We have quite a complete web page, which can give applicants a quick look at our farm. Thanks in advance. -- Molly Hooper (415-552-8144; mollyhoo@aol.com)

February 2012

Contact: John Hooper, co-owner

415-626-8880  

OZ Farm is, unexpectedly, looking for a new farm manager, to start as soon as possible. Our current manager has just accepted a new job as a biodynamic inspector in England.

OZ Farm is located in the Garcia River Valley, 10 minutes outside of the vibrant small town of Point Arena in coastal Mendocino County, California. It is three hours drive north of San Francisco. The farm is also managed as a licensed retreat center for weddings, yoga groups, family reunions and the like. Retreat functions are handled by a separate retreat manager. 

Seventeen acres on the property have been certified organic by CCOF since 1991. We are entering our 23rd growing season and provide produce for a 35 member local CSA; two weekly seasonal Farmers Markets and several retail and restaurant clients. Our 3 acre espaliered orchard produces 55 varieties of antique and heirloom apples, as well as varietal fresh apple juice.

We are looking for someone (or a couple!) with significant farming experience in the above areas to take charge of the day-to-day farming operation and expand our markets, help us move into new niche markets and improve and expand farming operations in general.

Farm manager responsibilities will include: developing and following an annual work plan, budgeting time and costs, recruiting, training and supervising seasonal apprentices, managing all aspects of our CSA, Farmers' Market  and other accounts from making seed and plant orders and planning crop rotations, through greenhouse propagation to final harvest, packing and deliveries.  Greenhouse experience, tractor experience and familiarity with common farm implements as well as working in a packing shed and dealing well with customers are all qualities we are looking for.

As well as maintaining the overall health of the soils and the conditions of our organic certification, the farm manager will be expected to expand our markets and move into new areas, in which we already have some experience, such as egg and poultry meat production, value-added products such as honey and apple sauce, growing grains and winter farming.

The position is a full time one-year contract with the prospect of a long-term relationship. Starting pay is in the $18,000 to $20,000 range, commensurate with experience. Additional cash incentives will also be offered for expanding farm production and sales.

 Housing is provided in the form of two wood-heated yurts connected by a bedroom and powered with off-grid photovoltaic panels. Fresh produce is provided from the farm year round. 

Please feel free to share and post this job listing. We would like to line up farm visits and interviews as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your interest.