Farm Manager - Independent Contractor

Location: Eldorado, Illinois

Engagement Type: Independent Contractor

Sol Systems Contact: Director, Sustainability & Ecosystem Impact

Engagement Overview

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.

Scope of Service:

• 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.

Qualifications

We are looking for an established farm manager who combines practical production experience with sound business judgment. This person does not need to be an expert in every potential enterprise, but must be able to manage a diversified operation, learn quickly, bring in outside expertise where needed, and make sound decisions about scale.

Required:

• 2-5+ years of farm management, production agriculture, or comparable agricultural operations experience.
• No solar experience required
• 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.

Preferred:

• Experience with several of the following:
• Crop production systems, including specialty or row crop systems
• Agrivoltaics
• Farm equipment maintenance and mechanization
• Direct, wholesale, or institutional markets
• 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.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and rate requirements.

Deadline: We hope to hire for this position immediately and will review applicants on a rolling basis.

Sol Systems is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, creed, or other traits. Sol Systems supports and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.