Farm Manager

Position: Farm Manager

Total Hours: Full-Time, exempt, 40 hrs/week

Days vary by season, some weekend days required

Compensation: $70,356 annually

Health, dental, and vision insurance 

Generous PTO and Paid Holidays

Note: No housing is included with this role

Start Date: Flexible, after January 1, 2026 and before March 1, 2026 

Specific Location: San Mateo County School Farm in El Granada, CA

Reports To: Associate Director

About Us:

The HEAL Project (THP) is a nonprofit organization providing hands-on programming that instills healthy lifestyle habits in elementary school children while inspiring environmental and agricultural awareness through a comprehensive, interactive curriculum. Our vision is a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health and our environment. 

In addition to nine garden sites at elementary schools throughout San Mateo County, The HEAL Project operates the San Mateo County School Farm, a 2-acre diversified fruit and vegetable farm in El Granada, California. We grow annual vegetables, berries, cut flowers, and culinary herbs. Produce is primarily used for educational programming, and is also sold at the Coastside Farmers’ Market and donated to the various community food pantry partners. Over 4,000 students visit the farm annually to learn about sustainable agriculture and nutrition and to connect with nature.

Position Summary

As the primary caretaker of the Farm, the Farm Manager (FM) is responsible for planning, implementing, maintaining, and harvesting all crops grown on the Farm, with support from The HEAL Project’s dedicated volunteer corps. 

The FM role requires strong planning and managerial skills including setting goals, identifying infrastructure improvement projects, documenting plans and actions taken, and wise deployment of resources (volunteer labor, tools, and supplies budget.) The FM is also responsible for identifying opportunities and executing sales of produce or value added farm products. 

The ideal candidate for this position has an entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude, and is excited about the opportunity to lead a thriving community agriculture project. The FM will also collaborate closely with the Farm Programs Manager to ensure that the Farm is operating as an ideal venue for our student visitors.  

Position Responsibilities

• Maintain, develop and schedule farm plantings; perform crop planting & harvesting using sustainable practices including but not limited to cover cropping and no-till practices
• Operate and maintain farm equipment including THP pickup truck, John Deere 4044 Tractor and attachments (rototiller, disc, bucket, bed maker), generators, pumps, etc.
• Collaborate with THP Farm Programs Manager to ensure care of farm infrastructure, manage utility services, oversee the Farm as an ideal learning environment, and develop and manage organization and inventory storage areas, materials and supplies consistent with visitor safety, security and general well maintained appearance of the site
• Manage harvests of produce in accordance with pre determined goals for supporting youth programs, sales, and donations
• Train, lead, and supervise volunteers completing daily farm care tasks
• Purchase/maintain materials, tools and other inventory required for farm use
• Light groundskeeping such as mowing, pruning brush, with assistance of volunteer groundskeeper
• Act as liaison with farm owner/landlord, organizational & agency partners, farming/ranching community
• Provide backup for program staff when needed leading on-site instruction of students, teachers & adult visitors
• Participate in The HEAL Project’s larger team activities, including staff planning sessions, meetings, and trainings
• Conduct other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications & Qualities 

​​The successful applicant will:

• Possess a minimum of two years of full-time farming experience, with additional consideration going to those who have supervisory experience
• Have experience working with volunteers
• Have the ability to work out of doors in a variety of conditions (heat, cold, mud, rain).
• A driving record with no major infractions and a valid driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment) is required.
• Desire to work and contribute to an educational farm space in a coastal California climate. Entrepreneurial mindset
• Preference given to someone who has used and maintained tractors for agricultural cultivation
• Degree in Agriculture or Farm Apprentice training is preferred.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Must comply with THP’s Employee Handbook
• Must use computer to maintain communication and track program data
• Must have access to a personal vehicle and provide valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Must meet physical requirements: ability to walk up to two miles and lift/carry up to 50 lbs for 20 feet
• Must pass DOJ fingerprint/background check and TB test
• Must complete First Aid and CPR training within six months of hire

The HEAL Project is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 

Equal opportunity is given to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran, 

in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.