Student Farm Manager, UMASS, Amherst, MA

Technical Assistant II U of M

Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Stockbridge School of Agriculture

Job Summary
Assist with the coordination of daily operations of the Student Farming Enterprise Program, including oversight of vegetable and fruit program production systems at both the UMass Crop Research and Education Center and UMass Agricultural Learning Center.   Provide supervision of student employees enrolled in the UMass Student Farming Enterprise program.

Essential Functions

1. Farm Management Coordinate and manage vegetable production at UMass Crop Research and Education Center and UMass Agricultural Learning Center, including soil management, planting, crop maintenance, harvest and delivery. Operate and maintain farm equipment.  Instruct students on farm equipment use and safety.  Implement standard operating procedures based on sound, evidence based best management practice protocols to ensure the safety of students on the farm. Conduct daily inspection of farm in support of mandated food safety regulation compliance.  Supervise student employees enrolled in the Student Farming Enterprise program.  Prepare farm plans for submission to Baystate Organic (a certifying agency).  Coordinate integrated pest management plan including application of approved pesticides as needed on the farm.  Coordinate delivery of vegetables from farm to various markets.  Assist with farm improvements as needed
2. Instructional Support Develop overall farm plan spreadsheet design, student assignments, handouts and other instructional tools for beginning farmers.  Edit and compile annual Student Farm Handbook.  Coordinate student group visits and tours, prepares educational handout materials for meetings and tours, and coordinate logistics for hosted events at the UMass Crop Research and Education Center and UMass Agricultural Learning Center.
3. Administration Maintain accurate financial records for revenue generated from the sale of vegetables.  Write narrative content and acquire quotes for supplies and equipment for use in the preparation of grant proposals.  Develop website content and social media pages.
4. Technical Instruction Instruct employees and students on proper equipment operation, safety and maintenance as specified by the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.  Work alongside student employees and provide instruction/feedback in the tasks necessary for sustainable vegetable production.
5. Operates motor vehicles to perform farm related tasks.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.  In the performance of work, take initiative and operate with self-direction. Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Five years experience working on farms with organic vegetable production systems.
• Strong familiarity with organic agriculture and local food systems.
• Excellent communications skills and ability to work independently and cooperatively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with farm equipment operation and safety.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform manual tasks associated with vegetable crop production and sales.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to use software such as word processing, spreadsheets and web design
• Ability to organize, set priorities and follow through on tasks.
• Ability to handle difficult situations in an appropriate manner.
• Must hold Class D Massachusetts driver’s license.
• Pesticide Applicators License
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals; ability to collaborate well to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall college goals; ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences preferred.

For more information: http://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/496509/technical-assistant-ii-u-of-m

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Vegetable Production Manager, Simple Gifts Farm, Amherst, MA

Simple Gifts Farm is seeking a person who can take on management of 15 to 20 acres of diverse vegetable field crop production. We envision this position as a stepping stone for someone to transition into a larger role in the ownership and management of the farm operation as a whole.  Depending on the abilities and interests of the successful applicant, this transition could happen within a year or over multiple years, depending on the abilities and interests of the individual.

Background:
Simple Gifts Farm is a small, diverse market farm located in the academic town of Amherst in Western Massachusetts. We run a 200-member CSA program and were 18-year members of the Amherst Farmer’s Market. In July of 2017, we opened a full-service farm store on-site to converge our CSA and retail marketing efforts; most of the production of the farm now channels through the store to the members of our local community. We produce and market vegetables year-round from the field and from close to a half-acre of greenhouse space. While vegetables are the centerpiece and economic driver for our farm, we integrate livestock into our production system to build soil fertility and to produce meat and eggs.

We lease a total of 30 acres from North Amherst Community Farm (NACF), a nonprofit formed by a coalition of passionate farm neighbors who own the land and have preserved it in perpetuity for farming. NACF selected us as stewards to ensure that the land remains an organic farm, a wildlife corridor, and a place for local residents to enjoy nature and walking trails. Our tenure on and investments in the farm are protected with a long-term lease.  We run the farm as an ecological unit, working to improve the health of micro and macro-organisms alike, and connecting our CSA members and other neighbors with their local food supply. We also pride ourselves on being a working educational farm by offering an immersive organic farming apprenticeship program.  We maintain a collaborative and professional work environment where all staff are encouraged to achieve excellent results, both independently and as members of a team.

Specific Job Description:
The Vegetable Production Manager will be responsible for day-to-day operation of the vegetable production enterprise.

