Position Title: Farm Manager
Compensation: 1 FTE @ $60,000 annual salary + farm produce
Reports to: Executive Co-Directors
Start Date: Immediately
Location: Kapa’au, North Kohala, Hawaiʻi Island
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
About HIP Agriculture
HIP Agriculture (HIP Ag) is a certified organic, regenerative farm and ecological learning center dedicated to food sovereignty, youth education, and community resilience. We cultivate 1.5 acres of market gardens, 6 acres of orchards, 2 acres of agroforestry, and three greenhouses producing diverse crops including vegetables, citrus, ‘ulu, avocados, ‘awa, bananas, papaya, tropical fruits, and staple canoe crops. Using composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, mulching, and agroforestry, HIP Ag integrates indigenous wisdom and modern organic methods to steward the land and nourish our community.
Position Overview
The Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing all farm production and sales, managing a small dedicated staff, and leading and mentoring participants in HIP Ag’s Residential Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This role balances hands-on farm operations with educational leadership, patience, and a collaborative spirit. The Farm Manager will ensure production targets are met, produce quality remains high, and HIP Ag’s regenerative practices are upheld.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Sales
- Plan, schedule, and oversee market garden vegetable production, orchard management, greenhouse propagation, and agroforestry cropping systems.
- Monitor soil health and implement regenerative practices (composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, mulching).
- Coordinate harvests, post-harvest handling, and sales to Waimea Farmers Market, Kohala Food Hub, small restaurants, and local stores.
- Track yields, maintain production records for organic certification compliance, and adjust plans based on weather and market demand.
Team Leadership & Education
- Supervise and mentor farm staff and RAP apprentices, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Provide patient, hands-on instruction in sustainable farming techniques, safety, and best practices in the field.
- Delegate tasks clearly and coach apprentices through their learning curve, recognizing that beginning farmers need structured guidance for the first two months.
- Foster a collaborative, safe, and inclusive workplace culture grounded in HIP Ag’s values of indigenous knowledge, community health, and reciprocity with the land.
Infrastructure & Equipment Management
- Oversee greenhouse operations (nursery and production), irrigation systems, equipment, and facilities.
- Maintain farm equipment, logs, and proper use across team
- Coordinate with leadership on long-term improvements for efficiency and sustainability.
Community Engagement
- Occasionally represent HIP Ag at educational events, tours, or farmers market outreach to deepen community connections.
- Support the integration of farm production into HIP Ag’s youth education programs and community food access efforts.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- 3–5+ years of farm management experience in organic and regenerative agriculture, preferably in tropical or subtropical environments.
- Experience with market garden systems, orchards, agroforestry, and greenhouse production.
- Proven record of managing staff and/or training beginning farmers or apprentices.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with attention to detail
- Patience and a passion for teaching best practices to beginning farmers.
- Knowledge of organic certification requirements, record-keeping, and post-harvest standards.
- Proficiency with farm equipment and irrigation systems.
- Ability to adapt to Hawaii Island’s variable climate (including droughts) and pest challenges.
- Commitment to HIP Ag’s values of community health, resilience, and indigenous knowledge.
- Minimum 3 years of Farm Management experience with a preference with those that have experience with Agroforestry and Market Gardening preferred.
- Skilled in Word, Excel, Google Docs, and Quickbooks.
- Must hold a valid driver's license.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors year-round in varying weather.
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Health Benefits including medical, drug, and vision
- Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 2 weeks per year and increases with years of employment and hours worked
- Opportunities for professional development and involvement in a mission-driven farm
Terms & Compensation:
This is a full-time position to begin upon selection and hiring. Renewal contingent upon availability of funds, organization needs, and satisfactory performance. This is a salaried position.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references via email to erika@hipagriculture.org and dash@hipagriculture.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
