Organic Vegetable Field Manager

Blue Star Farm is seeking a year-round Field Manager for its Certified Naturally Grown vegetable operation in Stuyvesant, New York. The independent farm has grown diversified produce since 2010 on about seven acres, using a home site, rented field ground, high tunnels, and caterpillar tunnels. It sells throughout the year at the Hudson farmers market and to restaurants, food cooperatives, and a distributor. The manager will coordinate field preparation, planting, irrigation, crop care, harvest timing, and a small crew while remaining actively involved in daily production. Field preparation and equipment • Prepare ground with tractors and implements such as a chisel plow, disc, Perfecta, and tiller • Operate and maintain a BCS walk-behind tractor and its attachments • Set up irrigation, maintain pumps, and support fertigation systems • Inspect equipment before use and communicate repair or safety needs promptly • Complete routine maintenance and small construction projects around the farm Applicants should have at least two seasons of tractor and field-preparation experience. Safe implement connection, careful setup, and an understanding of soil conditions are important; the manager should know when a field is ready to work and when using equipment would cause compaction or damage. Crop management The Field Manager follows planting and rotation schedules, including cover crops, and monitors product availability, pests, disease, weather effects, and other crop concerns. Hands-on work includes planting, trellising, pruning, weeding, and harvesting for wholesale and retail accounts. The manager communicates with others about crop marketability, harvest quantities, and production timing so labor is directed toward the right crops and orders. High tunnels and winter production are meaningful parts of this year-round operation. Experience managing protected crops, ventilation, irrigation, fertility, pest pressure, and seasonal transitions is strongly preferred. Useful records should show what was planted, what was observed, and what action was taken rather than becoming paperwork completed long after the decision. Crew leadership This position organizes and teaches a small crew, prepares tools and assignments before workers are available, demonstrates standard procedures, and maintains quality control. Blue Star wants a self-motivated manager who can work alone when necessary and communicate well enough to coordinate with others. The successful person understands efficient commercial vegetable work and can motivate a crew without sacrificing respect or clarity. Spanish ability is helpful but not required. Qualifications Applicants should have at least three years on a commercial vegetable farm with management included in that experience. Strong candidates bring keen observation, humor, patience, physical stamina, and the ability to shift priorities as field and market conditions change. A valid driver's license and the ability to perform sustained outdoor and lifting work are expected. Hours, pay, and benefits This is a full-time, multi-year, year-round position. Work normally ranges from 45–55 hours per week at the height of the season and 20–30 hours during slower months. Hourly pay is $22–$25 depending on experience, with a salary arrangement potentially available. Benefits include accrued paid health days, five paid vacation days after the first completed season, paid holidays, farm vegetables, and a possible year-end performance bonus tied to the farm's success. How to apply Email sue@bluestarfarmny.com with a resume and two or three professional references. Explain your commercial vegetable, crew-leadership, tractor, field-preparation, irrigation, tunnel-growing, and recordkeeping experience. The farm expects a phone interview, an in-person interview, and at least a paid half-day working interview.