Local, Sustainable food production

Hiring: Farm Operations Manager

Farm: Springford Farm

Location: Nanoose Bay, BC

Housing: currently not available on-farm. However if local housing is a barrier for relocation for this opportunity, there is room for discussion on what this might look like.

About Springford Farm

Springford Farm is owned and operated by the Springford family, with six generations (over 100 years!) of farming history on Vancouver Island.

Today that means free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, a growing vegetable operation, and an on-farm market that carries products from more than 60 local Island farms and food producers. We're a working farm first, with deep community roots, and we're proud of it.

We're looking for a Farm Manager to take the lead on day-to-day operations across the farm, working closely with our ownership and management team to keep things running smoothly, safely, and well. We're growing, and we're looking for someone who wants to grow with us — this role has real long-term potential for the right person.

The Role

This is a hands-on, on-the-ground role. The Farm Manager works alongside the crew daily — in the barns, in the fields, on equipment, and on repairs, while also making sure the work is organized, safe, and moving in the right direction. You lead by doing the work, not by directing it from a distance.

You'll report to and work closely with the farm leadership team, acting as the operational link between ownership's priorities and the crew getting the work done each day. Day-to-day you'll be active on the farm: solving problems as they come up, pitching in wherever it's needed, and setting the tone for the crew through your own work ethic.

Key Responsibilities

Team & Day-to-Day Operations

Oversee daily operations across all farm departments and coordinate the work of farm crew employees
Schedule, assign, and supervise daily tasks based on seasonal priorities and farm needs
Manage employees, including onboarding, training, performance feedback, and day-to-day people management
Liaise regularly with the Farm Leadership team on priorities, issues, and planning

Health & Safety

Own health and safety on the farm: training, protocols, incident response, and WorkSafeBC compliance
Identify and address hazards proactively; maintain safety records and documentation
Make sure the farm meets all regulatory requirements (CFIA, WorkSafeBC, and others) and be the point person for inspections and audits.

Livestock & Egg Operations

Support cattle herd management, working alongside the team responsible for day-to-day animal care
Provide operational oversight of the free-range egg operation, ensuring animal welfare, biosecurity, and production standards are met

Vegetable Operations

Collaborate with our vegetable operations managers to support planting, harvest, and seasonal labour needs
Help coordinate shared resources (equipment, crew time, irrigation) across departments

Infrastructure & Maintenance

Handle general repairs and maintenance across farm buildings, fencing, and equipment
Support planning and execution of infrastructure projects, from routine maintenance to larger capital builds
Coordinate contractors, timelines, and budgets alongside leadership

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain and coordinate use of farm equipment and vehicles; oversee basic maintenance schedules
Support inventory and supply ordering for farm operations
Assist with seasonal planning and forecasting for labour, equipment, and materials
Represent the farm professionally with vendors, contractors, and visitors
Step in on the ground during busy seasons, emergencies, or when extra hands are needed

What You Bring

At least 3-5 years of experience in farm operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity
Several years of hands-on experience with animal care and management, ideally including cattle and/or poultry
Experience operating a variety of farm and heavy equipment
Mechanical knowledge is an asset — comfort troubleshooting and maintaining equipment
Comfort managing people — scheduling, coaching, and holding a team accountable with fairness and respect
Project management skills, with the ability to balance administrative work alongside hands-on labour
A practical understanding of health and safety requirements in an agricultural setting
Strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple moving parts across departments
A valid driver's license (Class 5 minimum); comfort operating farm equipment and vehicles
Physical capability for hands-on farm work in all weather conditions, including general repairs and maintenance
Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and overtime depending on the season
A genuine interest in local, sustainable food production
Someone looking to grow with us long-term — this is a career role, not a stepping stone

What We Offer

Competitive wage based on experience ($59,000-$65,000 to start) with performance review at 90 days.
Extended health and dental benefits package after 90 days.
Staff discount in our farm market
Housing is currently not available on-farm, however if local housing is a barrier for relocation for this opportunity, there is room for discussion on what this might look like.
Room to shape this role as the farm grows
A close-knit, community-rooted team and a farm with deep local history

How To Apply

Send your resume and a short note about why you'd be a good fit to Ross and Julia by emailing julia@springfordfarm.com . Tell us about your favourite piece of equipment, the worst weather you've ever worked through, or the last time you fixed something with baling wire and sheer stubbornness..... we want to know who you are, not just what's on the resume.

We're an established farm that's been at this a long time, and we're looking for someone who wants to be part of the next chapter — not just fill a seat. If you like early mornings, hate sitting still, and think "that's not really my job" is a phrase best avoided, we'd love to hear from you.

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

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