Job Title: Crop Manager - Blue Sky Farm

Location: Woodburn, Oregon
Job Type: Full-Time

About Us:
Blue Sky Farm is a growing production farm in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, focused on delivering high-quality crops through dedication and teamwork. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a skilled and driven Crop Manager to join in the leadership of our field operations and ensure the success of our core production systems. This is a key role on our farm, offering the opportunity to work with a collaborative team committed to excellence in agriculture.

Job Summary:
The Crop Manager is responsible for planning and executing the full crop production cycle for assigned crops, with a focus on agronomic decision-making, communicating with industry advisors and vendors, equipment operation, teamwork, and hands-on technical excellence. This position requires a working knowledge of modern farm practices and a high level of independence, precision, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:
Crop Production & Agronomy

• Manage the annual production calendar of assigned crops (or intercrop roles), from pre-plant through post-harvest.
• Execute crop plans, including planting schedules, fertility programs, irrigation strategies, and pest/disease control measures.
• Make informed agronomic decisions, adapting to seasonal conditions and performance data while communicating and collaborating with agronomic advisors and farm owner.

Chemical Application (Advanced Level)

• Hold and maintain a valid Oregon pesticide applicator's license.
• Make informed decisions on spray rates, pressures, and speeds; ability to operate any and all sprayer types on the farm.
• Diagnose, repair, and maintain spray equipment to a high standard, understanding how all components interact.

Dry Fertilizer Application

• Accurately set and calibrate spreaders using product density and spread charts.
• Diagnose spreader issues and ensure the applied rate matches the intended target.
• Demonstrate competency in fertilizer math, rate verification, and true-rate calibration.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate all crop-specific equipment: tractors, sprayers, spreaders, harvesters, and trucks.
• Help schedule and perform maintenance on all crop-related equipment, ensuring uptime and longevity.

Irrigation Management

• Plan and execute irrigation schedules; set rates, run times, layouts, and record keeping.
• Operate and troubleshoot irrigation systems across a variety of field conditions.

Harvest Operations

• Lead and explain the harvest plan, including key timing variables and readiness assessments.
• Operate and coordinate harvest equipment and crews to ensure efficient and timely harvests.

Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and train field crews; maintain a safe, productive, and respectful work environment.
• Collaborate with ownership and agronomists to support strategic goals and continuous improvement.
• Track production data and report outcomes to guide future planning.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial crop production (Willamette Valley experience preferred but not required with long term pertinent production ag experience).
• Valid Oregon Pesticide Applicator's License (or ability to obtain quickly).
• Strong understanding of spray and fertilizer calibration, crop agronomy, irrigation, and harvest logistics.
• Proficient with agricultural equipment operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to train and manage seasonal labor.
• Excellent recordkeeping and communication skills.
• Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related field preferred but not required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $65,000 a year beginning cash salary.
• On farm 3 bedroom house, included. 
• Full employer paid Health benefits.
• Relocation assistant
• Paid time off (December off-season).
• Company work truck for operational purposes and reasonable personal use.
• Employer match retirement plan.
• Opportunities for career growth within a growing business.