• Prepare overall production plan including crop plan; labor and financial budget; and fertility, weed and pest control plan geared towards the needs of the CSA and farm store and continuing our trajectory of continuously building soil fertility and also continue our transition to minimum tillage production.
• Prepare schedule of all production related activities – seasonally, weekly, and daily and continuously update that plan as conditions change.
• Keep up to date records as necessary, especially planting, soil amendments, production and harvest data.
• Monitor production and costs to be certain we are on target and work with farm owners to adjust the overall plan as needed.
• Perform field production tasks and supervise field crews of 3 to 10 people carrying out other tasks during the production season including (but not limited to):
• Field preparation: primary and secondary tillage, fertilization and compost application, spray on amendments, bed making, stale bedding;
• Seeding or transplanting;
• Production of greenhouse transplants and in-ground crops
• Mechanical cultivation, hand weeding, mulching, staking and twining, etc.;
• Maintaining field roads and field ends and edges as weed free as possible by mowing and tilling as needed;
• Harvest, wash and pack crops, maintaining quality and efficiency standards and proper records;
• Monitoring crop weeds, nutrient problems, diseases and pests and take action as appropriate;
• Caring for land after harvest, work in aftermath and seed cover crop as appropriate;
• Work closely with farm owners and possibly other managers to coordinate the overall delegation of apprentice crew and hourly workers for all tasks on the farm- this will include designating someone to be in charge of specific tasks (e.g. weeding crew, tomato staking, etc.) and with other farmers and managers to cover non-field production needs – especially harvest and greenhouse work, but also other repair and maintenance work, livestock care, and marketing;

This position could potentially be filled by an individual or a couple. Housing is available on the farm, either a studio apartment or a 2 to 4-bedroom unit for a family. Compensation will be competitive, and commensurate with experience and aptitude of the successful applicant.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to simplegiftsfarm@gmail.com.

Farm Manager, Rochester institute of Technology

Farm Manager

Detailed Job Description
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Dining Services, the Farm Manager is responsible for all activities of the hydroponic farm program for RIT Dining Services. The Farm Manager coordinates primarily vegetable food production, including planting, maintenance, harvest, and delivery of produce to 21 RIT Dining locations from the hydroponic farm and future farm expansion projects. In addition to planning and coordination of food production, this position develops effective record keeping systems to track planting, harvest, seasonal maintenance tasks, and food safety measures and produce accurate and relevant reports on these areas.
Responsible to all customers and co-workers to provide excellent service in a friendly, sincere and courteous manner. Work closely with all staff to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
Responsible for the planning and execution for the production, maintenance, transportation of food grown in campus farm to RIT Dining Services locations.
Work with Senior leadership, Chef’s and operations to determine crops to be grown.
Take responsibility for and manage growing conditions and nutrient mixes for optimal production that enhances taste, nutrition, speed of crop turnover and overall quality.
Responsible for operational budget, inventory all farm maintenance, equipment, food production and chemical supplies.
Assist in planning and oversight of all Farm capital and operational needs working in conjunction with appropriate internal and external personnel.
Create and maintain a welcoming professional environment. Responsible for monitoring staff morale.
Responsible for ensuring staffing levels are met and maintained within established labor cost requirements. Provides training and leadership to staff to maintain quality service.
Supervision of staff, directing work as needed while working in unit(s). Currently 2-4 part time employees with the prospect that this will grow as the business grows.
Responsible for ordering products from RIT approved vendors.
Report to work on time, wear proper uniform, adhere and enforce departmental and university policies.
Adhere and manage all compliance, safety and health regulations.
Carry out special assignments as requested
Attend meetings and seminars as requested by Senior Management

Required Minimum Qualifications
2-5 years’ experience in planning and implementing sustainable agricultural systems: plant propagation, seedling.
Experience growing baby greens, micro greens, living lettuces and/or herbs.
Experience with controlled environment systems, including hydroponics, growing systems, and environmental control systems (e.g. Argus, Priva), preferably in a multi-level environment.
Experience with scheduling planting and cropping to meet customer demand.
Proven ability of supervising others in control systems, fertilization, CO2, water, power and/or environmental control.
Experience growing in a closed environment (e.g. greenhouse).
Comfortable working irregular hours and being on call to attend to events and work weekends if necessary.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with varied constituencies of the RIT community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni are preferred.
High attention to detail and follow up, and excellent planning and organization skills.
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Experience with food safety and HACCP protocols and auditing procedures.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (indicate specific field, if required Horticulture, Agronomy, Food science, Hospitality or a similar field

