Field Production Manager

About Tilth Alliance

Tilth Alliance works in community with Washington farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future. Through our work we endeavor to promote and support the adoption of organic, regenerative, sustainable growing practices by farmers and gardeners throughout Washington; to make the food produced by these farmers and gardeners more accessible; and to inspire people to enjoy growing, cooking, and eating food that is both good for them, for their communities, and for the environment. The primary strategies we employ in this effort are advocacy, education and collaboration. Equity, inclusion and the promotion of a culture of anti-oppression are important outcomes expected of all the work we do.

About the Position

The Field Production Manager works closely with the Director of Food Production and Youth Employment to support all aspects of Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands food production operations. This includes developing and implementing an annual crop plan that meets the needs of the organization as well as identifying weekly farm priorities and managing day-to-day projects to ensure field cultivation, planting, irrigation, weeding, and vegetable harvests are successfully performed throughout the growing season. The Field Production Manager will also assist with training youth participating in the Rainier Beach Youth Stewards serving as Field Crew on diversified crop field management. As food production is integral to programs across the organization, the Field Production Manager plays a critical role in communicating with program staff across the organization to ensure the food production team is meeting organization needs.

Job Responsibilities

Crop Planning

• Work with Director of Food Production and Youth Employment and program staff to develop annual crop plans

Crew coordination 

• Develop organizational systems for crew management.
• Assist in establishing weekly field production priorities and developing weekly work schedules.
• Clearly communicate weekly and daily priorities to the field crew.
• Set a reasonable work pace for crew members and work with individuals to improve focus, technique, and pace.
• Act as a point of contact to answer production questions as they arise throughout the day.
• Foster a positive and supportive work environment for all field crew members.

Equipment and facilities

• Assist in maintaining inventory and upkeep of farm equipment, materials, tools, and season extension facilities.
• Ensure crew members follow safety, equipment and facilities expectations.
• Communicate equipment and facilities needs to management promptly.

Farming and Gardening

• Greenhouse Operations
• Plan and plant in-ground greenhouse with specialty crops and for season extension
• Begin and manage propagation in winter for spring season
• Field Planting
• Ensure timely planting of crops and healthy transplants.
• Coordinate field and bed preparation in alignment with planting schedules and workflows.
• Field Cultivation
• Perform initial tillage and field preparation for seeding, transplanting, and cover cropping.
• Manage weeds using both mechanical and manual methods.
• Implement cultural practices for pest prevention and season extension.
• Irrigation
• Manage irrigation infrastructure and materials, including storage, inventory, repair, and upkeep.
• Schedule irrigation delivery based on crop needs, planting dates, and harvest schedules.
• Harvest Operations
• Oversee pacing and workflow during harvest days.
• Perform quality control in the field and communicate quality standards to the crew.
• Share harvest-specific instructions with crew and management to ensure smooth operations.
• Develop and execute distribution strategies in coordination with the Director of Agricultural Production and Youth Employment and Market team to optimize the use of surplus produce not sold at farmstand.

Other Farm Duties

• Conduct regular field walks to monitor project needs, crop growth, and plant health.
• Learn to assess crop profitability in relation to labor investment to inform field decisions.
• Maintain accurate records for certifications and food safety compliance.
• Operate tractors and other farm machinery as needed.
• Assist with produce deliveries, CSA pickups, farmers market booths, and farm stands.
• Perform other duties as assigned by farm management.

Required Skills

• At least 2–3 seasons of experience in vegetable production, preferably on a diversified farm.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, train, and motivate a team.
• Solid understanding of field production practices including planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest prevention, and harvesting.
• Ability to operate and maintain basic farm equipment and tools.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work long hours outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Physical stamina to lift 50 lbs repeatedly and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Working knowledge of GAPs – Good Agricultural Practices.
• Completion of PSA Grower’s Training (within 90 days of employment).

Desired Experience

• Experience with organic or sustainable farming methods.
• Knowledge of organic certification requirements.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.

Benefits & Compensation

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) non-exempt position that requires occasional evening and weekend work. It is eligible for our benefits package that includes medical (75-80% employer paid), dental (95% employer paid), employee-funded Flexible Spending Account, 401k with employer match most years, 10 flexible holidays (employee-chosen), 10 sick days per year, 3 weeks paid vacation in years 1 and 2, 4 weeks in years 3 and 4, and 6 weeks in years 5+, employee discounts and produce shares, no cost for Tilth Alliance classes/workshops/conference attendance, and annual professional development stipend.

Compensation is $25.00 per hour

In line with our commitment to equity practices, the salary for this position has been carefully determined to reflect market standards and internal equity considerations. We value the skills and expertise that each candidate brings to the table, and we believe that our non-negotiable salary approach fosters a level playing field for all applicants. This practice aligns with our core values of transparency and fairness.

To Apply

No phone calls please. Submit a letter of interest and resume outlining 1) your experience with the qualifications listed above and 2) why you are interested in this position. Email all materials to HR@tilthalliance.org with the subject "Field Production Manager”.

This position is open until filled.

The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Tilth Alliance reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skill and experience required.

Tilth Alliance is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is essential to achieving our mission. Tilth Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Women, people of color, and individuals from under-represented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits & Compensation

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) non-exempt position that requires occasional evening and weekend work. It is eligible for our benefits package that includes medical (75-80% employer paid), dental (95% employer paid), employee-funded Flexible Spending Account, 401k with employer match most years, 10 flexible holidays (employee-chosen), 10 sick days per year, 3 weeks paid vacation in years 1 and 2, 4 weeks in years 3 and 4, and 6 weeks in years 5+, employee discounts and produce shares, no cost for Tilth Alliance classes/workshops/conference attendance, and annual professional development stipend.

Compensation is $25.00 per hour

In line with our commitment to equity practices, the salary for this position has been carefully determined to reflect market standards and internal equity considerations. We value the skills and expertise that each candidate brings to the table, and we believe that our non-negotiable salary approach fosters a level playing field for all applicants. This practice aligns with our core values of transparency and fairness.