Farm Lead

Job Identification:

Position Title:

Farm Lead Status:

Non-Exempt Location:

Quapaw Farmers Market Program:

Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department:

Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Reports to:

Food Sovereignty Director Work Schedule:

Full-Time Safety Sensitive:

Yes• Driver's license

Required:

Yes Position Summary:

The Quapaw Nation Market Farm is a small-scale agricultural operation dedicated to providing fresh, locally grown produce to the community while supporting food sovereignty initiatives. The Farm Lead plays a key leadership role in advancing these efforts by promoting educational opportunities and contributing to economic development within the Quapaw Nation. This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the day to day operations of the Market Farm and seed-saving gardens. The Farm Lead ensures efficient production, staff supervision, and successful implementation of farm projects, while maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability, and community engagement.

Essential Job Functions:

Analyze current farm operations, including crops, livestock, staffing, and financial performance, and recommend strategies for improvement and efficiency. Supervise and manage staff by developing work plans, schedules, and procedures to ensure productivity in planting, harvesting, and packaging while clearly communicating expectations. Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely procurement and restocking of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm supplies. Coordinate and oversee the maintenance, repair, and replacement of farm equipment and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operations. Oversee harvesting activities, including performing manual labor as needed to meet production goals. Assist in the marketing, promotion, and sale of farm-produced goods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and grain products. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards for staff and farm operations. Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of employees to build a skilled and effective team. Collaborate with leadership to develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and prepare financial reports. Establish and maintain professional relationships and remain informed on current trends and advancements in agricultural practices and science. Perform other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as required to support professional development and program objectives. Provide training and guidance to volunteers, project partners, and new employees as needed.

Job Specifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Self motivated with demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to make sound decisions and remain calm in high pressure or stressful situations. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously. Experience operating tractors, tillers, rototillers, and other small farm and garden equipment. Knowledge of and passion for agriculture, plant science, and animal science. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and seasonal demands. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and engage with community members. Ability to perform work outdoors in various weather conditions. Must successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening. Must maintain a valid driver's license in good standing and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.

Experience :

Prior supervisory or management experience preferred. Extensive hands on experience in a farming or agricultural related field is preferred.

Education :

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Food Systems, Natural Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Physical Abilities :

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks that require reaching above shoulder level. Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, training, seminars, or professional development opportunities.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, cold, etc. The position may also involve infrequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold or heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may reach extremes where hearing protection is required.

Disclaimers:

This job description encompasses and describes most but not all tasks and responsibilities of the job. The management reserves the right to change the nature of the job and the job description with or without warning, as well as to give special consideration to circumstances related to the essential job functions on a case by case basis. The incumbent may be required by the management to perform other duties as assigned. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment and may be changed at the discretion of the employer.

PLEASE NOTE

: Hiring preference in the following order will be provided to qualified members of the Quapaw Nation followed by spouse and caregivers of Quapaw Nation members and then other federally recognized tribes. The Quapaw Nation requires a designated candidate to successfully complete a pre employment drug screen, criminal background check and confirmation of professional references. The Quapaw Nation will not observe a medical marijuana card for any position deemed safety sensitive in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act (Unity Bill).