Farm Manager- Urban Farms of Central Ohio

Urban Farms ofMid-Ohio Food Bank of Central Ohio Grove City, OH, USA

Salary Full Time: 42,000-50,000
Benefits Eligible

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Strategic Projects Manager of

DIRECT REPORTS: Site Leads (2), Seasonal Farm Assistants, Community Volunteers, Interns (when applicable)

STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

PROJECT SUMMARY:
Urban Farms of Central Ohio, an initiative of Mid-Ohio Foodbank, transforms vacant sites in underserved neighborhoods into thriving farms that provide communities with increased access to fresh produce, jobs and job training, and opportunities for civic engagement.

Currently, UFCO operates two five acre sites in Columbus, Clarfield Farm and Wheatland Farm. Both farm sites use intensive, organic growing practices, and high-tunnels for season extension to grow high-quality produce for a variety of beneficiaries and/or market buyers. The farm sites also benefit the communities in which they’re located in by being a space for education, job readiness training, and civic engagement.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Farm Manager will be responsible for the planning, organization, supervision, and administration of activities on Clarfield Farm and Wheatland Farm. The Farm Manager will be responsible for implementing the short and long-term business plans, which includes continuing to develop the farm’s infrastructure, processes, and systems. The Farm Manager will oversee all aspects of vegetable production, the operation of four high-tunnels and seedling start a greenhouse, produce marketing and distribution, and facilitate on the farm training and educational programming with the Program Manager. The Farm Manager will also be responsible for recruiting, managing, and leading support staff, interns, and community volunteers.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
Manage farm business by creating, implementing, and managing annual farm plan including farm budget, operation, production, marketing, sales, and distribution plans in accordance to business plan.
Develop labor and work plans. Direct, coordinate, and manage farm worker activities including Site Leads, Seasonal Farm Assistants, interns, and community volunteers.
Operate, maintain, and enhance farm infrastructure, equipment, and materials to manage and improve sites, including a greenhouse and high-tunnels.
Oversee produce marketing and the distribution of produce through multiple streams, including restaurants, farmer’s markets, CSA, and farm stand.
Participates in, when necessary, and leads daily farm-related tasks including planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigating, and general maintenance.
Collect and maintain all records to prepare monthly reports on the status of the urban farms for supervisor and Mid-Ohio Foodbank leadership, and to comply with organic certification requirements.
Work closely with supervisor to plan, coordinate, budget annual operations and special projects, for urban farm sites.
Build and maintain relationships with local community residents and stakeholders, volunteer groups, local restaurants and buyers, community advocates for anti-poverty and health initiatives, and philanthropic entities.
Assists with general Strategic Initiative activities, including the identification and assessment of future sites, and development and implementation of educational and training programs.
Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Education and Certifications: High School Diploma/GED required. Associates Degree or two years of college preferred. Candidate must have a valid Driver’s License. Food Safety Certification (provided by Mid-Ohio Foodbank).

Experience: Three-five years of sustainable vegetable production experience required. Experience working on a farm during its early stages of development is strongly preferred. Knowledge of managing a small to mid-size sustainable, natural farm operation with both machinery and hand tools, from annual planning to all aspects of caring for the farm. Experience in leading and managing staff and volunteers, with a variety of experience levels. Creativity and flexibility in finding and implementing solutions to challenges as they arise on the farm. Experience in marketing produce to customers.

Skills/Competencies: Strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office. Ability to manage time to both operate the farms while also growing and improving them. Must have strong organizational and planning skills, excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize and multi-task, problem-solving skills, and be a self-starter. Ability to develop relationships with the farm team, business owners and volunteers. Understanding of community food security and passion for food justice and social change to contribute to the growth and evolution of the project.

For more information: https://midohiofoodbank.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Advertisements

Organic Gardener, Ford Plantation, GA

Organic Gardener
Richmond Hill, Georgia, United States

DESCRIPTION
The Ford Plantation Club, Inc is looking for an individual who will be responsible for our farm to table vegetable garden which incorporates the concept of gardening naturally and organically in alignment with nature. This individual can work on their own schedule, in conjunction with the needs of the Executive Chef, using organic gardening techniques such as healthy soil building, companion planting, herbal pest sprays, and crop rotation.REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS:
Experienced and knowledgeable in:
organic and sustainable gardening
the maintenance of healthy soil
mechanical and natural methods for insect control
the use of natural fertilizers
must be able to work unsupervised
must have a pleasant personality and be open to talking about or teaching
organic gardening techniques to our members and their guests and family

BENEFITS
For More Information: https://the-ford-plantation-club-inc.workable.com/

Farm Field Service Manager, Serenbe Farms, GA

Serenbe Farms is hiring a full time full time, year round Farm Field Service Manager for the 2017 season, to begin immediately.

