Farm Manager

~ The Walker Ranch geothermal project (WR Project) is Agua Caliente’s first project. Agua Caliente believes it is one of the premier geothermal developments currently underway in the United States. ~

The project is located at one of the best-known and well-studied contiguous geothermal land sites in the U.S. called Raft River and located in Idaho. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) began studying geothermal opportunities in Raft River starting in the 1950s, and the first geothermal power plant in that area began production of electricity in 2008.

The WR Project started in 2007 with Agua Caliente’s acquisition of land and leases in the Raft River region. In total, Agua Caliente acquired rights to over 15,000 acres of land through a combination of land purchases and leases. From 2009 to 2012, significant efforts were spent identifying the resources in the ground. Both geological studies, such as reservoir mapping and gravity analysis, and drilling tests for temperature and flow were performed. In 2012, the WR Project deployed additional innovative technology to reduce the risk of drilling by identifying fracture patterns in the underground geology. Through 2013, significant resources (over $30M) have been invested into Agua Caliente and the WR Project.

Position Overview

The Farm Manager is responsible for managing the Pasture Raised Protein Program and Greenhouse operations of the Walker Ranch including, but not limited to, executing the farm operating plan, hiring/managing team members, conducting operations consistent with an annual budget, providing leadership to farm team members, and communicating with corporate management team.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and participate in the building out of the farm’s basic electrical and water infrastructure, including overseeing and assisting in construction of a number of small Greenhouse structures and internal growing equipment (specific training will be provided)
• Perform/coordinate “no till” land management program, including drilled cover crops, combined with a pasture raised, grass fed / grass finished protein program. (specific training will be provided)
• Manage and execute a pasture raised cattle, pig and egg production process. (specific training will be provided)
• Manage and execute a Greenhouse based organic vegetable production process. (specific training will be provided)
• Build and manage a small team to work on the farm.
• Willingness to “get dirty” and execute many/all of the tasks asked of all employees
• Communicate effectively with management, employees, and sales department
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal labor laws, agricultural audits, organic certification food safety regulations, and workers safety. (some training will be provided)
• Maintain buildings and equipment ensuring they are in appropriate condition
• Be a self-starter; ability to work independently as well as with other personnel and management
• Represent self and company in a professional and positive manner
• Attend required company meetings and training and participate in constructive discussion
• Follow all safety rules and regulations while performing work assignments and adhere to all policies and procedures.
• Conduct self in the presence of customers and community so as to present a professional image of Walker Ranch
• Proactively seek and participate in available company-sponsored training, in an effort to develop and advance knowledge base and skill set
• Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with peers, management, and support resources, with a constant commitment to teamwork and exemplary customer service
• Perform all other duties as assigned by corporate management in a professional and efficient manner

Qualifications

• Previous farm operations experience including basic crop planting, farm equipment management, maintenance scheduling, and basic agronomy
• Expertise operating excavator, skid steer, tractor, welder and other basic farm machinery
• Some experience and skillset in basic electrical systems, plumbing/irrigation systems, controllers etc.
• Previous management experience
• Some experience in raising variety of vegetable, especially if grown in Greenhouse would be bonus
• Some experience with cattle, pigs and chickens would be bonus.
• Strong learning skills, with openness to use new farming methods/process.
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written
• Basic computer skills … email
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent observation, analysis and organization abilities
• Valid driver’s license
• Candidates must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship

Compensation