Cran Career Spotlight: Marsh Assistant Manager
Overview
A Cranberry Marsh Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the Marsh Manager/Foreman in planning, implementing, and supervising farm operations, while growing cranberries to reach their best yield potential and practicing environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts. A cranberry marsh assistant manager helps oversee the Farm Crew and overall operations of the property.
What is this career like?
A Cranberry Marsh Assistant manager helps plant/renovate cranberry beds, cultivate, irrigate, and harvest cranberries. The Assistant manager provides directions or assists laborers in completing their tasks and assists in the general care and upkeep of the farm property and equipment.
Some of the things a cranberry marsh Assistant Manager might do:
Assist the Marsh Manager and mirror role responsibilities although years of experience or specific farm knowledge may vary.
Help manage farm in the absence of the Marsh Manager.
Grow as many cranberries as possible using sustainable practices.
Watch and manage water daily.
Oversee marsh property and marsh roads/dikes with road construction, planning and repair management.
Heavy equipment operator for marsh renovations, cranberry bed rebuilding and planting, road repairs, sanding, etc.
Cranberry Bed Construction; soil profiles, drainage, vine planting, water management capacities.
Manage overall farming operations determining amount of fertilizer for plant growth, irrigation applications for plant vitality and vine protection, and apply Integrated Pest Management practices for pest control.
Have a comprehensive understanding of the weather and adjusting farming methods throughout the growing and dormant season such as weather, pest, diseases, or other extraordinary events.
Apply a growing understanding and application of farm/project/repair budgets.
Product purchasing: research price quotes, product quality and market availability.
Cross Trained in record keeping required to complete cranberry production and sustainability reports.
Practice personable and fair Leadership to Farm Crew, contractors, vendors, etc.,
Ensure all employees are properly & currently trained and safe on the job.
Assist all employees to perform their duties efficiently, effectively and safely.
Comply and enforcing company safety rules.
What skills are needed?
Previous experience in farming and equipment operation.
Previous experience in supervising employees required.
Strong communication skills and maintain good working relationship with Marsh Manager and Ownership management while working well with others.
Pesticide Applicator Certificate is required.
First aid training is preferred.
Must be able to work nights and/or weekends as needed.
Frequent sitting with heavy equipment and farm machinery operations, lifting of 50-75 pounds or more.
What education is required?
Although a degree in horticulture, conservation, agronomy, crop science, etc. is valuable, a degree is not required to be a Cranberry Marsh Assistant Manager. This career grows through experience and industry educational programs and networking.
The following high school courses are helpful: agricultural education, mathematics, biology, small engines, welding/fabricating, electrical, and other shop classes.