Company description

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps is a 501c3 service, conservation, and youth development organization. Our Food and Farm Program engages communities in food security agriculture projects.

The mission of the VYCC is to teach young people personal responsibility through meaningful work that connects us to the land, community, and one another. To instill these skills and values, VYCC enrolls young people in paid work opportunities. Our model is strong and simple: Youth Corps Members work together in small groups, guided by highly trained leaders, to complete high priority projects in conservation and agriculture.  

Headquartered on historic Vermont farmland, we apply this crew model to our Food and Farm program by employing youth, guided by leaders, in important hunger relief and sustainable agriculture projects. As such The Farm at VYCC engages its Youth Corps Members, leaders and community in the Health Care Share, a community-based public health project that connects Vermont families who are unable to afford or access fresh, nutritious food with a weekly share of locally grown produce.

Job description Job Summary
The Farm Production Manager (FPM) is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Farm at VYCC, VYCC’s vegetable and poultry farm. The Farm at VYCC is the central life force of VYCC’s nationally recognized Health Care Share. Over the past ten growing seasons, we have proudly established an 8-acre, fully diversified vegetable and poultry farm in Vermont’s Champlain Valley with annual production of ~110,000 pounds of produce, 1,000 meat birds, a flock of laying hens, and a small number of cattle and pigs. Significant infrastructure – tractors, green and hoop houses, walk in coolers, a wash station, fencing – all support farm operations. The FPM will build upon this foundation, overseeing a thriving farm that offers meaningful employment and learning opportunities for youth, young adults, and hundreds of volunteers.

Learning, employment, personal growth, and service are at the “core of the Corps” and are the primary outcomes of all VYCC programs, including the Farm at VYCC. In this context, the Farm at VYCC is a vehicle for learning and the on-site project sponsor for VYCC crews. As a key member of the team, the FPM will collaborate closely with fellow program staff to create a vibrant learning environment for staff, leaders, and Members. We are seeking a teacher, a leader of youth and young adults, and an experienced farmer.

Essential Functions
Farm Production, Health Care Shares Operations, and Administration
• Manage all aspects of vegetable and livestock production, including planning, planting, managing, harvesting, storing, and distributing crops
• Oversee distribution of food shares for VYCC’s Health Care Shares initiative
• Collaborate closely with the Food and Farm Director and other staff to strengthen and develop sustainable funding structures for the Food & Farm Program
• Collaborate on the continued growth of the Food & Farm Program, including off site partner farms serving as host sites for VYCC crews
• Develop and foster relationships with local farmers, businesses, and organizations to increase both production and learning opportunities
• Oversee and implement all aspects of farm capital and infrastructure – fencing, irrigation, hoop houses, tractors, barns, coolers, processing equipment, etc.
• Purchase, prepare and maintain hand tools, power tools, and small farm machinery
• Purchase and maintain soil amendments, greenhouse supplies, seeds, plants, and irrigation equipment
• Complete all record keeping and analysis of production and sales, including managing farm sales
• Develop business and production plans and systems that are informed by the vision, needs and resources of the organization
• Develop systems and standards for use of tools

Education and Labor Management
• Develop and maintain safety protocols for farm site and all workers
• Develop and supervise the work plans and educational components for farm apprentices
• Work with the Food and Farm Program Director to select work projects for work groups and volunteers
• Mentor farm Corps Members and Leaders, engaging them in learning about all aspects of the farm business
• Supervises the Farm team members focused on food production

Facilities and Campus Management
• Work with the VYCC Event Coordinator to assure that scheduled weekend events and tours are properly staffed
• Lead tours of the West Monitor Barn facility and grounds
• Be available and on call for the duration of the client’s scheduled time renting the West Monitor Barn
• Coordinate event parking for events as needed
• Collaborate with VYCC Logistics Coordinator to identify and tackle facility needs

Other Responsibilities
• Advise the development of the Food & Farm Program marketing materials
• Assist with additional VYCC programs as needed and appropriate
• Participate in Field Staff trainings and Crew Leader trainings
• Attend program events

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• A minimum four years of experience managing a robust and production-oriented farm
• Experience in working with young people and interest in youth leadership, development and education
• Knowledge of – and implementation of – risk management protocols to ensure safety
• Familiarity with health compliance practices and protocols for a working farm • Basic carpentry skills
• Experience in livestock management
• Proficiency in the safe use and maintenance of tractors or similar mechanical equipment
• Proficiency with budgeting, managing logistics, and administrative duties
• Passion for VYCC’s mission and purpose and an ability to communicate this energy to others
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness and empowerment
• Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team in a multi-site structure
• Strong relationship builder with the ability find common ground, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions Deadlineno deadline