Director of Agritourism & Farm Operations

Help Build One of California's Most Unique Agritourism Destinations

SLO Ranch is looking for an entrepreneurial Agritourism Farm Manager to help transform our working farm into one of the Central Coast's premier agritourism destinations.

This is not a traditional farm manager position.

We're looking for someone who loves farming but also thinks like a business owner—someone who gets excited about creating new experiences, growing revenue, and building something special.

SLO Ranch is a unique property that combines a working farm, community gathering space, shops, neighborhood market, restaurants, and event venues. Thousands of visitors already come to the property each week. Our goal is to create engaging farm experiences that connect people to agriculture while building a sustainable and profitable agritourism business.

If you've ever wanted the opportunity to build an agritourism operation from the ground up, this is it.

What You'll Do

You'll oversee the day-to-day farming operation while leading the growth of our agritourism program. Responsibilities include:

Farm Operations

• Manage crop planning, planting, harvesting, and seasonal production
• Oversee orchard development, gardens, and livestock
• Maintain farm equipment, irrigation systems, and growing areas
• Supervise farm staff and volunteers
• Ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable farming practices
• Reseach and explore grant programs

Agritourism & Business Development

You'll have the freedom to create new experiences and grow the business.

Examples include:

• U-Pick fruit and vegetable experiences
• Pumpkin patches and seasonal festivals
• Farm tours and educational programs
• School field trips
• Honey production and beekeeping experiences
• Farm-to-table dinners and cowboy cookouts
• Workshops and classes
• Lavender and herb drying
• Community gardening programs
• Holiday events
• Children's farm experiences
• Livestock interactions
• New revenue-generating ideas that fit the SLO Ranch vision

If you have an idea that will delight guests and make the business stronger, we want to hear it.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about agriculture
• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated
• Creative and full of ideas
• Comfortable taking ownership of projects
• Organized and able to execute
• Excited to engage with the public
• Interested in building a long-term business

Qualifications

• Experience managing a farm, ranch, vineyard, orchard, or similar agricultural operation
• Experience planning or operating agritourism activities is highly desirable
• Knowledge of crop production, irrigation, soils, and seasonal planning
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons
• Experience managing budgets or business operations is a plus

Compensation

This position offers a unique compensation structure designed to reward success.

Compensation includes:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based profit sharing
• Significant earning potential based on the success and profitability of the agritourism program

The philosophy is simple: the more value you create, the more you earn.

We're looking for someone who wants to think like an owner and be rewarded accordingly.

Why SLO Ranch?

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up.

You'll have:

• Several acres of farmable land
• Existing infrastructure
• Strong visitor traffic already on-site
• An established gourmet market
• Restaurants featuring local ingredients
• Community garden plots
• Event space
• Supportive ownership that encourages innovation

Rather than inheriting an established program, you'll help shape the future of SLO Ranch's agritourism vision.

If you're excited about combining agriculture, education, hospitality, and entrepreneurship into a thriving destination, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your resume and a brief letter telling us why you're excited about this opportunity—and include one or two agritourism ideas you would bring to SLO Ranch.

Job Type: Full-time

Projected Total Compensation: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Agriculture: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Luis Obispo, CA 93403: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person