Farm Production Manager (7236)

Position Overview

The Farm Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an 11-acre organic vegetable and livestock farm. The Farm Production Manager will work closely with two other Farm Production staff to oversee farm systems, manage vegetable production and animal tasks, and ensure that the farm provides meaningful service and learning opportunities for youth, young adults, staff and volunteers of all backgrounds. The majority of youth and young adults who come to work on the farm have little to no farming experience. The Production Manager provides essential mentorship and in-field instruction for everyone on the farm, guiding them in daily production tasks. The Farm Production Manager also helps maintain and improve farm infrastructure, including equipment, hoop houses, coolers, and barns.

Essential Functions:

The core responsibilities listed below are all in collaboration with the Farm Production Team. Leadership in each of these areas will be determined as a team based on interest, skills and experience.?

Farm Production??

Manage all aspects of vegetable production including soil management, field preparation, propagation, planting, pest and disease management, weed management, harvesting, and post-harvest activities?

Support all aspects of livestock production on the farm including brooder management, poultry pasture systems, chicken processing, and daily chores?

Maintain and model safe use of farm infrastructure including fencing, irrigation, hoop houses, tractors, mowers, power tools, barns, coolers, and processing equipment?

Collaborate on purchasing and maintaining tools, supplies, seeds, feed, and equipment?

Maintain regular and thorough records of production, harvest, and sales

Draft and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various aspects of production??

Identify and explore generating new revenue for the farm?

Identify and explore opportunities for expanding production throughout the season, including winter growing

Program Support?

Design and lead farm production training sessions for Corps Members

Support programming on the farm by leading volunteer groups and working with crews in the field

Train and model safety protocols for different tasks on the farm, including tractor and mower trainings and tool maintenance?

Work with the Farm Production Team to develop daily work plans for crews and volunteers?

Supervise seasonal Leaders with goal setting, regular check-ins and work-planning. ??

Mentor Crew Members and Leaders, instructing them in specific farm tasks and engaging them in learning about all aspects of the farm?

Participate in rotating chore schedule (occasional after hours and weekends)

A minimum three seasons of experience on a production-oriented organic mixed-vegetable farm

Experience leading farm system planning, crop planning and production, marketing and sales, and tractor and/or farm equipment operation

Experience maintaining a safe farm working environment, including an understanding of food safety protocols and the safe use and maintenance of mechanical equipment such as tractors

Strong communication skills, including speaking, listening, and writing

Experience working in teams with shared leadership, decision-making, and problem solving

Experience or an enthusiasm for teaching and working with diverse teams of young people including staff, Corps Members, students and volunteers

Demonstrated commitment to creating and maintaining working and learning environments that are welcoming and inclusive.

Flexible, motivated, responsible and able to handle multiple, often competing? priorities?

Willing to both take direction and work independently

Available to work occasional nights and weekends, attend program events as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

Position Status: Full-time, Year-Round, Exempt

? Starting salary for this position is $45,000, commensurate with experience. Exempt from overtime.

? Medical and dental insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) with matching contribution; disability and group life insurance (once eligibility criteria are met)

? Simple IRA with matching contribution (once eligibility criteria are met)

? Annual paid time off (PTO), paid sick time

? One-week paid closure in November for all staff (in addition to PTO)

? Ongoing professional development

? Annual gift card to the VYCC farmstand (organic produce and eggs)