This job expired on May 08, 2018

Farm Co-Manager

Emergency Food Network

Date Posted March 09, 2018
Location Puyallup, WA
Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
Job type Full-Time

Company description

Do you have a passion for farming, food justice and social services? Are you ready to bring your farm experience, organizational skills, and creativity to an organization that is the backbone of Pierce County’s emergency food system? Do you want to work with a dynamic team, interact with incredible people, engage with the community, and have a significant impact on food security in our community?

OUR STORY: Emergency Food Network (EFN) is located in Lakewood, WA and was established in 1982. In a given year we move over 14 million pounds of food and serve more than 70 partner programs. As part of our work in meeting the community’s need, EFN also operates an 8 acre farm in the Puyallup River Valley called Mother Earth Farm (MEF). Each year, the farm uses organic practices to grow over 100,000 pounds of fresh produce for our partners. Mostly focused on vegetables, MEF also has an orchard, beehives, a flock of laying hens, and flower garden. We grow and harvest throughout the year, using two high tunnels and three caterpillar tunnels over the winter. The MEF team works closely on all farm tasks with a crew of incarcerated people from the Washington Correctional Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor as an educational and job-training program. The farm also relies on the work of seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers from our surrounding community.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: EFN’s MEF is looking for a Farm Co-Manager. The farm team is made up of two co-managers, 2 seasonal assistants, WCCW Crew, interns, and volunteers. The Farm Co-Manager will work on all aspects of production farming at MEF. We are looking for someone with demonstrated ability in producing high quality organic produce, excellent managerial and communication skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative environment. Many of MEF’s systems are already set in place, but require vision and flexibility in implementing throughout the season.

Job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Collaboratively set goals and systems for farming on an 8 acre diversified organic farm including 5 acres of row crops, two small orchards, and a flock of laying hens
Follow best agricultural practices for production, harvesting, washing, and distributing produce
Operate farm equipment including tractors, riding lawn mowers, walk behind rototillers and weed whackers
Balance production goals with available labor and environmental sustainability
Co-Manage and lead the Farm Team by communicating goals, training employees, and delegating tasks
With Co-manager set goals, plan and implement education curriculum for crew from WCCW
Work with, communicate, and oversee work plans for two Seasonal Farm Assistants throughout the season
Work with and co-manage farm interns throughout the season
Work with Development Team to coordinate farm events including; Farm Kick-Off, Wine and Weeding, Field to Feast, Brewer’s Nights, and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Work with Volunteer Coordinator to plan volunteer programs, set tasks, and keep records throughout the season
Work with Executive Director and the Farm Team to communicate farm goals, program achievements and needs throughout the season
Create farm budget, track spending, and communicate funding needs with Finance Director and Development Team
Attend organizational and farm related community meetings with a focus on building relationships this may include outreach events and public speaking
Organize, schedule, and track distribution to our food pantry partners

EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:

Has two or more years of experience growing organic vegetables with at least two years of management experience
Must be a collaborative leader who values a co-management model and team input
Demonstrated ability to manage employees and lead teams of people
Demonstrated ability of superior time-management, detail management, and prioritization skills, with a strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills
Demonstrated ability to train and teach people of diverse backgrounds farming and related tasks
Familiarity with irrigation systems
Ability or interest in operating tractors and farm equipment- machinery maintenance experience is a strong benefit, but not necessary
Has experience facilitating group discussion and excellent conflict resolution skills
Enjoys working in a diverse, fast-paced environment with passionate, talented and committed people
Strong networks in Pierce County (preferred)
Strong and effective oral and written communications and interpersonal skills
Patient, nice to others and with a sense of humor
A passionate advocate for access to nutritious food as a key social justice strategy
Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance

WORK SCHEDULE: The schedule is typically 8am to 4pm Sunday through Thursday but due to variances in seasonal and farm schedules, flexibility will be needed. There will be weeknight and weekend events throughout the season that will also need support.

COMPENSATION STARTING:

Full-time salary range of $42,000 to $46,000 based on experience
2 weeks of vacation earned during first year, increased to 3 weeks’ vacation beginning year 2, and 8 hours added monthly to your sick leave balance- benefits to accrue 60 days after employment
We provide medical, vision, dental, life insurance with EFN covering 100% of the cost of the employee’s insurance premiums – benefits to accrue 60 days after employment
EFN has a 403(b) plan and contributes 5% after the employee has been employed 90 days

EFN is a collaborative, team-focused, work space. The Farm Team (which includes this position) values transparency, collaboration, and sustainability. Opportunities to engage in local farm education and training will be available.

HIRING INFORMATION:

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@efoodnet.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

EFN in an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all interested applicants to apply. For more information about Emergency Food Network, please visit our website www.efoodnet.org.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, less than $50,000

Application instructions