Company description

Veggies to Table is a non-profit 501c3 grow-to-donate organic diversified fruit, veggie and flower farm. Everything we grow we donate to those in need of food and joy in our community. We partner with 35+ local pantries, schools, summer lunch, and educational programs to bring our nutrient dense, and produce to community members experiencing hunger. We have welcomed hundreds of volunteers to the farm and work to create deep community connections on the farm and beyond.

We are committed to restoring dignity to individuals and families who have lost control over that most basic of choices and decisions—what to eat. The goal? Universal access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for everyone.

As an estimated 215,000 people in Maine go hungry daily, our mission is vital — now. You can be a part of the solution.

 More details here: https://veggiestotable.org

Job description

Veggies to Table seeks an experienced and passionate Farm Director to lead the grow-to-donate program of our non-profit farm. Everything we grow we donate to help end local hunger.

We seek someone committed to non-profit work, our mission, organic, no-till, no-spray farming, and feeding those in need in our community. This person is excited to manage our acre and a half of diversified vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs so we can send thousands of pounds of top-quality produce to those in need of food and joy in our community. The ideal candidate has a rich background and expertise in both organic farming and organizational growth, and a strong desire to produce food of the highest nutritional, aesthetic, and ecological quality. They will have responsibilities ranging from hands-on farming to big-picture strategic planning, from managing the farm crew to organizing educational workshops. 

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• 3+ seasons of organic farming experience
• 2+ seasons experience managing and mentoring a crew, interns, and volunteers
• Deep knowledge of vegetable and fruit production from seed to table
• A strong foundation and understanding of crop planning, soil health and fertility, organic pest control, succession planting, etc.
• Experience with record keeping and ordering
• Strong organizational and scheduling skills
• A willingness and ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, under potentially strenuous conditions — heat, rain, sun, wind, and cold—preparedness and a positive attitude are essential for success
• Timely email and/or phone communication
• Knowledge of Google Drive, Word, and Excel
• excellent interpersonal skills. There is a mix of crew, local volunteers, Wwoofers, and students on the farm daily.
• a detail-oriented approach, with considerable attention to order, and cleanliness
• A desire to build community connections
• Experience working in a nonprofit setting is a plus

 

Farm Responsibilities:

1. Create a plan and coordinate with our team to build soil health using soil tests, cover crops and organic amendments
2. Help craft a multi-year crop plan in collaboration with qualified team members
3. Provide expert advice on organic, no-till, and no-spray farming methods
4. Assist in the development and implementation of best practices for diversified vegetable, fruit, flower, and herb cultivation
5. Provide insights and recommendations for continuous improvement of farming systems and practices and record keeping
6. Report materials, tools, and amendments that need to be ordered
7. Create daily, weekly, and seasonal plans to accomplish short-term and long-term goals
8. Offer guidance to the farm team, volunteers, and interns on planting tactics, efficient harvesting methods, soil health, fertility, and organic pest control
9. Conduct training sessions on sustainable farming techniques, succession planting, cover crops, and crop plan development
10. Work in conjunction with 2-3 farmhands, our Executive Director, and many Wwoofers and local volunteers

 

Other Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the Executive Director and our administrative team to support the grow-to-donate program
2. Write new, and maintain existing, SOPs
3. Help develop educational programming
4. Help develop an on-site intern program

 

 

More Details

• Monthly salary commensurate with experience 40-52,000
• This position will be supported by two full-time Farmers, a part-time volunteer manager, and a part-time flower farmer, along with the Executive Director and administrative team. Additionally, we have many local volunteers, Wwoofers, and interns working on the farm.
• Veggies to Table is an equal opportunity employer and never discriminates based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Everyone is always welcome.
• We work hard and with enthusiasm. We adore what we do and want you to adore it as much as we do. Being around a crew of equally enthused lovers of food and beauty invigorates us. 
• We encourage personal development and growth at Veggies to Table through classes, online resources, and mentors.
• Winter work may include, but not be limited to SOP writing and maintaining, crop planning, ordering, hiring, developing educational activities on the farm, and collaborating with our local food security partners.
• As an employee of a non-profit farm and head of our grow-to-donate program our Farm Manager may be asked to assist, as needed, in other activities including farm tours, educational programming and support, and seasonal farm events.
• While this is primarily a farming position, our farm is open to the community and our Farm Manager will be interacting with community members of all ages on a consistent basis.

 

Benefits

• 5-day work week 40-50 hours a week (depending on season),
• 15 days paid vacation (year-round employee)
• On-site private housing or a housing stipend
• Health care stipend
• Paid holidays
• Professional development
• Fresh organic produce, flowers, and eggs

About The Community

• Location a mile from Damariscotta Lake and a mile from the ocean
• Location 1 hour from Portland and 40 minutes from Camden and Rockland
• Location 3 hours from Boston
• An abundance of local hiking and beaches
• Rising Tide Coop
• Downtown Damariscotta—shops and services a mile from the farm

TO APPLY

• Please send resume and cover letter to:  erica@veggiestotable.org

Please note: 
If you have the desired farming experience but are seeking a more flexible advisory role (still on site), our Farmer Consultant position might be a better fit. Please inquire.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $40,000.00 - $52,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

January 31, 2024