Cran Career Spotlight: Marsh Manager

Overview:

A Cranberry Marsh Manager/Foreman is responsible for 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 manager oversees the Farm Crew and overall operations of the property. 

What is this career like?

• 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.

• Understand and craft budgets for the property and equipment management and repair.

• Product purchasing: research price quotes, product quality and market availability.

• Organize 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 required.

• Understand cranberry plant growth and pest control to grow a cranberry crop.

• Knowledge of irrigation and water systems for water management on the marsh and within the Farm’s community

• Mechanical Specialized skills for Heavy Equipment and Small Engine maintenance and repair.

• Strong Shop skills for welding, fabricating, and familiarity with tools.

• Previous experience overseeing daily work assignments and supervising employees.

• Must be able to work well with Owner Management and communicate well.

• Active Pesticide Applicator Certificate.

• First aid training is preferred.

• Must be able to work nights and/or weekends/Holidays as needed.

What education is required?

Although a degree in horticulture, agronomy crop science, etc. is valuable, there isn’t a requirement to have a degree to become a Cranberry Marsh Manager. Field experience is critical to the position. Years of experience can be substituted for a degree.  The future of Cranberry Marsh Managers may have a bachelor’s or associate degree in an agriculture field or a science-related field, such as Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Conservation, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or Entomology.  

Specialized courses that are helpful include: Soil Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, Entomology, Crop Physiology, Environment Science, Conservation, Chemistry, Meteorology and Plant Pathology.  Cranberry Marsh Managers not only know the plants but the machinery necessary to farm the plants.  Additional courses that would be helpful include: Agricultural Engineering, Physics, Machines, Small Engines, Welding, and Electrical Safety.