Serenbe Farms is an intensive 10-acre USDA Certified Organic fruit, vegetable and flower farm located in Chattahoochee Hills, GA, just 30 miles south of Atlanta, GA. It is managed by Matthew Clayton, a 4th generation vegetable farmer. We grow over 50 different vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs We market our goods through our 100+ member Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA), farmers markets and to many talented chefs in Serenbe and Atlanta.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Looking for an experienced organic farm worker.

Positive attitude and work ethic are most important.

Team player, not a solitary job!

Farm Field Service Manager will be responsible for identifying, planning, completing and leading various tasks around the farm pertaining to infrastructure and crops.

This position reports to Manager and Assistant Manager, and leads interns and part time staff.

Housing (shared with interns from possibly February-November) is included ( as well as utilities and internet!), a small 3 bedroom 1 bath cottage just off the farm, in the beautiful Serenbe Community.

This is a great opportunity to farm directly for a community of like minded, appreciative folks. Farmers are treated like ROCK STARS in Serenbe

Comfort with speaking to groups and attending fun public events is necessary as well to the Serenbe vibe, as we are also an agritourism and education farm and host/attend many events.

Position requires a 2 day field work interview.

Our ideal candidate has:
• A GREAT attitude! And the ability to go with the flow, accept changes in daily schedules
• A serious interest in farming as a lifestyle and livelihood
• A physical and mental ability to carry out all farm related tasks
• A mind for efficiency, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency
• Open and positive communication skills
• Willingness to take initiative and take on responsibility
• Customer service experience
• Previous farm labor experience, preferably on a CSA farm
Please be sure to answer the following questions in your cover letter
1. Please tell us about yourself (hobbies, interests, long term goals, etc.).
2. Why do you want to work on a farm? How does farming fit into your future plans?
3. Do you have any gardening or farming experience?
4. What strengths would you bring to the fields of Serenbe Farms?
5. Do you have any sales experience?
6. Do you have any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations that would affect your ability to do farm work (kneeling, squatting for hours, heavy lifting, long days, etc.)?Can you carry and lift 50 lbs?
7. Have you ever conducted tours or spoken to groups?
8. Do you have any other related work experiences or skills? (examples: education, mechanics, sales, carpentry, cooking, public speaking)
9. Do you have transportation?
10. When would you be available? Any flexibility?

COMPENSATION
This position is PAID: hourly, varies DOE, $12.00 – $14.00

HOW TO APPLY
Email kali@serenbefarms.com

Please send cover letter and resume.

Washington – Organic Farm School hiring Assistant Farm Manager, Whidbey Island, Washington Organic Farm School

 

The Organic Farm School (OFS) is seeking candidates for a full-time Assistant Farm Manager position. Successful candidates will assist and report to the OFS Farm Manager in accomplishing the crop production and land stewardship goals of the OFS farm while simultaneously leading and training OFS students in these farm activities.

The Organic Farm School provides experiential education to aspiring farmers on how to start and manage their own small farm through classes, group discussions, self-reflection and co-management of the OFS Student Farm. The 10-acre OFS Student Farm grows organic produce for a CSA program, farmers market and local grocers as well as produces and markets organic vegetable seed, poultry, lamb and hay. The ideal Assistant Farm Manager will be skilled in organic vegetable and seed crop production, will be a positive and effective crew leader and mentor, and have some mixed livestock and forage production experience.

