Operations Manager

Job Description

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that In Harmony Farm’s 26-acre campus remains safe, functional, and operational year-round. As the primary steward of the farm’s physical environment, this role oversees all land management, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, and seasonal readiness activities that enable farmers, staff, and programs to thrive. This critical role focuses on the operational systems, environmental conditions, and infrastructure that support IHF’s mission and daily farm activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Farm Operations & Seasonal Management
• Lead all seasonal operational tasks including field preparation support, irrigation setup, field cleanup, and general site maintenance.
• Conduct routine site inspections to ensure safety, accessibility, and operational readiness.
• Manage mowing, pathway maintenance, weed control in common areas, mulching, and storm cleanup.
• Support farmers with operational troubleshooting (e.g., equipment access, irrigation repairs.)

Land Stewardship & Environmental Management
• Implement and maintain soil health and land stewardship practices for shared spaces, including composting systems, cover crops in common areas, erosion prevention, and conservation zones.
• Monitor and maintain drainage, water systems, native plantings, and pollinator habitat.
• Ensure land stewardship practices align with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.

Equipment, Tools & Infrastructure
• Maintain, repair, and schedule use of tractors, implements, mowers, irrigation systems, small engines, and hand tools.
• Track maintenance schedules, warranties, and equipment inventory.
• Coordinate vendor service and repairs as needed.

Property & Facilities Management
• Oversee condition and readiness of barns, sheds, wash/pack areas, walk-in cooler, fencing, lighting, parking areas, and storage facilities.
• Maintain inventories of operational supplies such as fuel, irrigation parts, hardware, and PPE.
• Ensure buildings, grounds, and infrastructure are safe, orderly, and functional year-round.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
• Maintain farm-wide safety protocols, hazard identification practices, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure proper storage and safe handling of equipment, tools, and operational materials.
• Respond to urgent weather-related or operational issues affecting farm safety or functionality.

Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with In Harmony team members to coordinate operational needs and shared resources.
• Communicate operational updates, site conditions, and infrastructure status clearly and proactively.
• Participate in staff meetings and cross-team coordination as requested.

SEASONAL EXPECTATIONS
• Spring: Property cleanup, bed prep support, irrigation setup, compost distribution, equipment staging
• Summer: Mowing, irrigation maintenance, repairs, safety checks, general upkeep
• Fall: End-of-season cleanup, equipment winterization, cover crop planting in common areas
• Winter: Snow removal, equipment repair, property checks, planning infrastructure improvements