Farm Manager – Independent Contractor

Sol Systems • Eldorado, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Sol Systems is seeking a hands-on Farm Manager to develop, operate, and scale agricultural production at its dual-use solar and agriculture (agrivoltaics) site in Eldorado, Illinois. The goal of this engagement is to establish and operate active agricultural production within the solar array. Production may include specialty crops, row crops, small grains, poultry, forage, or other enterprises that are operationally and economically viable within a standard utility-scale solar site.

Requirements

• 2–5+ years of farm management, production agriculture, or comparable agricultural operations experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently planning and executing farm operations.
• Experience with farm budgeting, purchasing, recordkeeping, or enterprise management.
• Strong entrepreneurial, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with farmers, buyers, community organizations, contractors, technical specialists, and non-agricultural site personnel.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform the physical requirements of farm work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with crop production systems, including specialty or row crop systems
• Experience with Agrivoltaics
• Experience with Farm equipment maintenance and mechanization
• Experience with Direct, wholesale, or institutional markets
• Experience with Agricultural education or workforce development
• Relevant agricultural education is preferred but not required when supported by substantial practical experience.
• Prior agrivoltaics experience is beneficial, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual and seasonal production plans for crop, livestock, forage, and other viable enterprises within the solar array.
• Lead planting, pest and weed management, harvest, post-harvest handling, and daily farm activities.
• Evaluate enterprises based on site conditions, infrastructure, market demand, labor needs, and financial viability.
• Manage the operating budget, purchasing, inventory, production records, sales channels, and enterprise performance.
• Track yields, labor, equipment use, costs, and revenue to refine operations and recommend scaling opportunities.
• Recruit, train, and support employees, contractors, and prospective farmers for the farm enterprise.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures for production, equipment use, food handling, site access, and farm safety.
• Coordinate agricultural work with Sol Systems staff, solar operations and maintenance teams, contractors, and technical specialists, including planning infrastructure and identifying and mitigating operational and compliance risks.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed