Company description
Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens (MAFPG) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000. MAFPGs’ mission is “Striving to help our neighbors by providing local food pantries with first-choice, fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant produce.” MAFPG is a network of 9 gardens in Southwest Dane County, WI ranging in size from 0.5 acres to 12 acres. In a typical season through both growing and gleaning efforts, about 100,000 lbs. of produce is donated to nearly 30 food pantries and community meal programs throughout Dane County with the support of approximately 2000 volunteers per year.
Job description
MAFPG currently has two employees including a full-time Farm Manager and part-time Marketing & Communications Specialist. With increased volunteer support and land access for diversified specialty crop vegetable and fruit production, MAFPG is in an exciting time of capacity building at Forward Garden (7492 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI). Forward Garden is MAFPGs’ largest garden location with 12 acres available for specialty crop production and a new 2,100sq ft greenhouse to extend our growing season beginning in the spring of 2025.
The Associate Farm Manager will be an integral part of MAFPGs’ future success and will be relied upon for knowledge, leadership, and passion for cultivating community-level nutrition security.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with the Farm Manager to:
• Plan all steps of crop production including scheduling, propagation, planting, weed management, and harvesting
• Transition to regenerative practices that promote soil and ecosystem health including ecological land management (control of invasive plants, mowing, pollinator habitats, etc) and composting
• Perform general labor and work with Facilities & Equipment committee to keep infrastructure equipment, and technology (including irrigation systems) up-to-date and in working condition
• Maintain appropriate internal systems, policies, procedures, and controls to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality operations
• Coordinate volunteer activities for Forward Garden and other gardens as needed and provide leadership of all volunteer sessions throughout the week (Mon-Fri, some weekends)
• Recruit, train, and lead summer interns
• Ensure equitable distribution or produce to pantry partners through efficient delivery logistics
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with all community partners
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• BS or BA in an agriculture-related field with an in-depth knowledge about specialty crop production, weeds, insects, and growing systems
• A minimum of two years working at a production-focused, diversified organic produce farm with knowledge of agricultural conditions specific to southern Wisconsin region or similar
• Passion for community engagement and creation of community-level nutrition security
• Proficiency with operating farm machinery (tractors, trailers, trucks) along with mechanical and technical aptitude for basic servicing and repair of farm equipment
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds, walk significant distance, and work extended hours in challenging weather (heat and rain) during the growing season.
• Enthusiasm for the environment, farming, and engaging people in the land
• Strong work ethic and time management skills
• Curious, flexible, and enthusiastic about learning and improving
• Self-motivated with an ability to manage and work with volunteers
• Experience supervising and/or collaborating with staff with diverse skills, talents, and experience to foster camaraderie, respect, and cohesion
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to comfortably interact with the board, and represent and promote MAFPGs’ goals with volunteers, community partners, and industry professionals
• Experience working in Microsoft Office suite of products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Because our gardens are located in areas without access to public transportation, we only recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle and a valid driver's license apply.
WORK SCHEDULE
This is a full-time position starting in Spring of 2025 with hours varying depending on the season.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This position offers a salary range of $55,000 to $60,000/year plus a $6,000 annual stipend to cover health care expenses such as insurance premiums, co-payments, and out-of- pocket expenses. A stipend of 3% to put toward a retirement plan is included. Professional development stipends are available for participation in pertinent education and conference opportunities related to this position including the annual Organic Vegetable Production Conference in Madison, WI. Annual leave includes 15 days per year and paid time off for holidays.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, 50k-75k
Application instructions
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Deadline
January 31, 2025