The primary responsibilities of this position includes:

• Assist the Farm Manager in all aspects of the operation and management of the OFS Farm. The farm operation includes organic vegetable and seed crop production, poultry and livestock production, hay production, cover cropping, direct marketing and site and infrastructure maintenance (45%)
• Lead and train student farmers in all farm activities (45%)
• Assist in the administration of the farm as well as the on-going development, implementation and evaluation of the OFS farmer training program and training farm (10%)

Qualifications and experience

The Assistant Farm Manager position requires strong farming, leadership and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have experience with team leadership and instruction, will have worked on and helped manage a successful diversified farm operation and will be a highly organized team player. Qualified candidates will be comfortable with tractors and farm equipment, proficient in most crop production activities, have a positive attitude and communicates well with staff and students. Ideal candidates also bring other skills such as mechanics, construction, research management, etc.

The following are required:

• Minimum 3 years experience working on a commercial organic farm.
• Minimum 3 years experience in leadership or teaching positions.

Responsibilities of the positions

Assist in the management and operation of the OFS student farm’s infrastructure, production and marketing

• Assist in efficiently implementing production plans for crops, livestock and forage with farmer-trainees
• Assist in implementing a farm marketing plan that includes CSA, farmers market and wholesale outlets
• Assist in implementing soil improvement and climate-friendly farming practices
• Assist in maintaining the farm’s equipment and infrastructure to effectively support the production goals of the program
• Assist in maintaining accurate records as needed and help manage organic certification
• Assist in managing farm research projects

 

Educational training of student farmers in the field

• Train and guide farmer-trainees in farm tasks on the student farm
• Evaluate farmer-trainee progress and offer constructive guidance
• Provide leadership in creating a positive social environment for farmer-trainees

 

Administration of the OFS farm and education program

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other staff, program partners and the public
• Assist in creating annual and long-term work plans and budgets for the farming and educational aspects of the OFS
• Assist in managing farm and education budgets including tracking expenses and income

Compensation and schedule

Salary

• This is a salaried position (not hourly). Salary commensurate with experience (starts at $30K/yr)

Schedule

• Full-time. Generally M-F but flexibility is required to cover occasional evening/weekend responsibilities.
• Location: South Whidbey Island, Washington
• Major holidays and 15 days personal time off (appropriately timed for minimal disturbance of program)

 

The Organic Farm School is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.  We offer a competitive salary and the opportunity to join an organization whose mission is to build sustainable local food and farm systems through education and training.

To Apply:

Please familiarize yourself with our program by visiting http://organicfarmschool.org.

Qualified candidates please send a cover letter and resume to sebastian@organicfarmschool.org. We will begin screening applications as they are received, and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. Position ideally starts January 1, 2018. We appreciate all documents sent in PDF or Word format and look forward to receiving your information.

Full-Time Agriculture Educator, Ohio

Greenacres is a non-profit, private operating foundation established in 1988 by Louis and Louise Nippert. The Nipperts purchased Greenacres Farm in 1949 and wanted to preserve the land for the education and enjoyment of future generations. Utilizing our undisturbed woodlands, and working farm, our educators create programs that foster an appreciation for the natural world, promote conservation, and explore one’s creativity through the arts. Staff collaborate with classroom teachers and other educators to design field trips in a small-group setting that align with the students’ learning track and state standards.

 

Job Description:

The Agriculture Educator works with Greenacres production, livestock, and greenhouse staff to create programs that align with the agricultural practices used on our farm. These practices include holistic management of grass-grazed livestock, intensive biodynamic gardening, and a focus on improving the health of the soil without the use of synthetic fertilizers.

The Agriculture Educator will design and execute curriculum that utilizes Greenacres gardens, fields, greenhouse, and livestock facilities. Collaborating with teachers, the Educator will create educational programming that meets scholastic goals while also giving students an exciting and enriching experience on a real working farm.

The Educator will typically lead multiple programs a week, constantly refining lessons and curriculum based on the needs of guests and the current activities in our fields and gardens. The Educator will work closely with the production gardeners and livestock staff so that the education of our guests can be seamlessly incorporated into the ordinary flow of tasks on a farm.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science, Animal Science or Agriculture Education.
• Demonstrated teaching skills and a passion for working with youth using hands-on activities in small-group settings.
• Prior experience with livestock management, vegetable production or greenhouse growing.
• Previous involvement with holistic management farm practices preferred

Job Responsibilities:

