Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Farm Crew Leader

🎯 Role Definition

As a Farm Crew Leader, you are the on-the-ground captain of our field operations. You will be responsible for leading, motivating, and managing a team of farm hands to execute daily and weekly farm plans with precision and efficiency. This hands-on leadership role involves translating the Farm Manager's vision into tangible results in the field, from seeding to harvest. You will serve as a mentor, a quality control expert, and a problem-solver, ensuring that our crops are cultivated sustainably and our team works in a safe, positive, and productive environment. Your success is measured by the quality of our harvest, the efficiency of your crew, and the positive culture you help cultivate.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Experienced Farm Hand / Field Technician
Farm Apprentice Graduate
Harvest Crew Member with leadership potential

Advancement To:

Assistant Farm Manager
Field Operations Manager
Harvest Manager

Lateral Moves:

Greenhouse Manager
Packhouse Supervisor
Irrigation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead, train, and supervise a field crew of 5-15 members, ensuring tasks are understood and executed to a high standard of quality and efficiency.
Organize, delegate, and oversee daily field work, including but notlimited to soil preparation, planting, transplanting, weeding, thinning, and pest control.
Direct and participate in all aspects of harvesting, ensuring proper techniques are used to maximize yield and minimize damage to crops.
Implement and enforce the farm's quality control standards for all harvested produce, conducting regular checks for size, ripeness, and quality.
Operate various types of farm machinery, including tractors, cultivation equipment, and implements, and train crew members on their safe and effective use.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of daily activities, such as planting logs, harvest yields, crew hours, and food safety documentation.
Monitor crop health daily, scouting for signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, and communicate findings promptly to the Farm Manager.
Foster a culture of safety by conducting daily safety briefings, enforcing all farm safety protocols, and ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Manage irrigation systems, including setting up, operating, and repairing drip lines and overhead sprinklers to ensure crops receive adequate water.
Act as the primary communication link between the field crew and farm management, providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and crew needs.
Oversee post-harvest activities in the field, such as cleaning, sorting, grading, and packing produce according to specific market or CSA requirements.
Motivate the team and maintain a positive, collaborative, and productive work environment, addressing any conflicts or performance issues constructively.
Manage and maintain the inventory of field tools, supplies, and equipment, ensuring they are clean, organized, and in good working order.
Provide ongoing coaching and constructive feedback to crew members to develop their skills and improve overall team performance.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Farm Manager in developing weekly work plans and adjusting daily priorities based on weather, crop conditions, and labor availability.
Participate in farm infrastructure projects, such as high tunnel construction, fence installation and repair, or building new wash/pack stations.
Lead the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including the application of organic-approved sprays and introduction of beneficial insects.
Contribute to the farm's soil health program by assisting with cover crop management, compost application, and soil testing procedures.
Troubleshoot and perform minor preventative maintenance and repairs on farm equipment, tools, and irrigation systems to minimize downtime.
Assist in training new hires on all aspects of farm policies, procedures, and specific field tasks to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Extensive knowledge of sustainable and organic vegetable production practices from seed to harvest.
Proficiency in operating and performing basic maintenance on farm tractors and a variety of implements (e.g., mowers, tillers, cultivators).
Experience with managing and repairing diverse irrigation systems, including drip and overhead sprinklers.
Deep understanding of food safety protocols, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and FSMA regulations.
Skill in identifying common pests, weeds, and diseases and knowledge of organic management techniques.
Competency in post-harvest handling, including proper cooling, washing, sorting, and packing procedures to maintain quality.
Ability to read and execute a crop plan, including succession planting and field mapping.

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate, delegate, and mentor a diverse group of individuals.
Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to give clear instructions and provide constructive feedback (Bilingual in English/Spanish is highly desirable).
Exceptional problem-solving abilities and the capacity to think on your feet in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Highly organized with strong time-management skills to prioritize tasks effectively for the entire crew.
A resilient and strong work ethic, with the physical stamina to work long hours in all weather conditions.
Meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding crop quality and crew safety.
Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate changing priorities, weather patterns, and crop needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or a certificate from a sustainable agriculture program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agriculture
Horticulture
Agribusiness
Plant Science
Environmental Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of hands-on experience in commercial agriculture or farming, with at least one full season in a leadership or supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience on a diversified organic vegetable farm, with demonstrated success leading and managing crews of 5 or more people. Proven experience with tractor operation and a wide range of farm tasks is essential.