Vegetable/Plant Production Manager The Trustees of Reservations
- Date Posted April 29, 2016
- Location Hingham, MA
- Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
- Job type Full-Time
The Trustees Farms:
The Trustees farms have rich history in New England agricultural communities, from the oldest dairy farm to Amelia Peabody’s legendary farm, there are deep roots. Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of our pastoral landscape. Today, our farms still retain their bucolic quality and have also become well known for their CSA (community supported agriculture) operations. By purchasing a CSA share, members help to create community around our farms and their commitment to locally grown produce. They receive vegetables each week throughout the growing season, and participate in our pick-your-own crops as well, like fruits, flowers, and herbs. In addition, our farms donate produce to local hunger relief partners each week in order to make sure that our produce reaches as many people as possible. At The Trustees we are committed to growing our community by connecting people to food and the land on which it grows. We host farm events, volunteer opportunities, grassroots workshops, farm tours, and work-for-share opportunities.
Job descriptionAbout the Position:
The Vegetable/Plant Production Manager manages the Weir River Farm vegetable operation, including the care and management of the fields and operations that have been dedicated to a vegetable CSA program. The Weir River Farm CSA Program will be transitioning to include spring seedling sales from the Weir River Farm greenhouse, a modest CSA distribution sourced from a partner farm, a vegetable growing operation that will provide wholesale vegetables through a partner farm-stand as well as retail outlet at our own farm-stand, and a u-pick field for flowers and vegetables. This position manages the production and sales related to each of these operations and will also collaborate with other Weir River Farm staff to provide support of the Blue Cross Blue Shield corporate garden.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Producing vegetable, flower, and other plant products within the context of the season’s budget goals and planting plans.
- Selling product and managing retail and wholesale sales, as well as vegetable and flower u-pick sales. This includes responsibility for transporting products to and setting-up for market, as needed.
- Coordinating and supporting on-site distribution of 50 CSA shares, which involves two distributions per week.
- Managing the vegetable and plant production budget within the Trustees standards and policies. As the season plays out, working with Agriculture Program staff to adapt the budget to accommodate necessary changes in the operation.
- Maintain fields and other infrastructure, including equipment and buildings associated with the property and operation.
- Provide ongoing support to the Blue Cross Blue Shield garden program (requires roughly 10 hours per week).
- Support public engagement opportunities associated with the farm operation, which are led by the site’s Engagement Site Manager. Also, support property stewardship needs as directed by Agriculture Program staff.
- Follow policies and best management practices for vegetable and plant production in alignment with Trustees standards and protocols.
- Work effectively and cooperatively with other Trustees staff.
- Participate in the organization’s focus on sustainable operations, promote membership, and support fundraising efforts of other staff, as needed.
- Understand and exemplify the strategic goals of the organization as outlined in the refreshed Strategic Plan, The Path Forward.
- Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
Qualifications
- A Farm Production degree from an accredited agricultural college preferred.
- A minimum of 2 years professional experience with growing vegetables, on a commercial scale.
- Experience is absolutely necessary, and a substitution of a college degree will be considered with appropriate related experience in the field of vegetable production.
- Knowledge, proven experience and comfort with all aspects of planning and carrying out a vegetable and plant operation. Emphasis on or experience with organic production desired.
- Ability to operate tractors and equipment; experience on multiple pieces of vegetable production equipment will be required.
- Proven ability to successfully manage a budget for an agricultural operation.
- Experience working with the public in a sales or other customer-service capacity is desired.
- Ability to drive and perform daily maintenance on farm equipment, especially tractors and trucks.
- The ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting heavy objects, working outside in all variety of weather and conditions.
- Strong attention to detail, including farm aesthetics and cleanliness.
- Proven interpersonal skills with the strong ability to work with a team of peers.
- Must be willing to help with and promote public programming in the fields and gardens, making for an interesting and safe experience.
Other Requirements:
Valid driver’s license required for driving Trustees vehicles; satisfactory driver’s record check required. Massachusetts DOT Medical Card required. Satisfactory CORI check required. Satisfactory rental history/references required if on-site housing is rented.
The Vegetable/Plant Production Manager is a full-time, seasonal position, from May through November. Optional on-farm housing is available for rent. The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.