Company description

Arcadia is a nonprofit organization committed to environmental sustainability, equity, and good food for all. Our farm is sited on a 126-acre historic property in Alexandria, VA and serves as a beginning farmer training hub for military veterans, an educational center for local youth, and a community farm, all while prioritizing environmental stewardship through sustainable farming methods.

Job description

Seeking dynamic and experienced Farm Manager to oversee farming and training of military veteran beginner farmers (2 to 4 Farm Fellows), leveraging the experiential learning opportunities from the tasks of managing a busy farm. The farm includes 2 acres of vegetable fields, a half-acre fruit orchard, and a 1.5-acre Farm Incubator for up to 10 military veteran farmers (incubator farmers).

Farm Manager mentors and builds Farm Fellow and Incubator skills, oversees diverse farm operation, and engages with other Arcadia staff and partners. Strong candidates will be excited about a blend of farming, teaching trainees, and behind-the-scenes responsibilities of farm operations. New Farm Manager will be provided support from other experienced local farmers as they establish themselves in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Farm Training: 
Foster collaborative, productive, and positive work and learning environment, setting clear goals and expectations for Assistant Farm Manager, Farm Fellows and Incubators, and volunteers. 
Onboard, oversee, mentor and train Farm Fellows by working together in fields, deliver feedback and instruction while carrying out farm work.  Number and mix of Farm Fellows varies season to season, between about 2 full-time fellows and 4 part-time fellows. 
Direct daily tasks for farm team, incorporating the “why” of sustainable agriculture techniques, not just the “what.” 
As Farm Fellows develop skills, offer practice through taking on supervised leadership opportunities in specific areas of the farm’s management including greenhouse, wash/pack, and field oversight. 
Maintain records of Farm Fellow check-ins, ensuring progress throughout busy farm season, and provide quarterly performance reviews. 
Collaborate with managers of Arcadia Veteran Reserve Program (VRP) to ensure Farm Fellows receive hands-on instruction complementary to the VRP classroom learning.

Farm Management:
Oversee and direct all aspects of Arcadia farm production including staff management, crop planning, greenhouse seeding, field planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, and distribution with methods consistent with food safety and sustainable agriculture best practices.
Work collaboratively with Arcadia staff to develop annual crop plan and ensure farm produce meets the needs of the communities we serve.
Conduct regular site walks with farm staff to align expectations for  timeline and technique needed to complete tasks and to bolster continued learning of the Farm Fellows. 
Supervise and work closely with Assistant Manager, ensure that routine and seasonal site maintenance tasks are carried out and to create plan for maintaining Arcadia tools, equipment, and infrastructure. 
Lead distribution and food safety efforts of crop production including food safety training, liaise weekly orders with produce outlets and create harvest lists, and complete invoicing.
Use winter months to carefully plan for and coordinate acquisition of farm supplies needed. 
Lead strategic improvements and expansion of farm infrastructure and programming for education and streamlined operations. 
Collaborate and maintain clear communication with Arcadia leadership and program managers. 

Production Planning, Record-Keeping, & Budgeting:
Work with Arcadia leadership to finalize annual spending plan and carefully track spending and other financial records. 
Develop and implement annual plans, including spending and crop plans. The negotiable 2025 crop plan will be provided for basis of growing season.
Maintain and archive all farm production records including greenhouse seeding, field amendment applications, field irrigation, planting, pest and disease management, harvest, food safety protocol, and food distribution. Templates for necessary records provided.
Monitor and report on-farm performance metrics and use data to improve on-farm operations year to year.

Veteran Farm Incubator Program:
Provide quarterly feedback including initial review of annual incubator farm plans and provide educational workshops for program participants. 
Coordinate with Assistant Manager and other Incubator staff for additional guidance and resources for incubator farm businesses.

Community Engagement:
Work with Arcadia staff to engage with community through educational programs, farm tours, and volunteer opportunities
Liaise with others on-site to ensure safety and clear communication

Additional Duties:
Collaborate with Arcadia staff to effectively manage shared resources, tools, and equipment. 
Work with Education, Veteran Farm Training, and Mobile Market, and Community Farm Managers to integrate farm produce into food access and education programs.
Participate in Arcadia staff meetings and projects, and participate in organizational activities as appropriate. 
 

Preferred Qualifications:

Three seasons experience in sustainable fruit and vegetable production with in-depth knowledge of soil health, cover cropping, crop rotation, harvest and storage processes, irrigation systems, and pest management. 
Previous farm management experience with demonstrated ability to mentor and train beginners and volunteers. Preference for applicants with experience in training and/or education settings, who have worked for other farm managers. 
Proficiency in safe operation and maintenance of farm equipment or willingness to work with Arcadia to develop skills. 
Strong communication, organizational, and leadership abilities with track record of effective team management and collaboration.
Excellent record-keeping and planning capabilities, experience in budgeting and resource management.
Because our business is located in an area without access to reliable public transportation, we recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply.
A great attitude and desire to be part of a team is vital; we can arrange for training for specific missing skills, but attitude is everything. 

Arcadia is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

 

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 50k-75k

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline