Company description

The VYCC is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: young people, working together, guided by highly trained leaders, completing priority projects in conservation and agriculture.   

Job description

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) 

Who We are Looking For 

The following list of skills and experience is for an ideal candidate. If you’re excited about this role but your experience aligns with most but not all of what is listed below, we encourage you to still consider applying!

• 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

this position is: salaried, 43,888* - 50k

Application instructions

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Deadline

November 17, 2024