Starting Pay: $36,500.00-$47,400.00

For more information: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25483&siteid=5289#jobDetails=1493835_5289

Farm Operations Manager, Gaia Farms, Brevard, NC

Job Summary:
This position manages all farm operations, including: planning, scheduling, staff management, plan execution, as well as oversight and documentation of the company’s organic farming operations from seed selection through greenhouse, field, harvest and post-harvest handling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Collaborates with Purchasing department to develop annual farm plan including crops, seed, greenhouse planting, acreage, labor, fertility, amendments, and harvest requirements to meet required raw material demand
Plans, develops, and executes the annual farm budget as well as capital expense needs
Develops and tracks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the farm
Communicates with Operations groups to inform harvest timing/yield and fresh harvest plans
Procures seed, amendments, fertilizers, and supplies; develops and executes plans for their efficient usage to maximize crop quality and yield
Manages farm team staff; monitors and approves work hours, develops and executes staff training, resolves problems
Coordinates and supervises all farm team activities throughout the season
Manages greenhouse operations and staff
Monitors plant health, determines and implements applications and pest management programs to achieve high quality yield
Develops and manages a program for regular soil testing and subsequent fertility and amendment plans
Maintains compliance and documentation for Organic certification and leads annual farm audit
Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations and health and safety standards
Liaises with the farm maintenance team for repair/maintenance of facility and equipment, and purchasing of any new equipment
Monitor field conditions and coordinate needed activity to optimize performance of each field
Organizes and coordinates contractors for land prep and other sub-contracting issues
Tracks and maintains the crop seed bank for the next year crop production
Codifies farm operations through record keeping and data analysis
Oversees the Gaia Farm vegetable program and assigns resources to meet the objectives of the program
Collaborate with Quality Control for pre-harvest sampling program
Support Marketing/PCW needs for farm tours, events and community relations
Support Gaia Sustainability goals through collaboration with Sustainability Manager and development of practices and programs to improve environmental performance of farming operations
Coordinates seasonal staff arrival and departure with PCW team
Coordinates H2A staff housing assignment and maintenance, purchasing supplies as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position supervises operations and staff for the farm at Gaia Herbs, Inc.

Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science or related field
5+ (five) years of experience supervising people
5 (five) years of farm management or equivalent experience
1+ (one) year of experience working on an organic farm

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Valid North Carolina driver’s license
Valid U.S. Passport
Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred; willingness to take lessons to learn to speak Spanish if not bilingual is required
Knowledge of organic farming requirements and procedures
Knowledge of herb cultivation practices and experience with Western NC (or similar climate) growing conditions preferred
Knowledge or experience with Greenhouse operations preferred
Excellent communication skills
Knowledge of H2A visa requirements preferred
Ability to write strategic business plans
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small groups situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret graphs
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear; and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to be able to view a computer screen. Employee should be able to move and lift up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. The employee must be able to climb ladders and work in high, precarious places.

Work Environment:
The work environment of this position includes a standard office setting and outside farm setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts of farm equipment. The employee is exposed outside weather conditions, including cold, hot, wet and humid conditions. The employee may be exposed to extremely dusty environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

For more information: https://newton.newtonsoftware.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8ad64ec63fbd49de013fd3fa9e312886&id=8a7885a8670aebd701676466e8231321&source=

Food Hub Garden Coordinator, Alachua, FL

Extension Program Assistant – Food Hub Garden Coordinator

WORK TYPE: Staff Full-Time

LOCATION: Alachua

CATEGORIES: Agriculture/Life Science/Vet Medicine, Office/Clerical

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Extension Program Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position will be integral to a school food hub that will grow produce on-site and incorporate local foods in the cafeteria. This position will primarily work at Horizon Center and will assist other schools engaged with Farm to School activities in Alachua County. This position will work closely with a training coordinator for food preparation and may need to assist with food preparation if requested. This position will be supervised by a Family Nutrition Program (FNP) employee and work closely with designated Alachua County Public School (ACPS) employees. This position will oversee all aspects of training students in nutrition/horticulture/gardening in a working garden. This person will be responsible for growing and harvesting crops and coordinating with the educational staff to ensure the project meets the needs of the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and other students engaged in the program. He/she will work with teachers, aids, students, and volunteers to maintain vegetable and fruit production.

