Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Head Grower & Farm Operations Manager Private Culinary Farm | Carmel Valley, CA 93924 |
Exempt Full-Time, Year-Round Compensation:
$125,000 - $150,000 DOE | Comprehensive Benefits Package About the Role We are looking for an exceptional Head Grower & Farm Operations Manager to lead our year-round vegetable and herb production and serve as the Ranch Director's primary backup on property. This is a senior position for a grower who takes genuine pride in their craft and is equally comfortable leading a crew, managing systems, and holding the fort professionally when leadership is away. Reporting directly to the Ranch Director, you will own the full growing operation — from soil preparation and crop planning through harvest, wash-pack, and delivery to our culinary team. You will also carry meaningful operational responsibility, serving as the senior on-site point of contact during the Ranch Director's absences, coordinating with our extended team of hospitality, facilities, housekeeping, and private security staff as needed. About Us We are a Private Culinary Farmstead focused on growing world-class, beautiful, delicious, and nutrient-dense produce through regenerative practices. Our operation is the direct link between soil and plate, providing a farm-to-table experience that is as aesthetically beautiful as it is ecologically sound. We operate with a level of precision and care that continuously strives for improvement, and we are looking for a Head Grower who views farming as a craft. Our Core Goals Produce a large diversity of high-quality, organically grown, nutrient-dense foods and farm products. Create and maintain a clean, aesthetically beautiful, and ecologically balanced property. Provide an intimate and unique hospitality experience for our guests. Our Core Values Excellent Service | Trust | Collaboration | Safety | Respect | Integrity | Professionalism | Clear Communication Core Responsibilities 1. Crop Production & Pest Management Lead year-round vegetable and herb production across all outdoor fields and high tunnels using organic and regenerative practices. Manage bed transitions, field preparation, and efficient use of our BCS walk-behind tractor and farm implements. Oversee proper curing techniques and climate/humidity management for long-term storage crops. Monitor fields daily for insect, fungal, and bacterial pressures and respond using organic best practices. Implement vertebrate pest management strategies for gophers, voles, ground squirrels, and birds. Maintain drip and overhead irrigation systems, troubleshooting and repairing issues quickly. Oversee regular cleaning, sharpening, and scheduled maintenance of all tools and field equipment. 2. Crew Leadership & Wash-Pack Operations Lead and work alongside the farm crew with clear daily task assignments and scheduling. Manage the physical workflow of wash-pack operations, keeping the space organized, efficient, and safe. Coordinate closely with the Greenhouse Manager to keep propagation on schedule and materials ordered ahead of time. 3. Data Systems & Administration Maintain crop plans, succession records, and daily harvest logs by location, date, and variety. Provide monthly yield forecasts by weight to keep the culinary team aligned with production. Run weekly inventory updates on our Local Line platform, ensuring physical stock matches online listings. Keep accurate records of all fertility, pest management, and compost tea applications. Handle purchasing for seeds, tools, and farm supplies within budget authority, with timely expense documentation. Maintain professional, timely communication with management, internal teams, and vendors by email and phone. 4. On-Site Leadership During Ranch Director Absences Serve as the senior on-site point of contact when the Ranch Director is on vacation or unavailable. Maintain clear communication with our extended on-property team including hospitality, housekeeping, facilities, and security staff. Exercise sound judgment in operational decisions and emergencies, knowing when to act and when to escalate. This role requires reliable on-call availability and the ability to respond to on-site situations within a reasonable timeframe. No remote work option. What We're Looking For Demonstrated experience as a lead vegetable grower with a strong track record in organic or regenerative production systems. Genuine passion for growing as a craft — attention to variety selection, soil health, and produce quality. Proven ability to lead and manage a field crew with clarity, consistency, and respect. Comfortable with farm data systems, harvest tracking, and inventory management tools. Professional communication skills and calm, reliable presence during high-activity periods on the property. Safe operation of farm tractors, implements, and hand tools with a solid maintenance awareness. Flexible availability including core hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with willingness to extend as seasonal and operational demands require. Physical ability to work outdoors in varied conditions, lift 50 lbs, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods. Valid unrestricted California driver's license with adequate vehicle insurance. Authorized to work legally in the US and willing to undergo a background investigation.
Compensation & Benefits Salary:
$125,000 - $150,000 depending on experience
Health Coverage:
100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance for your entire family
Retirement:
401(k) with up to 6% employer match
Insurance:
Employer-provided life and disability coverage
Paid Time Off:
Paid vacation, 10 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
Daily Perks:
Lunches and snacks provided on farm, uniforms, and dedicated laundry service
Bonus:
Potential end-of-year discretionary bonus based on performance How to Apply Please send your resume to culinaryregenfarm@gmail.