• Create educational programing consistent with holistic management and intensive gardening so that youth are engaged in the entire process of running a small scale farm.
• Schedule, coordinate, develop and teach programs for school-age children and community groups that are customized to guests’ needs.
• Collaborate with other Greenacres education departments to provide our guests with a diverse, high-quality educational experience.
• Work occasionally as a member of the livestock, vegetable production, or greenhouse staff so that educational programming can be smoothly incorporated into Greenacres vegetable production, livestock management, and greenhouse operations.
• Attend and present at professional conference including but not limited to NAAE (National Association of Agriculture Educators)

 

Miscellaneous Duties:

 

• Perform outreach and build relationships with alternative high school programs, youth programs, schools, and community organizations.
• Participate in conference/workshops to enhance knowledge, improve programming, and network with other professionals.
• Document and evaluate programs in order to assess the quality and effectiveness of agriculture education programming.
• Assist with the monitoring and sampling of pastures and soil.
• Assist with intern programs.
• Serve on a Greenacres committee.

 

Employment is dependent upon the ability to pass a physical, drug screen, and BCI and FBI fingerprinted background check.

 

Log on Greenacres’ website www.green-acres.org and click on Career Opportunities to download the application form. Send résumé, cover letter, and completed application to HR@green-acres.org.

 

Agriculture Director

Agriculture Director
Greenacres Foundation – Cincinnati, OH 45242
$60,000 – $70,000 a year

Greenacres is a non-profit, private operating foundation established in 1988 by Louis and Louise Nippert. Greenacres is one of the largest private foundations in Ohio and is supported by a substantial endowment. The Nippert’s purchased Greenacres Farm in 1949 and grew the property to over 600 acres. IN 1988, they initiated their plan to preserve the land for the education and enjoyment of future generations. Utilizing our undisturbed woodlands, and working farm, our educators create programs that foster an appreciation for the natural world, promote conservation, and explore one’s creativity through the arts. Staff collaborate with classroom teachers and other educators to design field trips in a small-group setting that align with the students’ learning track and state standards. Job Description: The Agriculture Director has two primary responsibilities. First is to develop, design and implement education programs aligned with the Greenacres education model that utilizes the agriculture assets to teach concepts that address the scholastic goals of visiting schools. The second responsibility is to coordinate Greenacres Agriculture activities to assure that the agriculture assets are useable in hands-on experiential education programs. Greenacres animal husbandry consists of a grass based production model utilizing registered Black Angus Cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry. Greenacres gardens follow practices that would be considered “organic” and the 8,000 square foot greenhouse is moving toward an “organic” operating model. The Animal Husbandry and Garden Managers follow the lead of the Agriculture Director on their activities but also have profit goals. The Agriculture Director must to be able to balance these two goals which may be in conflict. The ability to use common sense to overcome any conflicts and gain buy in to the resolution by all players: educators and farmers is essential. Greenacres education model is to provide hands-on experiential experiences that teach concepts outlined in the State Standards as requested by classroom teachers. To implement the customized lesson plans requires innovation, client focus and a strong background in agriculture. The Agriculture Director must be able to convert a science concept into a real working farm agriculture experience. For example, the concept might be fractions and the lesson plan might focus on percentage of seeds that germinate or percent daily gain on different grasses. The Agriculture Director will participate as a teacher in the classes and will build their team to assure that both education programs and production activities are of the highest quality. The Agriculture Director will typically lead multiple programs a week, constantly refining lessons and curriculum based on the needs of guests and the current activities in our fields and gardens. The Director will work closely with the production gardeners and livestock staff so that the education of our guests can be seamlessly incorporated into the ordinary flow of tasks on a farm. Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, Animal Science or Agriculture Education. Demonstrated teaching skills and a passion for working with youth using hands-on activities in small-group settings. Prior experience with livestock management, vegetable production or greenhouse growing. Previous involvement with holistic management farm practices preferred. Job Responsibilities: Create educational programing consistent with holistic management and intensive gardening so that youth are engaged in the entire process of running a small scale farm. Develop agriculture education department staffing model which includes production/livestock employees. Develop site usage to include all agriculture education/production assets. Schedule, coordinate, develop and teach programs for school-age children and community groups that are customized to guests’ needs. Coordinate with vegetable production, greenhouse and livestock managers on the design and use of production areas emphasizing education. Collaborate with other Greenacres education departments to provide our guests with a diverse, high-quality educational experience. Work as a member of the livestock, vegetable production, and greenhouse staff so that educational programming can be smoothly incorporated into Greenacres vegetable production, livestock management, and greenhouse operations. Attend and present at professional conference including but not limited to NAAE (National Association of Agriculture Educators) Assist with ongoing Greenacres Agriculture Research projects * Miscellaneous Duties: Perform outreach and build relationships with school programs, youth programs, schools, and community organizations. Participate in conference/workshops to enhance knowledge, improve programming, and network with other professionals. Document and evaluate programs in order to assess the quality and effectiveness of agriculture education programming. Assist with intern programs. Serve on appropriate Greenacres management committees. Employment is dependent upon the ability to pass a physical, drug screen, and BCI and FBI fingerprinted background check. Job Type: Full-time Salary: $60,000.00 to $70,000.00 /year Job Location: Cincinnati, OH 45242

