About First Cut Farm

First Cut Farm is a certified organic vegetable operation farming 120 acres in the beautiful Skagit Valley. With a focus on efficient, mechanized production, we cultivate a variety of vegetable and grain crops. Our commitment to sustainability and continuous innovation underlies everything we do—from growing high-quality produce to maintaining a safe, productive work environment for our team.

Position Overview

The Equipment Manager is responsible for operating and caring for the farm’s tractors, trucks, harvesters, implements, and other equipment so that work happens safely, on schedule, and with minimal downtime. This role is hands-on and mechanically minded, with significant time in the seat of a tractor or truck and in the shop doing basic service and repairs. The role primarily manages equipment and maintenance, not people; but you will work closely with the farm leadership and field crews to accomplish tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation (50% mostly in summer production & fall harvest)

• Safely operate all farm tractors and key implements for:
  • Field preparation (tillage, bed prep, etc.)
  • Planting and cultivation
  • Irrigation support, including moving booms/reels
  • Harvest operations (Grimme and similar specialized equipment)
• Drive manual farm trucks and flatbeds for hauling crops and materials.
• Operate forklifts for loading/unloading and moving product and supplies.

Maintenance & Repairs (25% ongoing with more focus in winter)

• Perform routine service on tractors, trucks, and implements (fluids, filters, grease, torque checks, etc.).
• Assist with troubleshooting basic mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues and complete light to moderate repairs within skill level.
• Coordinate and track parts purchasing and service needs; communicate early about issues that require outside mechanics.
• Maintain a clean, organized shop and yard focused on safety and efficiency.

Equipment Management (25% ongoing)

• Help plan equipment needs by season (field prep → planting/cultivation → irrigation → harvest → storage and servicing).
• Keep up-to-date service records and a prioritized list of pending repair and upgrade projects.
• Ensure all equipment is used safely and in accordance with farm policies and manufacturer guidelines.

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• Prior experience operating agricultural or construction equipment (tractors, loaders, forklifts, trucks, or similar). Must be comfortable operating large equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude – comfortable turning wrenches, learning new machines, and diagnosing basic problems (auto or hobby background is a plus).
• Basic maintenance skills: able to follow service schedules, change fluids/filters, grease machines, and assist with troubleshooting.
• Prior farm experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Forklift experience or ability to become certified.

Personal Qualities

• Flexible and adaptable; comfortable changing direction quickly as field, weather, and crop needs shift.
• Lifelong learner who enjoys figuring out how things work and improving systems.
• Able to work independently, take ownership, and communicate clearly with managers and crew.
• Comfortable working in a cross-cultural environment; Spanish language skills or a strong ability to collaborate across language barriers is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, climb on and off machinery, and spend extended periods sitting, standing, or walking.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time; typical schedule 5 days per week M-F with additional hours as needed.
• Compensation: $28–$35 per hour, DOE, plus: overtime pay (1.5x wage) for hours above 40 per week, PTO (accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours worked), free farm produce, and professional development support including training funds.