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Farm Overview:
Songbird Floristry is a cut flower farm and floral design studio roughly 30 minutes southwest of Portland. We established our farm in 2018 and grow a combination of perennials and annuals on approximately 3 acres. We love offering local, seasonal flowers and our main priority in planting and harvesting is to meet the needs of our wedding, funeral, and corporate event clients.
We have a small crew of about 7 employees during peak season, a mix of part-time and full-time staff, divided between the farm and studio. We all love flowers and are passionate about cultivating and creating beautiful things. Our team works closely to stay organized and work efficiently. Daily communication and collaboration with the farm owner, lead designers, and part time team members will be essential.
With consistent, substantial growth year over year, this is a new position that will give sustained, knowledgeable attention to the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the farm. While we are not certified organic, we strive to use organic practices and would be particularly interested in a candidate with passion for sustainable flower farming practices. We currently grow in fabric with drip irrigation and primarily tend the land by hand with the help of a small tractor.
Job Summary:
The field operations manager will work in collaboration with the owner (Robyn) in full circle planning and management of the farm. This is a hands on, working role that encompasses both planning and action. This is a full-time position, 32-40 hours per week, depending on season. Winter furlough possible upon request.
Responsibilities:
Planning: Annual field map and seed starting schedule, ongoing improvement projects, weekly work plans (we will create this together, you will execute it).
Growing: Plant propagation and care. Production row turn, set up, and planting. Ensure crop-specific needs are met: feeding, pinching, netting, trellising, etc.
Field Maintenance: Weed & pest management. Watering. Compost tea prep and application. Regular care for perennials. Weeding with hand tools, weed whacking, planting, trellising, pruning, digging and dividing dahlias, field mowing, etc.
Irrigation & Supply Maintenance: Ensure irrigation is in working order, perform basic maintenance as needed. Organize and maintain work tools, barn, greenhouse, and supplies. Ensure everything is in working order and that maintenance/repairs occur when needed.
Harvesting: Harvest crops to exceptional standards 2 to 3 mornings a week for upcoming events and orders. Label cut dates and rotate inventory to ensure first in, first out. Contribute to morning team meetings on Wednesday where we discuss flower availability.
Soil Management: Annual testing, apply amendments, sow cover crops. Improve and maintain on-site composting system.
Field Team Management: During peak season, there may be times that you’ll need to instruct and oversee the work of short-term field assistants, primarily with planting, weeding, and harvest.
Minimum Qualifications:
· 2 full seasons working on a flower farm. Open to substituting formal education for some experience with strong recommendations.
· Experience with irrigation, including drip
· Experience with long handled tools
· Experience with small scale equipment such as weed whacker.
· Experience operating a tractor.
· Experience with pest and disease management on a flower farm
· Able to work in adverse weather conditions (cold, rain, heat) for a full 8 hour work day and keep a positive attitude.
· Great attention to detail for harvesting
· Reliable
· Excellent communication- will communicate clearly about scheduling changes and any conflict that needs to be worked through.
· A positive and constructive attitude
· Able to lift 50 lbs many times throughout the day
· Able to stand/squat for long periods
· Able to work efficiently for long periods during the cold, heat, wind, and rain
· Commitment to working the full farm season (through mid-December)
· Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
· Flexible (hours can change due to heat, smoke, and cold.)
· Able to work independently and as a team
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Curiosity in learning more and growing in your farming skills
· Self motivated and directed
· Organization
· Able to work well with others
· Love working outside
· Has a love for flowers and farming
· A desire to notice and improve farm systems to make them function better
· Carpentry skills
· Mechanical skills
· Ability to operate a small tractor, change implements, etc.
· Basic familiarity with MS Excel