Farm Lead

Job Details

• Title:
  
  Farm Lead (Farm Manager)
• Location:
  
  Quapaw Farmers Market, Quapaw, OK 74363
• Position Type:
  Full‑Time (Non‑Exempt)
• Department:
  Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty
• Reports To:
  
  Food Sovereignty Director
• Travel:
  Up to 25%
• Work Schedule:
  
  Day shift
• Safety Sensitive:
  Yes*
• Driver’s License
  
  Required:
  
  Yes

The Quapaw Nation Market Farm is a small‑scale agricultural operation dedicated to providing fresh, locally grown produce to the community while supporting food sovereignty initiatives. The Farm Lead plays a key leadership role in advancing these efforts by promoting educational opportunities and contributing to economic development within the Quapaw Nation. This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating day‑to‑day operations of the Market Farm and seed‑saving gardens, ensuring efficient production, staff supervision, and successful implementation of farm projects while maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability, and community engagement.

• Analyze current farm operations, including crops, livestock, staffing, and financial performance, and recommend strategies for improvement and efficiency.
• Supervise and manage staff by developing work plans, schedules, and procedures to ensure productivity in planting, harvesting, and packaging while clearly communicating expectations.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely procurement and restocking of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm supplies.
• Coordinate and oversee the maintenance, repair, and replacement of farm equipment and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Oversee harvesting activities, including performing manual labor as needed to meet production goals.
• Assist in the marketing, promotion, and sale of farm‑produced goods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and grain products.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards for staff and farm operations.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of employees to build a skilled and effective team.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and prepare financial reports.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships and remain informed on current trends and advancements in agricultural practices and science.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as required to support professional development and program objectives.
• Provide training and guidance to volunteers, project partners, and new employees as needed.

• Self‑motivated with demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to make sound decisions and remain calm in high‑pressure or stressful situations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Experience operating tractors, tillers, rototillers, and other small farm and garden equipment.
• Knowledge of and passion for agriculture, plant science, and animal science.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and seasonal demands.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and engage with community members.
• Ability to perform work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Prior supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in a farming or agricultural related field preferred.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Food Systems, Natural Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks that require reaching above shoulder level.
• Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, training, seminars, or professional development opportunities.

• Work performed both indoors and outdoors under varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, cold, etc.
• Position may involve infrequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold or heat.
• Noise level usually moderate but may reach extremes where hearing protection is required.