Job Description
Blue River Legacy Farms is a leading blueberry farming operation headquartered in Elizabethtown, NC, producing both organic and conventional blueberries across the Southeast US. We are committed to sustainability and to advancing agriculture through food and human safety programs, technology, and environmental stewardship.
We are seeking a Senior Farm Manager to take ownership of day-to-day production at one of our blueberry farms. Reporting to the COO/CFO, this full-time, exempt position is accountable for all aspects of farm management related to growing and harvesting blueberries, including agronomy, crew leadership, equipment, irrigation, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate is detail oriented and analytical, communicates clearly across a diverse workforce, keeps disciplined records, manages time and priorities well, and is comfortable making decisions in the field.
Responsibilities & Duties
Production & Agronomy
· Own execution of the annual crop plan and deliver against established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for yield, quality, and cost.
· Direct daily field and harvest operations, including crew assignments, equipment readiness, spray programs, and pest management.
· Manage and inspect overhead and drip irrigation systems, including nutrient delivery through fertigation.
· Calibrate sprayers and fertilizer equipment in accordance with label and regulatory requirements.
· Scout fields and monitor crop health, escalating disease, pest, and weather issues with a recommended course of action.
Crew Leadership
· Lead and support harvest, maintenance and planting crews, holding supervisors accountable to production expectations and keeping them current on software and protocol changes.
· Partner with H-2A contractors and crew leaders on labor planning, onboarding, and day-to-day execution.
· Foster a positive, supportive, and safe work environment across the team.
· Participate in regular management and team meetings, and communicate organizational, policy, and financial changes to the team as needed.
Compliance & Recordkeeping
· Execute, oversee, and maintain spray, fertilizer, and application records in accordance with federal, state, and company requirements.
· Implement and enforce all food safety and human safety policies in partnership with the Food Safety Manager, maintaining audit readiness at all times.
· Document daily field activities in company systems according to current policy.
Equipment & Inventory
· Oversee the maintenance, repair, and readiness of tractors, sprayers, and implements.
· Maintain inventory of chemicals, fertilizer, parts, and supplies, including usage tracking and reorder points.
· Transport equipment and implements between farms as needed (Class A license not required).
This description reflects the primary duties of the position and is not an exhaustive list; additional responsibilities may be assigned by senior management.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required
· High school diploma or equivalent with 5+ years of progressive farm management experience; or a Bachelor of Science in agriculture or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience (internship or family farm experience considered).
· Hands-on production experience with perennial crops; blueberries strongly preferred.
· Experience working with H-2A contractors and labor crew leaders.
· Demonstrated success supervising field crews and front-line supervisors.
· North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
· Valid driver’s license.
· Ability to drive and operate tractors and other heavy equipment.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn additional farm management software platforms.
· Willingness and ability to relocate to the Elizabethtown, NC area.
Preferred
· Bilingual in English and Spanish.
· Knowledge of precision agriculture technology such as John Deere GreenStar, Trimble, or TerraCutta.
· Welding experience.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
· Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
· Extended hours, weekends, and select holidays during the harvest and planting seasons.
· Regular outdoor work in heat, humidity, dust, and variable weather conditions.
Compensation & Benefits
· Base salary range of $100,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience
· Annual bonus structure
· 401(k) participation with company match
· Health and dental care coverage
· Four (4) weeks paid vacation
· Relocation assistance
Pay: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
