Farming Project Manager

Reports To: Business Services Department (with day-to-day collaboration with CTE Agriculture Teacher and Nutrition Department)

Schedule: 20 hours per week, 6-month initial contract (with potential extension into long-term farm management role)

Location: Bakersfield, CA 93307

Position Summary

The Farm Project Manager will serve as the primary onsite lead for the development and growth of our new farm project. This is a hands-on role requiring a mix of project management, agricultural knowledge, and operational oversight. The individual will work closely with the CTE Agriculture Teacher and the Nutrition Department, coordinating contractors, ensuring compliance, and driving progress during the initial build-out phase.

As the sole dedicated staff member on the farm during the startup phase, this position requires initiative, flexibility, and the ability to wear multiple hats. Once the foundational development is complete, the role may transition into ongoing farm management, supporting student learning, crop production, and integration with nutrition and agriculture programs.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Development (Initial Phase)

Manage and oversee all aspects of farm site development.

Contract and coordinate with vendors for:

Electrical upgrades and water system improvements.

Landscaping and soil testing.

Prefabricated classroom placement and site preparation (including foundation and concrete work).

Ensure compliance with specifications, codes, ADA requirements, and safety regulations.

Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure the project stays on track.

Prepare and present progress reports for Business Services, leadership, and the Board of Directors.

Maintain accurate records of contracts, expenditures, and project milestones.

Farm Operations (Future Phase)

Oversee daily farm operations once production begins.

Collaborate with the Nutrition Department and CTE Agriculture Teacher to align crop planning and farm activities with program needs.

Support integration of the farm into educational programming, including student learning opportunities.

Expand and grow the project to ensure long-term sustainability.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Knowledge of agriculture, farming practices, and/or farm management.

Basic understanding of construction and prefabricated classroom installation.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Resourceful problem solver who can adapt to changing needs.

Proficiency in preparing reports and presenting updates.

Familiarity with safety, environmental, ADA compliance, and building codes preferred.

Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience in farm management, agricultural projects, or construction/project management.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple contractors and projects simultaneously.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Possession of California driver license preferred

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to travel as needed/required

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Basic reading and writing skills

Ability to respond to common inquiries or concerns from customers, employees/coworkers, supervisors, management and other personnel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires the ability to walk over uneven terrain and navigate fields and farm facilities.

May involve standing for extended periods during inspections, meetings, or on-site supervision.

Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment up to moderate weights (typically 20–50 lbs).

Visual and auditory ability sufficient to inspect crops, livestock, and machinery safely.

May require bending, stooping, or reaching when assessing farm operations or equipment.

Work may involve early mornings, long hours, or flexible scheduling during peak seasons.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primarily based on agricultural sites, including farms, fields, greenhouses, and livestock facilities.

Work conditions may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.

May require travel between multiple farm locations or project sites.
Office work is also required.

Use of standard office equipment and farm machinery or equipment may be necessary.