Farm Manager & Mentor

Aletheia Farm & Garden is looking for an experienced grower to manage and help shape a small organic farm in Sonoma Valley. Established in 2018, the current quarter-acre growing area produces diversified vegetables and cut flowers for Café 108° and the community of land stewards who live and work at the Springs. The site also includes a developing insectary, young fruit trees, established irrigation and a new 720-square-foot greenhouse. This is a hands-on part-time position with meaningful authority over crop planning, field execution and the development of people around the farm. What the work looks like Approximately 85–90% of the manager's time is practical farm labor and production management. The remaining time is spent guiding weekly apprentices and occasional volunteer groups. The manager should expect to work independently for long stretches, then shift comfortably into clear, patient instruction when other people join the work. Core responsibilities • Build and maintain seasonal crop plans, rotations and succession schedules for direct-sown and greenhouse-started crops • Order seed, starts, soil amendments and other production supplies with attention to timing and budget • Coordinate harvest timing and café deliveries with the Café Manager • Monitor irrigation, weeds, soil conditions and crop health, addressing problems before they affect production • Use organic and humane methods to manage pests and protect beneficial organisms • Plan practical improvements to beds, paths, greenhouse systems and other farm infrastructure • Demonstrate safe, efficient techniques to apprentices and help organize larger volunteer workdays • Keep useful production records in Google Docs, Sheets, Excel or a comparable system The farm has room to develop beyond its current footprint. Possibilities described by Aletheia include expanding vegetable ground, developing a separate cut-flower or raised-bed area, building a tree nursery and installing a large gravity-fed rainwater catchment system. The successful manager will first bring consistency to present production, then contribute grounded ideas about which opportunities make sense. A longer-term staff, leaseholder or residential stewardship relationship may be explored after mutual fit is established, but applicants should evaluate the advertised part-time employment role on its own merits. Experience and working style Applicants should have at least three years of experience as a farm manager, assistant manager or in closely comparable production work. Strong candidates understand crop rotations, seasonal planning, greenhouse starts, irrigation and organic growing. They are self-directed without becoming isolated, communicate changes promptly and can explain a task without losing sight of the day's production goals. Experience training apprentices or coordinating volunteers is helpful, as is a sincere commitment to regenerative agriculture, local food and healthy soil. The job requires regular outdoor work, the ability to lift more than 50 pounds and a valid California driver's license with active insurance and a safe driving record. Schedule, pay and perks The position averages 8–12 or more hours per week across one to three days, depending on the season, and is available to begin as soon as possible. Pay is $25–$30 per hour, negotiable with experience. Listed perks include private hot-spring soaking and swimming, farm produce, artesian drinking-water fill-ups and access to other onsite amenities. Hours and scope may grow after a successful first year. How to apply Email laurie@aletheiasprings.com with a current resume, a brief cover letter explaining your interest and fit, and three references, including at least two professional references. Applicants interested in the longer-term land-stewardship possibilities may mention that interest, while clearly addressing their qualifications for the immediate Farm Manager & Mentor position.