Etzel Sugar Grove Farm Manager (7074)

The Etzel Sugar Grove Farm Manager will be responsible for the daily operations at Etzel Sugar Grove Farm. The Farm Manager will oversee the strategy and implementation of all agriculture operations, including but not limited to, livestock husbandry and management, beekeeping (training to be provided, if needed), crop production and distribution, farm and vehicle upkeep and maintenance, and agriculture-based education. Etzel Sugar Grove Farm Manager is accountable for safe and efficient farm operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Adheres to and actively assists in the development of Etzel Sugar Grove Farm’s established goals, plans, and philosophies. Maintains organic certification and implements practices which are consistent with organic certification, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture.
Plans and coordinates all growing and farming activities including, but not limited to, growing, harvesting, animal husbandry, integrated pest management, etc. Works with ICNC’s farm staff to delegate and assign work in each of these areas.
Working with ICNC’s beekeepers, manages all aspects of ICNC’s apiary, including installation and monitoring of bees, regular maintenance, and harvest.
Participates in and supports other agricultural education programs including, but not limited to, urban chickens and gardening.
Prepares and distributes crops, ensuring profitability and integration into the broader supply chain.
Raises and cares for organic chicken flock and egg production. Along with farm staff, tends to their daily needs, including egg harvesting, coop cleanliness, and slaughter.
Maintains positive relationships with neighbors, volunteers, staff, and community members. Serves as the chief representative of Sugar Grove Farm.
Coordinates volunteers to effectively and efficiently complete tasks. Maintains a positive attitude and appropriate working relationship at all times with volunteers and others.
Maintains all equipment in working order. Coordinates and performs regularly scheduled and preventative maintenance.
Ensures security of all Sugar Grove property and facilities by performing visual security checks, dealing with difficult persons, and ensuring all ICNC property and belongings are accounted for.
Maintains facilities in good working order and with a great appearance.
Develops, manages, and reviews budgets for all assigned areas. Meets targets for both income and expenses.
Performs job in a safe manner at all times. Ensures those around him/her are practicing safe procedures. Adheres to and ensures all supervised employees follow safety procedures manual.
Ensures compliance with all organization policies and procedures in assigned areas of responsibility.
Directly supervises assigned employees in line with organization’s cultural expectations, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance review and improvement, coaching, and termination. Provides a supportive and positive environment for employees.
Maintains current knowledge of development in areas of responsibility. Participates in state, local, and national organizations, conferences, and workshops as appropriate.
Assists in writing grants and securing funding for programs and projects, as needed.
Other related assignments as necessary.

REPORTS TO: Director of Land Stewardship

SUPERVISES: Farm Staff

HOURS OF POSITION: Generally, 8am to 5pm Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends, as necessary.

STATUS: Regular, Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, Marion, Iowa

DATE REVISED: October 2023

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Belief in the Nature Center’s mission and a healthy appreciation for the outdoors. Represents ICNC in the most positive manner with all people, both personally and professionally. Independent worker. Self-motivated. Ability to manage animal husbandry with a wide variety of animals. Ability to work with honey bees and all aspects of managing ICNC’s apiary (training to be provided, if not already possessed.) Ability to safely operate and maintain light and heavy machinery. Understanding of agriculture and farming practices. Ability to teach a variety of guests with varied demographics (age, ability, experience level, etc) Ability to accomplish tasks in all weather conditions. Ability to manage people, including ability to coach, motivate, support, and collaborate. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are necessary.

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Position involves working in an outdoor environment in varied weather conditions (67-100%) and frequent sitting and standing in an office setting (34-66%). Constant (67-100%) walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing, grasping, and finger dexterity. Frequent (34-66%) talking and listening to people in person or over the telephone. Viewing computer screen and other types of close visual work occasionally (10-33%). Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds frequently (10-33%). May frequently (34-66%) be required to travel off-site to complete duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree required or a minimum of four years of direct agriculture experience in lieu of a degree. Must have valid Iowa driver’s license and experience operating machinery including, but not limited to, chainsaws, tractor, mower, and skid/track loader. Must be able to provide proof of coverage and maintain personal automobile insurance coverage, including liability. ICNC conducts pre-employment background screenings prior to hire. Decisions regarding prospective employment shall be made on an individual basis considering all of the circumstances. Prior criminal histories, convictions, or incarcerations do not automatically disqualify a candidate.

OPTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Direct knowledge and experience in beekeeping are preferred. Direct experience in an organic agriculture setting is preferred. Employee supervisory experience preferred.

COMPENSATION: Starting compensation range is $45,000 – $55,000, plus full package of benefits, including group medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, life insurance, accidental death & disability insurance, and flexible and trust-based time off policy. On-site housing at Etzel Sugar Grove Farm is available if desired, though not a requirement of the job.

Apply below and be sure to include your resume and cover letter.