Job description

About Us:

Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support of our local independent businesses and farmers. LLF’s Eat Local Initiative is our sustainable agricultural program designed to grow and support local food systems by connecting local farms, producers, and apprentices to the local restaurants, institutions, and people with a hunger for farm fresh food and goods. The Growing New Farmers Program is the largest component of the Eat Local Initiative and includes the Sustainable Agriculture Certificate & Apprenticeship, the Dirt Works Incubator Farm, and Farm Match.

Dirt Works Incubator Farm (the first of its kind in SC) is located just outside of Charleston, SC at Walnut Hill Plantation on Johns Island. The site includes 8 acres of agricultural land for up to six farm operations including packing shed site, equipment, and teaching pavilion.

Position Description:

Essential Job Responsibilities:

The Dirt Works Farm Manager is to oversee the operation, support and facilitation of the entire farm operation including all equipment, incubated farm plots and one-acre teaching plot. Under the supervision of the Director of Sustainable Agriculture, The Farm Manager provides full-time coordination, operation, and support on-site at the Incubator Farm. Coordination includes maintaining adequate communication between incubated farmers, Lowcountry Local First Staff, apprentices, and groups working on the learning plot. Operation includes training and monitoring incubated farmers on farm policies, equipment, tools, hours, access, and limitations. Support includes assisting the incubated farmers in their planning and preparing of fields, equipment, and facilities for successful farm businesses. In addition, the Farm Manager works with the Growing New Farmers Project Manager to coordinate weekly trainings for apprentices to participate in introductory best practices planning, planting, and harvesting the teaching plot.

Minimum Education / Experience:

Prior farming and personnel management experience required (minimum 2-4 years). BS in Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or related experience preferred. Familiarity with Lowcountry climate & growing seasons a plus.

Required Education / Experience:

Experience in sustainable and organic production that may include fruit and vegetable crops, cut flowers, herbs, grains, and cover crops, as all are components on the Incubator Farm. The program is highly collaborative, extremely visible and high touch, making it essential for candidates to be strong communicators and facilitators. Also, must have the ability to work with diverse audiences including farmers, community leaders, youth, researchers, extension personnel, students and others. Candidates must have a firm grasp and experience understanding the business side of an agricultural enterprise including crop and business planning, pricing, enterprise budgets, and financials. A self- starter who enjoys tackling the challenges of both production agriculture and informal teaching is required. Ability to prioritize tasks is necessary, while considering input from multiple participants and availability of labor and equipment. Management experience is required for organizing and supervising numerous individuals and enterprises.

EOE: Women and minorities encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

The LLF Dirt Works Incubator Farm Manager is a salaried staff position and pay will commiserate with experience. Must be willing to start no later than January 2015. Candidates must be able to provide their own housing and transportation.

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

November 17, 2014