The Director of Farming is responsible for oversight of all farming operations at Kuipers Family Farm, including projects and tasks related to raising apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, tulips, and all other grown products. The Director of Farming also oversees our landscaping maintenance crew and equipment mechanic. This position sits on the Leadership Team of Kuipers Family Farm and oversees one of the four key areas of its operation.

Responsibilities

Apple Orchard Management – Direct and perform operations related to Apple Orchard.

•  Lead winter pruning team.
•  Apple tree planting and trellis system installation and maintenance.
•  Spring frost prevention.
•  Chemical and fertilizer application.
•  Crop scouting for fungi and insects.
•  Lead summer thinning crew.
•  Strategy for apple harvest, and harvest management.
•  Assist U-Pic Apple Orchard management (apple sales area).
•  Apple inventory organization.

Row Crop & Flower Mangement – Direct and perform operations related to row crops and flower fields.

•  Coordination with ground rental tenants.
•  Plan annual field rotation.
•  Ground preparation & crop planting.
•  Chemical and fertilizer application.
•  Lead summer hoeing crew.
•  Harvest management.
•  Assist Farmstand management (pumpkin sales area)
•  Pumpkin inventory organization.

Landscaping Management – Direct and perform landscaping operations.

•  Assist with design and construction of new landscaping.
•  Lead team/individual for weekly lawn upkeep.
•  Lead team/individual in seasonal landscaping projects, such as summer trimming and end-of-season cleanup.
• Winter snow removal.

Management of equipment mechanic – Oversight of mechanic's work on equipment fleet.

•  Management of weekly/daily projects
•  Assist with troubleshooting mechanical issues
•  Assist with ordering of tools, supplies, and maintenance parts

Supply organization & ordering – Ordering and organization of all farming related products.

•  Chemicals and fertilizers
•  Crop seeds
•  New apple trees
•  Grass and landscaping products
•  Coordination with Beekeepers

Preferred Qualities, Education, and Skills

Preferred Education

• Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field

Required Knowledge & Skills

•  Agricultural techniques
•  Tractor & equipment operation
•  Mechanical knowledge

Preferred Knowledge & Skills

•  Care of landscaping plants and supplies
•  Agricultural fruit trees/vineyard care
•  Agricultural crops, fertilizers, and pesticides
•  Agricultural technology

Required Qualities

•  Management ability
•  Quick learner
•  Self-motivated
•  Highly organized
•  Team player
•  Good verbal communication skills

Position Details

Job Type:

• Full-time, salary

Compensation: $75,000-90,000

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Simple IRA
•  Paid vacation, paid sick

Other compensation types:

• Year End bonus (as applicable)

Off-Season Schedule:

•  5-6 days/week

In-Season Schedule:

• 6 days/week, weekends required

Interested in joining our Team? Submit your application by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION.
 

Kuipers Family Farm - Summarized

Field: Agri-tainment, Agri-toursim, Events, Agriculture

Our Purpose: Connecting people with agriculture and each other.

Our Niche: Hosting events on a beautiful Midwest farm.

Our Core Values: Caring, Determined, Dedicated