ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ TASKS

Agricultural / Animal

• Responsible for the organic, sustainable management of all operational aspects of AMI’s agricultural production including: plant propagation, cultivation, succession planting, pest and nutrient management, harvesting, processing, distribution, quality and quantity control, organic orchard management, and animal husbandry (including poultry, apiary operations, and future bovine, swine, caprine, ovine and dairy operations).
• Develop, establish, and maintain the nourishment and health of the soil food web of AMI gardens.
• Develop, establish, and maintain healthy pasture management, disease control, and animal rotation.
• Develop and maintain livestock facilities as needed, including grazing systems, fence and gate moving and repair, and water management.
• Manage and lead greenhouse propagation of seeds and starts.
• Manage and develop crop rotation for season extension in the high tunnels.
• Orchard management, including the establishment, pest protection, and plant guild selection of orchard and berry crops.
• Manage grounds, includes; assistance with mulching and weed control, and procurement of input materials.
• Maintain garden tools and equipment storage; keep inventory and maintenance records.
• Perform grass cutting and weed removal around gardens and orchards.
• Invasive weed (Autumn Olive, Thistle) eradication, in coordination with the AFM; Lead Fellows in assisting with this task.

Facilities & Farm Management:

• Provide regular garden set up and maintenance, including:
  • Irrigation systems.
  • Inspecting and managing repairs of all farm infrastructure; garden fences; humane rodent control
  • Plan and implement an efficient, working, composting system for garden and orchard use.
• Provide regular operational farm maintenance, including:
  • General oversight of operational facilities, including inspections and managing repairs of buildings and farm infrastructure.
  • Manage High Tunnel / Greenhouse integrity and heating/cooling and ventilation systems.
  • Fix items or overseeing repairs done by others.
• Maintain records of vehicle and equipment maintenance; coordinate with the AFC who will be responsible for vehicles and equipment maintenance. Research equipment purchase and schedule delivery or pick up as needed.
• Accept guidance from AFC on Farm-related issues.
• Assist in heavy lifting/moving as needed.
• Provide regular refuse removal from the Allegheny Farm.
• Ensure a high standard of cleanliness, neatness, and order on the Allegheny Farm.
• Establish procedures and systems for appropriate upkeep of pantries, cold storage, root cellars, and feed rooms to ensure optimal temperature/humidity, and the vitality, safety, and quantities of foodstuffs to meet AMI’s needs.
• Establish best practices and processes for the Allegheny Farm record-keeping systems.
• Manage budget for Farm expenditures, including ordering, purchasing, and maintaining records.
• Instruct, guide, and mentor Fellows on farm-related work; develop educational opportunities during Phase I of the Fellowship.
• In the future, supervision of Phase II Fellows stationed in Highland County.
• Meet with AMI staff team regularly to review and plan assignments. Work closely and collaboratively with the AMI Education Director to ensure proactive guidance and supervision of Phase I Fellows and the learning environment.
• Work in collaboration with AMI Farm Operations Committee on big-picture strategic plans and needs of the Allegheny Farm.
• Perform administrative tasks essential to the smooth operation of the farm. For example, but not limited to; write reports, track receipts and track expenses.
• Participate in Open Houses, public visits, and educational outreach events as needed.
• Be on call for Farm Stay guests for facility needs.