Essential Functions:

Crop Production
This employee will have a working knowledge of crop production, planting timelines, proper harvest techniques (food safety), pests and diseases, knowing what products to use that are safe, how to build soil, how to rotate crops, how to run an irrigation system, fertilize and maintain a succession plan. This agricultural production plan is based on student education and this employee will work with ACPS staff and students to both reinforce nutrition education messages while maintaining productive garden operations. Position requires lifting and carrying materials and/or supplies up to 50 lbs. May require standing, stooping, pushing, and/or pulling. May require standing for prolonged periods of time, working outside in various weather conditions to ensure garden care and success. Select specific duties are listed below:

Manage vegetable and fruit crops (planting, harvesting, irrigation, fertilization, etc.)
Train other workers in garden tasks
Working daily in the garden with volunteers, ESE students (Exceptional Student Education), and independently
Daily and monthly planning of garden tasks that best fit the needs of the garden as well as ability of volunteers and high school ESE students.
Crop planning that includes appropriate crop rotation and coordinates with school lunch taste tests and menu plans.
Cultivate transplants for garden
Ongoing garden maintenance
Harvest (coordinated with Food Prep Coordinator)

Nutrition Education
This employee will research and be knowledgeable about the latest policies, rules, and regulations regarding the following topics. This information will be shared with faculty and staff working for ACPS as well as students enrolled and participating in the agriculture program at the Horizon Center. Nutrition education topics include but are not limited to:

Food safety
Horticulture education
Reinforcing nutrition messages provided by FNP educators
Management/Administrative

Provide monthly and as needed reports on program activity
Identify needed items and report to the purchasing authority
Work closely with Farm to School Coordinator to ensure smooth function of the Hub, meeting regularly with coordinator and other team members
Travel as needed
Maintain clean and functional equipment and facilities

ADVERTISED SALARY:$13.00 – $15.50 /hour (commensurate with education and experience)

For more information: http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/search/?search-keyword=food&work-type=staff%20full-time&work-type=staff%20part-time&work-type=student%20ast&work-type=temp%20full-time&work-type=temp%20part-time&job-mail-subscribe-privacy=agree

UGA Extension Internship, Athens, Clarke County, GA

What: SPRING 2019 UGA Extension Internship

Where: Athens-Clarke County Extension Office, Athens, GA

When: Spring Semester 2019 (mid-Jan. – late April/early May)

Applications Due: Dec 4, 2018

Pay:$13/hour Expected Schedule: 10 hours/week

Work Hours: Vary depending on availability; evening and weekend work as needed

Education Required: UGA Horticulture or entomology majors and/or Organic Agriculture or Local Food Certificate students preferred; an interest in a possible career with UGA Extension

Job Description:

This spring internship with Athens-Clarke County Extension will provide office and field experience on a wide variety of topics. Duties include plant, tree and insect ID, school and community garden coordination, preparing and delivering educational content for farmer’s markets and other community organizations, working with Master Gardeners and volunteers, interpreting soil and water testing results, local farm consultations and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies required:

· A desire to serve others, taking a genuine interest in people
· The ability to lead, teach, motivate and communicate effectively
· The motivation to continue learning and growing professionally
· The desire to work as part of a team

Location:Athens-Clarke County Extension Office, 2152 West Broad St., Athens, GA 30606; 706-613-3640.

For more information, contact Amanda Tedrow, Athens-Clarke County Coordinator at 706-613-3640 atedrow@uga.edu or Maria Bowie, Extension Internship Coordinator at 706-542-3908 mbowie@uga.edu.

HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter, resume and three references to mbowie@uga.edu by Dec. 4, 2018.

Farm Manager,Hope Farms, Houston, TX

Position Description and Responsibilities

Position Title: Farm Manager

Start Date: Immediately Hope Farms

Background: Hope Farms serves as a complementary and critical layer to expand the Recipe for Success Foundation mission to combat childhood obesity by addressing community health in a powerful and new way. Located on 7 aces in view of Houston’s downtown skyscrapers in the Sunnyside neighborhood, Hope Farms grows over 30,000 pounds of produce a year. The farm is a valuable resource for local residents and the city at large, providing access to healthy, cooking, gardening and nutrition education programs for all ages. We train and provide small-business incubation, co-op services and workforce readiness for U.S. Veterans, preparing them to be urban agri-preneurs.

The farm is also a gathering place, offering a weekly market, and public events that celebrate local food and the power of shared meals to build community. Since 2005, Recipe for Success has been on the front lines of the childhood obesity epidemic. Our programs have empowered more than 50,000 youth in Houston and beyond with the knowledge and skills to make a lifetime of healthy eating decisions. Through efforts including the nationally offered Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™, Farmers MarKIDS curriculum, Eat It! Food Adventures children’s cookbooks, the VegOut! 30 Ways in 30 Days Challenge that gamifies healthy eating, along with Hope Farms in Houston, the Foundation aims to change lives by making healthy food fun, tasty, affordable, easy and accessible. Our vision is to inspire a world where healthy eating is the norm and a culture where nutritious food is shared, appreciated and celebrated. Overview of Farm Manager.

