s license with adequate vehicle insurance.
• Authorized to work legally in the US and willing to undergo a background investigation.
• Salary: $125,000 – $150,000 depending on experience
• Health Coverage: 100% employer‑sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance for your entire family
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 6% employer match
• Insurance: Employer‑provided life and disability coverage
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, 10 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Daily Perks: Lunches and snacks provided on farm, uniforms, and dedicated laundry service
• Bonus: Potential end‑of‑year discretionary bonus based on performance