Company description
Our Story
HI! We are Cappie and John Montgomery - Fleur-de-lis Farms grew from our practice of eating nutritionally, discovering a fondness for all kinds of farm animals, and growing plants & food sustainably. Although we are somewhat new to farming, we are not new to growing. Cappie has long been committed to preparing wholesome vegetable-based meals for her family. John grew up farming large gardens with his grandparents.
We both have a great love for the land, and our growing number of animals (goats, chickens, dogs, cats, etc.), and we are dedicated to good conservation practices. Fleur-de-lis Farms is the combination of our passions as well as our great admiration of the other farmers that work so hard to provide local produce and other goods to our community.
Over the past three seasons, we have grown Certified Naturally Grown vegetables on about 2 of our 16 acres. We ahve also run a 150+ layer hen flock, raised pork and will soon add beef cattle through an American Farmland Healthy Soils Grant. We have a lot going on, and we ware always looking for partners who share our love of the land and desire to share its bounty with our neighbors.
Job description
We believe that growing healthy soil, will grow healthful produce, that will improve the health of our community. Join us as we share with our neighbors: Great Food Grown Right!
About Fleur-de-lis Farms:
Fleur-de-lis Farms, LLC (FDL) is a family-owned and operated Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) 16 acre vegetable farm in Eastern Henrico, Virginia (2666 Kingsland Road, Henrico, VA 23231). We believe in growing nutritiously rich food and making it available to our neighbors of every background and interest. We support food access for all by promoting EBT-Snap and SNAP Match programs. We want everyone to experience the satisfaction of eating Great Food Grown Right. FDL runs an on-farm produce store and sells at Dorey Park Farmers Market (June-October; 2999 Darbytown Rd., Henrico, VA 23231). FDL also has a farm-share program of about 40 members.
About the Position:
The Lead Farmer is a season-long position This position reports directly to the owners and will perform and lead all farm tasks including crop planning, planting, harvesting, packing and cleanup, sales and delivery. The Lead Farmer will manage plant and soil health using Certified Naturally Grown and sustainable practices. Both owners have off farm employment, but are able to provide significant labor and support during the growing season. FDL engages additional part-time help during the height of the harvest season.
Key Responsibilities:
Farm Production and Management (80%): Overall day-to-day farm responsibilities, including production and packing
Planning and Record Keeping (10%): Daily, weekly and monthly planning and record keeping
Sales and delivery (10%): Assist owners with farmers’ market and farmshare delivery as needed
Details For:
Production and Management (80%)
● Develop and implement 2025 crop plan including direct seeding, greenhouse starts, and transplanting
● Manage irrigation
● Timely harvest and post handling of produce
● Implementation and CNG practices including IPM- Integrated pest and disease control management
Planning and Record Keeping (10%)
● Create daily and weekly work plans
● Maintain daily work-log to plan and record details of field work accomplished
● Maintain contemporaneous records pertaining to propagation, planting, harvest, distribution, sales, pest and disease management, and fertility inputs
Sales and delivery (10%)
● Assist with packing Wednesday farmshares; assist with delivery when needed
● Assist with packing and setup for Saturday markets and Sunday farm store hours as needed
Important Personal Qualities
● Strong interest in farming and promoting local agriculture
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills with people from different backgrounds
● Willingness to work hard in difficult weather conditions
● Ability to adapt to change and to multi-task
● Detail oriented and highly organized
● Ability to work alone
● Ability to take initiative and work in a fast paced environment
● Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more repeatedly
Requirements
● 2-3 years on farm experience with some crop-planning experience
● A valid driver's license and clean driving record required to drive company vehicles to fulfill job duties
● Post-high school degree, certificate or coursework in agriculture (or substantial related work experience)
● Familiarity with Certified Naturally Grown practices
Compensation This is a nine month seasonal, contracted position with a total compensation of $35,000.00, divided over the contract period. Pay will be made twice monthly in 18 equal installments. Provided both parties agree, there will be an option to review and renew this contract at the end of each year. Paid holidays (federal) will be provided for the duration of the contract. A vacation blackout for the months of June, July and August is required, but a paid full week off during the remaining months is provided. Plus lots of free farm produce! The proposed contract duration is from February through November, 2025. Hours and scheduling will shift seasonally. This position requires some weekend hours and evening hours past 6:00, as needed.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, 35,568* - 50k
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline