The HEAL Project (THP) is a unique organization providing hands-on programming that inspires environmental and agricultural awareness to children. Our vision is a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health and our environment.

The San Mateo County School Farm (SMCSF), operated by THP, is a 2 acre diversified fruit and vegetable farm in El Granada, California. SMCSF grows annual vegetables, berries, cut flowers and culinary herbs. Produce is primarily used in THP’s educational programming and sold to local restaurants and at the Coastside Farmers’ Market. Over 3,000 students visit SMCSF annually to learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and nature connection.

The HEAL Project Farm Manager (FM) develops and manages the San Mateo County School Farm to provide a high quality experience for students and farm visitors. As the primary caretaker of SMCSF, the FM manages crop rotation, planning and maintenance. The FM is also responsible for enhancing and growing The HEAL Project Farmers’ Market booth and other produce sales. The FM is responsible for general farm oversight and labor, infrastructure development, budget, and maintenance of THP farm site. The FM facilitates volunteer experiences for youth and adults at the farm as well as hosts community visitors as needed. The FM may develop additional programming to achieve organizational mission and sustainability in collaboration with program staff and Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities are:  

• Maintain, develop and schedule farm plantings; perform crop planting & harvesting using sustainable practices
• Operate and maintain farm equipment including THP Market van, John Deere 4044 Tractor and attachments (rototiller, disc, bucket, bed maker), generators, pumps, etc.
• Collaborate with THP Programs Manager to develop and expand educational farm infrastructure; allocate and maintain student planting areas
• Manage THP Farmers’ Market booth and other direct produce sales opportunities
• Supervise farm labor, interns, “Farmers’ Marketeer” students and volunteer groups
• Purchase/maintain materials, tools and other inventory required for farm use
• Oversee/maintain irrigation and water catchment systems
• Develop and manage organization and inventory of sheds and storage solutions for farm equipment, materials and supplies consistent with visitor safety, security and general well maintained appearance of the site
• Act as liaison with farm owner/landlord, organizational & agency partners, farming/ranching community
• Oversee and maintain site as necessary to create a high quality learning environment
• Provide backup for program staff when needed leading on-site instruction of students, teachers & adult visitors
• Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteers such as business, community service and youth groups
• Implement routine recording, tracking and reporting; participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Provide written monthly reports to the Executive Director
• Conduct other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Additionally:

• Will maintain responsible behavior; work both independently and as part of a team; comply with organizational tenets as outlined in The HEAL Project’s Employee Handbook
• Will utilize interpersonal & communications skills; computer skills to maintain routine communication, prepare reports, etc.
• Will provide proof of valid driver license & insurance
• Will perform physical tasks related to farm maintenance; able to lift 50lbs
• Will submit to and pass fingerprint/DOJ background check and TB test

Qualifications: The successful applicant will possess a minimum of two years of experience as a farm manager, supervising farm workers, and have the ability to work out of doors in a variety of conditions (heat, cold, mud, rain). Preference given to someone who has used tractors for agricultural cultivation. Degree in Agriculture or Farm Apprentice training is preferred.  A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment is required. Desire to work and contribute to an educational farm space in a coastal California climate. Spanish language skills are a plus.