Job Opening: Culinary Garden Manager

Company: Private Family Office

Position: Culinary Garden Manager

Reporting to: Director of Property Management

Location: Bentonville, AR

Position Overview

A private family is seeking a dynamic, versatile, experienced, and highly motivated individual to join the team as Culinary Garden Manager for a one-acre family farm. Working in close partnership with the Principals and Director of Properties, the Culinary Garden Manager will help execute the evolving vision for the family farm and manage all aspects of the landscape and farm operations including growing farm-to-table organic produce for the family, raising and ensuring care of the farm animals, maintaining the farm buildings and land, and maintaining the greenhouse. The ideal individual must be a self-starter who is service-oriented and enjoys working in a team environment that is mission and results driven.

This position requires flexibility in scheduling due to the seasonality of the role and to ensure proper care for the animals. The Culinary Garden Manager may travel domestically on a consistent or ad hoc basis (up to 10%). This position will cover one weekend day in their schedule, likely a Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Principals, the direct report manager, and the family chef to execute the evolving vision for the one-acre family farm. Take the lead in bringing the farm’s vision to reality by developing a holistic operational strategy to yield high-quality and year-round organic produce.
• Create and execute a comprehensive operational farm plan to proactively manage all aspects of the garden and property which include crop planning, weed management, cultivation, irrigation, pest management, harvesting and processing, budget preparation and cost management, maintenance, safety, and coordination with the Chef and Estate Manager.
• Proactively adjust plans based on seasons, weather changes, and owner requests.
• Maintain proper working order of the property including the garden and farm itself as well as the buildings, structures, systems, furniture, and equipment. Ensure all areas are kept clean, organized, and safe for children, animals, and pets.
• Develop an annual crop plan with the Chef and Estate Manager to provide the family with fresh year-round produce and appropriately utilize all produce when family members are not in residence. Effectively plan how to utilize excess produce, including canning and other forms of preservation.
• Proven experience developing a small market farm and activating best practices to yield high-quality produce.
• Create fun, educational activities for children to learn and be active in all aspects of the farm.
• Assist with and coordinate special events both on and off the property.
• Continue ongoing education regarding best practices related to organic farming, seasonal production, and animal care.
• Incorporate cut flower production into the garden for the family and their guests.
• Experience with and knowledge of composting.
• Manage storage, proper use of, and maintenance of all garden equipment and ensure food-safe handling protocols are followed.
• Effective independently and in a semi-remote environment and remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours.
• Maintain financial expenditure receipts and input into accounting software in the required timely manner.
• Complete regular farm inspections, including soil testing, to confirm standards are met and identify risks and maintenance issues. Promptly, problem-solve and maintain proper documentation.
• Initiate and complete seasonal maintenance such as weed management, succession plantings, cover crops, and application of soil amendments.

Characteristics for success

• Unquestionable ethics and integrity. Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with confidential information.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Service approach with a highlighted sense of accountability, empathy, and humility.
• Self-motivated to work independently and collaboratively while displaying strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to adapt to a changing environment including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities.
• Highly resourceful team-player, solution-oriented, and comfortable operating with incomplete information.
• Proficient with various technology platforms – including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Macintosh OS.
• Leadership skills, good communication and decision-making skills, design sense, event coordination, vendor management, and time management.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience with farm-to-table organic vegetable farming, greenhouse growing, orchard care, and composting.
• Some experience with caring for farm animals required. Must be comfortable handling animals, doing animal care chores, and assisting with the health and safety of the animals.
• Possess the knowledge of machines, tools and farm equipment including their repair and maintenance. Ability to safely operate vehicles and small machinery such as a lawn mower or drill.
• Comfortable with and likes children and pets.
• Experience in customer service or hospitality management, a plus.
• Ability to pass background and driving record checks. Willingness to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.

OTW Holdings is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, among other things or status as a qualified individual with a disability.