Overview
Job Summary and ResponsibilitiesThe Farm Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing farm operations on seven sites throughout New Haven,and managing two non-production garden sites through a partnership with the Connecticut Mental Health Center. The Farm Manager is responsible for all aspects of the organizations farm operations, including participating in the development of strategic priorities, annual operating goals and budgeting for the farm; general maintenance and care for the sites; production of food for the Farm Based Wellness program, and weekly Farm Stand; and management of farm staff and volunteers. The Farm Manager will be responsible for the annual growing of safe, nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate, and organically-grown produce. The Farm Manager is responsible for business management which includes the collection of all production and sales records related to the farm. The Farm Manager will supervise the students joining the farm track of the Growing Entrepreneurs program, including during the period (Summer) where they work 25 hours per week. The Farm Manager will participate in annual planning related to farm needs, and will represent Gather New Haven as needed. Key focal points for this position include professional and sustainable operation of urban farms, advocacy for urban agriculture and equitable food system development, public health, environmental sustainability and community development.Farm Management ResponsibilitiesCreate and implement an annual work plan and crop plan for the farm sites in consultation with various stakeholdersManage farm activities, including planting, harvesting, washing, packing, distribution of produce, pest control, soil testing and fertility management, irrigation construction and maintenance, greenhouse maintenance on Gathers seven farm sitesMaintain fresh produce and tool storage spaces for the farmsEnsure produce yield is high quality, consistent, and plentiful and order supplemental produce from other farms when necessary to provide produce for the FBWP during the 18-week program season (June- October)Generate at least $12,500 in farm sales, between but not limited to seedling sale, farm stands, and wholesale sales to a limited set of restaurants and local non-profitsManage Saturday Farm Stand and open volunteer day June through October at 613 Ferry StreetTrack material donations and purchase/acquire equipment and supplies for the farmsDevelop plans for infrastructure developments for each farm site and implement new urban farming strategies as neededAssure produce donation is collected weekly from Bishops Orchards, (June- November) and managing the relationship with Bishops OrchardsProvide timely reporting for vehicle maintenance management needs to ensure suitable and safe operationFinancial and Budgetary ResponsibilitiesWrite an annual budget in collaboration with Executive Director for all farm sitesDocument all expenses and work within the agreed upon annual farm budgetMaintain accounts with local restaurants/food retailers for wholesale a revenue streamSubmit all documentation for maintaining the organizations FNS/ current authorization to accept SNAP/EBT and complete all record keeping and data entry necessary for any matching grant funding, etc.Supervisory and Volunteer Management ResponsibilitiesHire, supervise, train and schedule paid farm employees: Seasonal Farm Apprentice, Growing Entrepreneurs in Farm track, Farm Caretaker, and Garden CaptainsSchedule and facilitate regular assessments and evaluations with all staff supervised and develop individualized plans for their skill/career developmentSchedule, coordinate and facilitate 3-5 weekly farm volunteer shifts March – NovemberTrack and document all farm operations, including staff and volunteer hoursWork to build a welcoming and positive atmosphere at all the gardensPartnerships and Community Development ActivitiesServe as a community resource for urban agriculture and farmers marketsBuild/ maintain community support and trust with community members at all farm sitesMaintain and develop relationships with the SCSU Sustainability Office and student garden through providing technical assistance in the form of advising student workers, supporting the procurement of supplies, hands-on education at Gather farm sitesInform and co-lead the design, scheduling and facilitation ofagricultural workshops throughout the yearManage the CT Mental Health Center contract for the care of two small garden sites and weekly therapeutic garden class for residentsDevelop relationships and partnerships as relevant to our missionOrganizational ResponsibilitiesAttend Gather New Haven staff meetingsWork collaboratively and contribute to Gather New Havens strategic focus and planning.Contribute directly to the effort address racial equity at every level of the organizationParticipate annually in the professional development and evaluation process with the Executive Director around organizational and personal goals.Required Skills and QualificationsExperience in urban agriculture and food productionCapability to manage all aspects of small scale organic vegetable production in an urban settingFamiliarity with and culturally and linguistically reflective of the New Haven community in which they will be workingAbility to lift 40lbsDesire to work outside in all weather conditions (heat, rain/snow, cold, poor air quality), sometimes engaging in repetitive tasksExperience with and passion for coaching/mentoring in a farm/garden settingAble to work as part of a small and close-knit team: coordinate, collaborate and delegate as appropriateDemonstrated capability to supervise, lead and cultivate and learn from the talents and skills of othersStrong written and spoken communication skillsLegacy/sustainability oriented strong documentation and record-keeping skillsInquisitive/ proactive in finding solutions to obstacles and very attentive to detailFlexibility to adapt to the frequently changing daily tasksExcellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at the same timeA valid drivers license and ability to drive manual transmission (or willingness to learn)Strongly PreferredBilingual (English/Spanish)Experience managing an annual diversified vegetable crop plan for upwards of 10,000 lbsKnowledge of and experience in integrated pest management (IPM), organically managing soil fertility, and other organic growing practicesPosition Classification and ScheduleThis is a full-time, year-round exempt, salaried position. Expected working hours vary by season. This position typically works a Tuesday-Saturday schedule with occasional brief tasks on non-working days. This position will be supervised by the Executive Director.
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