Co- Farm Manager Job Announcement 2019

Transcription

1 Co- Farm Manager Job Announcement 2019 Summary: The Co- Farm Manager position is based at Pie Ranch, a 27- acre, not- for- profit educational farm, of which 10- acres are in use for production and teaching. We grow produce for our educational programs and for marketing through our Farmstand, Community Supported Agriculture program, and to restaurants and bakeries. Our dynamic farm offers educational opportunities for apprentices, interns, volunteers, students from elementary through college, and the general public. Our current production focus is on an integrated mix of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, flowers, pastures, and animal husbandry (chickens, milk goats, and pigs). We are certified organic through CCOF and food justice certified through the Agricultural Justice Project. The Co- Farm Manager requires a strong practical knowledge of agricultural skills and farm management; ability to teach adults in sustainable agriculture skills & concepts; and a deep commitment to food justice and social change. The Co- Farm Manager works very closely on a day- to- day basis with the other Co- Farm Manager. Together they plan, coordinate, and implement all work and farm activities at Pie Ranch. This position coordinates, supervises, teaches and mentors Pie Ranch s Emerging Farmers - our apprentices and interns. The Co- Farm Managers plan and coordinate all agricultural production activities from seed to harvest in collaboration. Together, they are responsible for harvest and post- harvest handling of Pie Ranch produce for sale through our Farm Stand, restaurant accounts, and the CSA program. The Co- Farm Managers work closely together on maintaining good records for CCOF inspection and certification. This position works closely with other staff to facilitate hands- on learning activities with youth and public programs. This is a full- time, year- round position. This management position works in collaboration with other Pie Ranch staff and reports to the Co- Executive Director. KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Emerging Farmers - Supervision, Management, and Teaching

2 Work with Co- Farm Manager, Marketing Manager, and Assistant Farm Managers on preparation for Orientation Week. Oversee curriculum & teach classes for Emerging Farmers Program. Establish priorities and work plans for the apprentices, interns and volunteers, helping to maintain the daily flow of farm work. Serve as the direct supervisor for the Assistant Farm Managers/2nd year apprentices. Serve as the direct supervisor for apprentices and interns, providing feedback, evaluation, and support in their living and learning environment on the farm. Instruct apprentices & interns in all aspects of growing and harvesting vegetables, fruits, tree crops, and herbs organically, including but not limited to: crop rotation & planning, greenhouse & direct sowings, field irrigation, bed preparation, planting, fertility, pest and pathogen management, and cultivation techniques. Deliver instruction, in- field training and formal training in all aspects of direct marketing management, including production planning, administration, and outreach as well as harvest and post- harvest handling techniques for field and orchard crops. Evaluate and Review Emerging Farmers through surveys and one- on- one meetings. With support from the Co- Directors and Finance Director, develop and manage the annual farm operations budget, tracking and monitoring revenue and expenditures. Farm Management: Direct player in overall farm vision and strategic plan for farm program activities. Develop and carry out the annual crop plan and seed order. Perform tractor work in fields and orchards, plan and manage cultivation activities; maintain equipment. Oversee management of greenhouse and plant propagation, oversee and manage the planning and implementation of the weekly planting schedule for greenhouse seeding, field seeding, and transplanting. Manage overhead irrigation & drip systems, schedule & monitor irrigations. Manage insect and weed control, soil fertility monitoring, and general field observation. Manage Pie Ranch livestock, including: pastured laying hens, meat birds, milk- goats, and pigs. Develop, manage, and maintain farm infrastructure plan. Crop Planning, Management and Execution of crop plan. Develop, manage, and maintain farm infrastructure plan.

3 Oversee Management of Harvest, Post Harvest, Marketing through CSA/FarmStand/Wholesale, and Delivery. Maintain Pie Ranch s Soil Fertility Management Plan and application process with CCOF. Maintain thorough records of all farm activities. Farm Infrastructure Management: Development, management, and maintenance of farm infrastructure plan. Oversee management of the various aspects of farm infrastructure maintenance and repair making sure all farm vehicles and equipment are always in proper working order. Oversee Facilities Manager in their management, care and maintenance of landscape and farm grounds including mowing, weeding, trimming hedges, thinning trees and bushes. Keeping work and storage areas clean and organized. Oversee tracking of fuel and supplies. Oversee inventory of farm equipment and tools. Harvest, Marketing, and Delivery: Oversee the plan and management of the weekly harvest schedule. Manage post- harvest handling; work closely with Sales and Marketing Manager on marketing and distribution for on- site farm stand, CSA program, restaurants, bakeries, and donations. Where possible, oversee & delegate harvest/marketing/delivery responsibilities to Assistant Farm Managers and Apprentices. Oversee, plan, direct and delegate as needed all activities involved in Community Supported Agriculture. Other Responsibilities: Attend Staff Meetings; weekly Managers Meetings; subcommittee meetings; participate in monthly Solidarity meetings; lead monthly all- staff harvests. Participate in Annual Fundraiser event - plan and coordinate produce for the menu with chefs and Pie Ranch staff. Facilitate farm activities with groups. Represent Pie Ranch by attending and presenting at outside conferences, workshops, and events.

4 QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of 5 years of full- season agricultural experience. A minimum of 3 years of full- season farm management, including year- long farm planning and weekly schedules. Deep understanding of the skills and concepts of sustainable/regenerative agriculture and integrated crop and animal production. Working knowledge of farm infrastructure. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to represent Pie Ranch with customers and with the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated supervisory and training skills with farm workers and volunteers able to comfortably provide hands on group and individual instruction to workers and apprentices of diverse ages and backgrounds. Enjoy working with people; be self- motivated, and have an interest in and a commitment to Pie Ranch s mission. Ability to work independently as well as with a group, and possess creativity, flexibility and the ability to problem- solve and take initiative. Experience managing the distribution and sale of farm products through Community Supported Agriculture, farm stands, farmers markets, and/or wholesale to restaurants. Experience working collaboratively in a team environment with successful outcomes. Strong ability in operating tractors; farm machinery/small- engine maintenance and repair experience. Knowledge & experience with soil fertility management, weed management, pest & disease control, greenhouse management, harvest and post- harvest handling. Knowledge & experience with drip & overhead irrigation set up & operation. Experience with and interest in livestock management. Basic carpentry and general building maintenance skills. Experience and interest in working with diverse populations - different ages and various economic, social and political backgrounds. Possess qualities of self- motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation. Strong communication skills; ability to work with team and community members respectfully and with patience. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly, wake up early, and do physical labor 40+hrs/wk. Understanding of and commitment to food sovereignty and food justice. Commitment to ending racism, sexism and all other forms of oppression. Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish.

5 Desire for long- term commitment and growth. ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS Work takes place in the field, greenhouse, and office settings. This position may work some weekends and evenings. Ability to perform hard and repetitive physical work. Professional, friendly, and enthusiastic personality. Access to a personal computer for work- product development and for communication. Possession of a current valid driver s license and clean driving record. Criminal background checks required. SALARY AND BENEFITS This is a full- time, exempt, position located in San Mateo County. Compensation commensurate with experience and a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision. To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume detailing relevant experience, and 3 references, to employment@pieranch.org (include Co- Farm Manager in the subject line). No phone calls, please. Initial deadline is January 10th, Applicants only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Pie Ranch is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.