Farm Manager, Urban Farms, Ohio

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Strategic Projects Manager

DIRECT REPORTS: Site Leads (2), Seasonal Farm Assistants, Community Voluneers, Interns (when applicable)

STATUS: Full Time, Exempt

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Urban Farms of Central Ohio, an initiative of Mid-Ohio Foodbank, transforms vacant sites in underserved neighborhoods into thriving farms that provide communities with increased access to fresh produce, jobs and job training, and opportunities for civic engagement.

Currently, UFCO operates two five acre sites in Columbus, Clarfield Farm and Wheatland Farm. Both farm sites use intensive, organic growing practices, and high-tunnels for season extension to grow high-quality produce for a variety of beneficiaries and/or market buyers. The farm sites also benefit the communities in which they’re located in by being a space for education, job readiness training, and civic engagement.

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Farm Manager will be responsible for the planning, organization, supervision, and administration of activities on Clarfield Farm and Wheatland Farm. The Farm Manager will be responsible for implementing the short and long term business plans, which includes continuing to develop the farm’s infrastructure, processes, and systems. The Farm Manager will oversee all aspects of  vegetable production, the operation of four high-tunnels and seedling start greenhouse, produce marketing and distribution, and facilitate on the farm training and educational programming with the Program Manager. The Farm Manager will also be responsible for recruiting, managing, and leading support staff, interns, and community volunteers.

 

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Manage farm business by creating, implementing, and managing annual farm plan including farm budget, operation, production, marketing, sales, and distribution plans in accordance to business plan.
• Develop labor and work plans. Direct, coordinate, and manage farm worker activities including Site Leads, Seasonal Farm Assistants, interns, and community volunteers.
• Operate, maintain, and enhance farm infrastructure, equipment, and materials to manage and improve sites, including a greenhouse and high-tunnels.
• Oversee produce marketing and the distribution of produce through multiple streams, including restaurants, farmer’s markets, CSA, and farm stand.
• Participates in, when necessary, and leads daily farm-related tasks including planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigating, and general maintenance.
• Collect and maintain all records to prepare monthly reports on the status of the urban farms for supervisor and Mid-Ohio Foodbank leadership, and to comply with organic certification requirements.
• Work closely with supervisor to plan, coordinate, budget annual operations and special projects, for urban farm sites.
• Build and maintain relationships with local community residents and stakeholders, volunteer groups, local restaurants and buyers, community advocates for anti-poverty and health initiatives, and philanthropic entities.
• Assists with general Strategic Initiative activities, including the identification and assessment of future sites, and development and implementation of educational and training programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Education and Certifications: High School Diploma/GED required. Associates Degree or two years of college preferred. Candidate must have a valid Driver’s License. Food Safety Certification (provided by Mid-Ohio Foodbank).

Experience:  Three-five years of sustainable vegetable production experience required.  Experience working on a farm during its early stages of development is strongly preferred. Knowledge of managing a small to mid-size sustainable, natural farm operation with both machinery and hand tools, from annual planning to all aspects of caring for the farm. Experience in leading and managing staff and volunteers, with a variety of experience levels. Creativity and flexibilty in finding and implementing soultions to challenges as they arise on the farm. Experience in marketing produce to customers.

Skills/Competencies:  Strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office. Ability to manage time to both operate the farms while also growing and improving them. Must have strong organizational and planning skills, excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize and multi-task, problem solving skills, and be a self-starter.  Ability to develop relationships with  the farm team,  business owners and volunteers. Understanding of community food security and passion for food justice and social change to contribute to the growth and evolution of the project.