Seeking Experienced Farm Manager

Farm description

Wish You Were Here Farm is a new enterprise located on 88 acres of farmland in Milton, Ontario. The existing farm fields have been conventionally farmed with a corn/soybean rotation for an unknown number of years. We plan to restore the soil back to health after decades of chemical farming has left it lifeless. We will be working with the existing four fields comprising about 30 acres. Areas that are currently forested will remain untouched.

Farm opportunity

Wish You Were Here Farm is seeking a talented, hands-on Farm Manager to lead the transformation of our 88-acre farm in Milton,Ontario. This is a rare opportunity to help build a regenerative farm from the ground up—developing a market garden, flower farm, berry and fruit orchards, vineyard, and a permaculture food forest. Reporting to the CEO of Vidaterra, the Farm Manager will lead day-to-day operations while building the systems, team, and plans required to scale multiple profitable enterprises over several years. The ideal candidate is a strong operator and leader who is passionate about regenerative organic farming, ecological stewardship, and producing exceptional quality produce for the community. Responsibilities • Manage field preparation and soil health restoration using best practices including soil testing, cover cropping, minimizing tillage, and appropriately amending soils. • Plan, prep, and maintain production areas for annual and perennial crops, including market garden beds, flower fields, berry systems, and orchards. • Plant a Permaculture Food Forest. • Lead market garden production, planning, planting and harvest schedules (using farm management software). • Oversee harvest and post-harvest operations to ensure quality, efficiency, and food safety best practices. • Build farm systems and SOPs that improve efficiency and enable rapid year-over-year scaling; produce annual field plans and seasonal operating plans. • Develop and manage sales operations including CSA planning and execution and farm stand operations (and other direct-to-consumer channels as applicable). • Execute financial plans: support annual budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, cost control, and performance tracking. • Hire, train and supervise farm crew, ensuring efficient and productive teamwork to complete necessary farm tasks. • Create daily and weekly work plans, delegate tasks clearly, and provide regular coaching and feedback to ensure expectations are understood and met. • Consult on construction of infrastructure such as farm stands, wash/pack/storage facility, and irrigation. Qualifications • Results oriented, big-picture thinker who can execute a complex, multi-year plan. • Strong people leadership skills with clear communication, good judgment, and a collaborative approach. • Self-starter with a strong work ethic and the ability to manage multiple enterprises at once, working independently and with a team. • Degree or diploma in agriculture, horticulture or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. • 3 to 5+ years of farming experience, including organic/regenerative farming practice and market garden operations. (Soil food web knowledge is an asset.) • 3+ years leading teams and managing employees. • Excellent organizational skills, recordkeeping, and comfort using farm operations software (experience with Tend is an asset). • Proficient in operating tractors and equipment for vegetable, flower and orchard production. • Ability to bend and lift 50 pounds and work outside in varying weather conditions. • Valid driver’s license. • Orchard and/or Vineyard production experience is an asset. • Experience with farm animal care and egg production systems is a bonus. Employment Terms and Schedule: • 1 year contract with potential to convert to full-time permanent at end of term. • Salaried position, 40 hours a week. Overtime as needed. • Position start date planned for April 2026. • 3 weeks paid vacation plus holidays • Health spending account • Produce and boot allowance Submit your application package including resume, cover Letter, and 3 applicable references to theglenroadinfo@gmail.com. About Wish You Were Here Farm Wish You Were Here Farm is an 88-acre farm located on top of the Niagara Escarpment–one of Ontario’s most important natural habitats. Our vision is to grow the highest-quality, nutrient-dense food possible using regenerative organic farming practices that rebuild soil, respect animals, and restore wildlife habitat—profitably and responsibly. About Vidaterra Vidaterra regenerates degraded, chemically farmed cropland. We restore soil, plant native trees, protect waterways, and practice regenerative organic farming—practical steps that help farms withstand extreme weather and produce nutrient-dense food. https://vidaterra.ca/