Company description

Small Places is a 501c3 that develops farms in under-resourced neighborhoods to upend systemic inequalities at the neighborhood level.

Our farms are designed to prioritize and become a part of the fabric of the communities they exist in, providing convenient, affordable access to high quality foods and a safe and welcoming space for our neighbors. Our first farm, Finca Tres Robles (Spanish for “3 Oaks Farm”), located just 3 miles east of downtown Houston in the historic 2nd Ward is one of the only urban farms in Houston’s urban core and grows seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs on 1.5 acres. Using intensive growing methods and following organic practices, our farm is one of the only sources of sustainable, fresh, and local produce on Houston’s East Side. As a community-driven farm uniquely striving to keep 100% of our produce within 3 miles of the farm, we have developed community outlets and relationships distributing our produce through a 10-month CSA, an onsite grocery store, and subsidized distributions directly to community partners and neighbors. As a community space, we also host regular community events and educational opportunities such as field trips and classes. Having recently signed a historic 40-year lease on 1.5 acres in partnership with Harris County, our new community farm will be opening up in early 2025. 

Job description

Farming is a complicated and challenging profession. We start here with all our farm staff.
 

As a farmer founded nonprofit, we understand the challenges of being a farmer and starting a farm business. We look to share the realities of the work to those interested in the career of farming through a structured, supported, and safe place to learn the skills, resilience, and growing philosophies to provide a road to a successful career in agriculture.

Reporting to the Lead Farm Manager, our Assistant Farm Manager will be vital in launching production on the new farm site and supporting our inaugural class of Farm apprentices.

 Working in a primarily working-class Latine community we strive to represent, include and prioritize our immediate neighborhood. We strive to be an anti -racist organization and work to leverage our farm to pursue equity and food justice to our best ability.

The Assistant Farm Manager will support the new farm's opening including updating our farm’s internal processes and working with Lead Farm Manager to implement our USDA supported Farm Apprenticeship program (3 FT salaried apprentices) set to begin in the Summer of 2024. 

Once the farm reopens in February of 2025, the Assistant Farm Manager will oversee farm production including weekly harvest plans, daily and weekly greenhouse maintenance and the management of all Apprentices (3) and farm staff. 

Beyond farming, the Assistant Farm Manager will assist in other farm activities as agreed upon, including farm tours, educational programming support and seasonal farm events. While this is primarily a farming position, our farm is a well-trafficked location for our community and the Assistant Farm Manager will be interacting with our community on a consistent basis. This position will report to our Lead Farm Manager and be supported by our Administrative team and 3 FT farm apprentices.

Type: Exempt, Full Time, Salaried Position
Start Date: January 7, 2025
Hours: 40-50 hours a week (depending on the season), 5 days per week
Salary: $42,000 - $46,000  
Other Benefits: $400/month health savings account, farm produce, 3 weeks PTO

Expected Experience:

1+ years of production farming and farm management experience

1+ years experience in urban ag and agritourism (prioritized but not required)

Proficient in Gmail, Google Docs, Google sheets, TEND (app)

Committed to personal growth and accountability

Willingness to work outdoors in Houston’s weather and ability to lift 50+lbs  regularly

Speak Spanish (prioritized but not required)
 

Compensation

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

Application instructions

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Deadline

February 03, 2025