Overview of Farm Manager Role: The Farm Manager role is a dynamic position fundamentally critical in the farm’s success. Working directly with the Chief Agricultural Officer, the Manager will help the continued build out of the farm and expand food production and be involved in all aspects of establishing the farm as a regional model and positioning it for long-term success, including: high-volume, intense vegetable production using organic methods; implementing sound business practices involving supply chain and inventory management; teaching and mentoring participants in the farmer training program; and interacting with the community. Day to day responsibilities include managing planting, cultivation, pest, disease and weed control, irrigation, harvest and post-harvest handling, quality control, sales and distribution. The manager assists with operation of an on-site farm stand, Farm Share/CSA program, restaurant and farmers’ market sales and deliveries; and builds and maintains relationships with local chefs and other retail and wholesale partners.

Key qualifications include but are not limited to: Food Production:
+ Experience managing a profitable, small commercial farm a plus.
+ Must have a minimum of two years experience working in agriculture and exhibit in-depth knowledge of organic and sustainable agriculture methods and techniques.

Hope Farms utilizes small scale, intensive growing methods to maximize and optimize production of fruits and vegetables on the urban farm. Knowledge and experience working with permaculture techniques is ideal, as well as a strong desire to continuously improve the farm as a healthy and productive ecosystem for all living things.

+ Mechanical knowledge and skills in operating and maintaining various farm equipment (including BCS walk-behind tractor).
+ A high level of understanding the business of farming including utilization of state of the art software and other technology as it relates to bookkeeping and maintaining records (excel, database, log books, calendar, email) in support of crop planning, inventory control, production, distribution, pricing, budget, sales and educational components of the farm.
+ Previous experience and/or knowledge of raising poultry for egg production and maintaining bee hives for both honey production and to benefit general ecosystem.
+ Knowledge and experience of growing food in southeastern Texas is ideal but not required. Health and Food Access:
+ A passion and fundamental belief in the importance of food access and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables to improve public health. Obesity and other diet-related illnesses are ravaging communities and impact not only overall quality of life but also the vitality and health of the social and economic systems. Access to affordable produce can play a critical role in transforming the health and well-being of children, adults and society at large.
+ A deep belief and understanding in the power of food and community as the tenets to physical, emotional and spiritual health. Community and Relationship Building:
+ Hope Farms is an integral component of the neighborhood and Houston at large.

Cultivating positive and healthy relationships is fundamental to the success of the farm. The Farm Manager engages and interacts with a diverse population on a daily basis, including local community members, visiting school groups, volunteers, donors, politicians and veterans. The Farm Manager must possess strong communication skills and the ability to be inspiring, open, honest and understanding with people from diverse backgrounds, experience and ages.

The Role as an Educator:
+ Must exhibit a demonstrated ability and desire to teach others the fundamentals and core techniques of how to grow food. The Farm Manager plays an important role in the Farmer Training program, which requires the ability to organize and supervise daily educational farm tasks in addition to participating in classroom work that focuses on farming techniques, philosophies, and small-business management practices, such as crop planning, inventory control, supply chain management, direct marketing, CSA implementation, budget management and other business tools.
+ The ability to facilitate engaging experiences around agriculture for various community and school groups.

Other Qualities:
+ Be guided by the vision and mission of the Recipe for Success Foundation and work under the supervision of the Chief Agricultural Officer, in addition to collaborating with other members of the Recipe for Success team.
+ A commitment and desire to serve others and do positive work in the world. Additionally, being a kind and compassionate human with the personal characteristics and qualities of patience, openness, strong communication, understanding of oneself, and ability to truly listen to others.
+ A strong, self-motivated work ethic with the ability and desire to work independently as well in close physical, mental and emotional proximity with others.
+ A dedication, understanding and appreciation of Quality.
+ A valid driver’s license and sound driving record.
+ Must pass a drug screening and background check. Compensation and Benefits: The Farm Manager is a full-time, salaried position, with contribution to health insurance, two-week paid vacation and holidays.

Salary range $32,000 to $40,000 commensurate with experience.

For more information: https://www.recipe4success.org/a396b2658ef6b24d56aef8ebbc0d40c125045e69.pdf