Farm Co-Manager
- Date Posted March 09, 2018
- Location Puyallup, WA
- Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
- Job type Full-Time
Company description
Do you have a passion for farming, food justice and social services? Are you ready to bring your farm experience, organizational skills, and creativity to an organization that is the backbone of Pierce County’s emergency food system? Do you want to work with a dynamic team, interact with incredible people, engage with the community, and have a significant impact on food security in our community?
OUR STORY: Emergency Food Network (EFN) is located in Lakewood, WA and was established in 1982. In a given year we move over 14 million pounds of food and serve more than 70 partner programs. As part of our work in meeting the community’s need, EFN also operates an 8 acre farm in the Puyallup River Valley called Mother Earth Farm (MEF). Each year, the farm uses organic practices to grow over 100,000 pounds of fresh produce for our partners. Mostly focused on vegetables, MEF also has an orchard, beehives, a flock of laying hens, and flower garden. We grow and harvest throughout the year, using two high tunnels and three caterpillar tunnels over the winter. The MEF team works closely on all farm tasks with a crew of incarcerated people from the Washington Correctional Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor as an educational and job-training program. The farm also relies on the work of seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers from our surrounding community.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: EFN’s MEF is looking for a Farm Co-Manager. The farm team is made up of two co-managers, 2 seasonal assistants, WCCW Crew, interns, and volunteers. The Farm Co-Manager will work on all aspects of production farming at MEF. We are looking for someone with demonstrated ability in producing high quality organic produce, excellent managerial and communication skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative environment. Many of MEF’s systems are already set in place, but require vision and flexibility in implementing throughout the season.
Job description
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Collaboratively set goals and systems for farming on an 8 acre diversified organic farm including 5 acres of row crops, two small orchards, and a flock of laying hens
- Follow best agricultural practices for production, harvesting, washing, and distributing produce
- Operate farm equipment including tractors, riding lawn mowers, walk behind rototillers and weed whackers
- Balance production goals with available labor and environmental sustainability
- Co-Manage and lead the Farm Team by communicating goals, training employees, and delegating tasks
- With Co-manager set goals, plan and implement education curriculum for crew from WCCW
- Work with, communicate, and oversee work plans for two Seasonal Farm Assistants throughout the season
- Work with and co-manage farm interns throughout the season
- Work with Development Team to coordinate farm events including; Farm Kick-Off, Wine and Weeding, Field to Feast, Brewer’s Nights, and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
- Work with Volunteer Coordinator to plan volunteer programs, set tasks, and keep records throughout the season
- Work with Executive Director and the Farm Team to communicate farm goals, program achievements and needs throughout the season
- Create farm budget, track spending, and communicate funding needs with Finance Director and Development Team
- Attend organizational and farm related community meetings with a focus on building relationships this may include outreach events and public speaking
- Organize, schedule, and track distribution to our food pantry partners
EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:
- Has two or more years of experience growing organic vegetables with at least two years of management experience
- Must be a collaborative leader who values a co-management model and team input
- Demonstrated ability to manage employees and lead teams of people
- Demonstrated ability of superior time-management, detail management, and prioritization skills, with a strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to train and teach people of diverse backgrounds farming and related tasks
- Familiarity with irrigation systems
- Ability or interest in operating tractors and farm equipment- machinery maintenance experience is a strong benefit, but not necessary
- Has experience facilitating group discussion and excellent conflict resolution skills
- Enjoys working in a diverse, fast-paced environment with passionate, talented and committed people
- Strong networks in Pierce County (preferred)
- Strong and effective oral and written communications and interpersonal skills
- Patient, nice to others and with a sense of humor
- A passionate advocate for access to nutritious food as a key social justice strategy
- Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance
WORK SCHEDULE: The schedule is typically 8am to 4pm Sunday through Thursday but due to variances in seasonal and farm schedules, flexibility will be needed. There will be weeknight and weekend events throughout the season that will also need support.
COMPENSATION STARTING:
- Full-time salary range of $42,000 to $46,000 based on experience
- 2 weeks of vacation earned during first year, increased to 3 weeks’ vacation beginning year 2, and 8 hours added monthly to your sick leave balance- benefits to accrue 60 days after employment
- We provide medical, vision, dental, life insurance with EFN covering 100% of the cost of the employee’s insurance premiums – benefits to accrue 60 days after employment
- EFN has a 403(b) plan and contributes 5% after the employee has been employed 90 days
EFN is a collaborative, team-focused, work space. The Farm Team (which includes this position) values transparency, collaboration, and sustainability. Opportunities to engage in local farm education and training will be available.
HIRING INFORMATION:
- Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@efoodnet.org
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
EFN in an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all interested applicants to apply. For more information about Emergency Food Network, please visit our website www.efoodnet.org.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, less than 50kApplication instructions
Deadline
no deadline