Field Crew Leader

ECHO • North Fort Myers, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

ECHO is a global Christian agricultural networking, training, and resourcing organization with a mission to strengthen its diverse global network to defeat hunger and improve lives through sustainable food and agroecosystem strategies. ECHO has a significant network of over 20,000 individuals and organizations built over 45 years working in more than 190 countries. These partners serve as the primary multiplier for ECHO tested options, strategies, and research. At ECHO, you will join a global Christian network committed to defeating hunger and restoring hope through sustainable agriculture. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to equipping leaders around the world with practical tools that create lasting impact. If you are passionate about faith-integrated service and sustainable solutions, you will find meaningful purpose in this role. The Field Crew Leader leads the daily agricultural operations of ECHO's Florida campus. This position supervises Field Technicians and ensures that all landscape areas (demonstration fields, gardens, production areas, irrigation systems, etc.) are maintained safely, effectively, and with excellence. The Field Crew Leader Manager develops seasonal and weekly work plans, coordinates crop and field priorities, and supports ECHO's research, seed banking, training, tours, events, and global mission through well-managed agricultural spaces.

Requirements

• Must adhere to the ECHO Statement of Faith and possess character traits consistent with ECHO's Core Values.
• Training and practical experience in horticulture, agronomy, tropical agriculture, crop production, or a related field.
• Ability to make sound decisions regarding planting, irrigation, soil fertility, pest and disease management, harvest, and seasonal field priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise employees, organize daily work, delegate tasks, and maintain clear standards.
• Ability to operate and oversee the safe use of common agricultural tools, machinery, irrigation systems, and equipment.
• Strong planning, communication, recordkeeping, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and visitors while maintaining responsibility for field operations.
• Bachelor degree in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, natural resources, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of practical agricultural or horticultural experience, including responsibility for crop or field operations.
• Previous experience supervising employees, coordinating work crews, or leading agricultural projects is preferred.
• Experience with tropical or subtropical agriculture, demonstration farming, agricultural education, or small-scale farming systems is preferred.
• Eagerness to educate visitors about ECHO’s mission and agricultural topics that relate to ECHO’s global work.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, natural resources, or a related field
• Previous experience supervising employees, coordinating work crews, or leading agricultural projects
• Experience with tropical or subtropical agriculture, demonstration farming, agricultural education, or small-scale farming systems
• Eagerness to educate visitors about ECHO’s mission and agricultural topics that relate to ECHO’s global work.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily agricultural work across demonstration fields, gardens, production areas, orchards, and related outdoor spaces.
• Develop seasonal planting, crop rotation, soil fertility, irrigation, pest management, harvest, and field maintenance plans.
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, irrigation performance, weeds, pests, diseases, and weather-related risks, and respond appropriately.
• Oversee livestock systems on the farm, ensuring animals are well cared for, purposefully integrated, and serve as an important demonstration of ECHO’s best management practices.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement freeze protection strategies.
• Maintain field areas as safe, accurate, attractive, and useful demonstrations of practices relevant to small-scale agriculture and the ECHO network.
• Coordinate harvest, recordkeeping, produce use, and distribution according to ECHO policies and priorities.
• Directly supervise Field Technicians and provide clear daily and weekly work assignments.
• Train, coach, and support Field Technicians in agricultural practices, safe equipment use, quality standards, and efficient work methods.
• Conduct regular check-ins, provide performance feedback, and contribute to formal performance evaluations.
• Organize staffing and schedules to meet seasonal demands, special projects, tours, events, and weather-related needs.
• Ensure field demonstrations are clearly maintained, accurately represented, and ready for visitors, tours, workshops, donor engagements, and special events.
• Coordinate with Global Farm Tours, Advancement, Research, Seed Bank, and other teams when field areas are needed for educational or engagement purposes.
• Support installation, improvement, and seasonal renewal of demonstration plots and interpretive agricultural areas.
• Provide practical agricultural information to staff, volunteers, and visitors when appropriate.
• Lead tours and engage donors weekly.
• Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance with the Buildings and Maintenance team.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of seeds, soil amendments, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation parts, tools, and supplies.
• Identify equipment and supply needs, obtain cost information, and submit recommendations to the Site Manager.
• Coordinate with the Site Manager and Facilities Manager on irrigation infrastructure, drainage, roads, freeze protection, storm preparation, and major field projects.
• Ensure field work follows ECHO safety policies, federal Worker Protection Standards, and applicable agricultural regulations.
• Maintain required pesticide applicator and related certifications, when assigned, and ensure proper chemical storage, records, application, and worker protection.
• Train Field Technicians and other authorized workers in safe work practices, personal protective equipment, equipment operation, and weather precautions.
• Maintain accurate field, application, harvest, and operational records as required.
• Identify hazards promptly and coordinate corrective action with the Site Manager.
• Develop weekly work plans and communicate progress, challenges, resource needs, and recommended priorities to the Site Manager.
• Contribute to annual field budgets, purchasing plans, project estimates, and operational reporting.
• Coordinate appropriately with volunteers and work teams assigned to agricultural projects.
• Collaborate with Research, Seed Bank, Global Farm Tours, Advancement, and other departments to support shared goals without compromising field safety.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Site Manager.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, and life insurance)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, 5 wellness days, plus paid birthday leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level