Community Farm Manager, Urban Tree Connection

Posted by Urban Tree Connection on February 16, 2015

Community Farm Manager

Urban Tree Connection (UTC) is seeking an experienced Community Farm Manager to lead a new urban farm in Chester through a time of exciting growth and development. The Farm Manager will lead a team in building and managing a 3 acre farm at the Ruth Bennett Housing Complex in Chester PA, a 250 unit public housing complex. 50 raised beds have already been installed, production will begin this spring, in addition the a large orchard installation.

Since 1989 UTC, has worked with the residents of Haddington to reclaim vacant land and build community. Neighbors once isolated from each other now connect through the gardens and farms and are active partners with UTC in developing a food production and distribution cooperative aimed at making affordable, locally-grown produce available to all. UTC’s land revitalization and agricultural projects serve as important catalysts for cultivating strong neighborhood leaders, fostering deep community cohesion, and ultimately, creating livable communities. UTC has now been hired to develop and implement a farm community at Ruth Bennett Housing Development in collaboration with the residents. Learn more about UTC’s programs at http://urbantreeconnection.org and http://neighborhoodfoods.org

Roles and Responsibilities

Farm Management

• Manage all aspects of food production and farm maintenance to a projected budget and clear set of financial goals
• Stay current in urban farming innovations and test practical applications for UTC’s urban farm model. Continually innovate and evolve farming practices
• Perform farm work including seeding, transplanting, tractor operation, weeding, cultivation, harvesting, washing, packaging, and distributing (through wholesale CSA sales, farmers markets, etc) produce and other work as necessary
• Maintain an image of cleanliness, order and natural beauty to help support urban farming
• Maintain quality, quantity, and selection of produce that satisfies customers.
• Establish and maintain customer-friendly pick-up area, U-pick areas, and signage

Farming documentation and record keeping

• Maintaining master inventory lists, maintenance logs of the following:
• Seed and plant ordering
• Crop rotation
• Crop yields, harvest logs, successes/failures
• Inventory and maintenance schedules

Development

While the emphasis of this position is managing the farm and engaging the community, the Community Farm Manger will be expected to support development efforts of the organization when needed.

• Attend/participate in fundraising events
• Provide on-farm tours and make presentations regarding sustainable agriculture to potential donors and wider community
• Participate in creation of grant cases and support grant writing through research and participate in the preparation of technical grants.

Community Engagement

• Actively participate in the area’s urban farming community and seek ways to collaborate and share information, resources and opportunities
• Educate and collaborate with community members, UTC programs staff, youth, and others regarding the benefits and practices of urban sustainable agriculture
• Participate in the development of curriculum and deliver training for organic farming internship program
• Lead workshops relating to urban farming and food preservation
• Lead educational farm tours
• Lead children’s programming
• Lead community farm apprenticeship program

Personnel Management

• Manage, train, and inspire seasonal farmers, interns, non-farming UTC staff and volunteers
• In cooperation with both the Community Engagement Manager and Farm Manager, seek, hire, orient, train, manage, and evaluate farming staff

Volunteer Management

• Coordinate volunteers and volunteer groups in collaboration with UTC volunteer coordinator – make arrangements for volunteers, oversee/supervise/organize their visits to the farm
• Coordinate student service projects, supervise them, and complete paperwork as necessary
• Position will require other duties as directed by Community Engagement Manager or UTC Farm Manager

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be filled as soon the right candidate is found, with the goal of having the farm manger on board by March 3rd 2014. During the interview process candidates should expect to meet with the ED, COO and other staff/community members to insure a good cultural fit for both parties.

Qualified farmers should submit a cover letter, resume, 3 references (references will not be contacted until you are a final candidate and not without your permission) and any other information that will make it clear that you are our top candidate to Kitchen Table Consultants.

https://kitchentableconsultants.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk05ew