Community Farm Manager Community Soil Foundation
- Date Posted September 21, 2020
- Location Santa Rosa, CA
- Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
- Job type Part-Time
The mission of Community Soil Foundation is to cultivate the wellness of Sonoma County communities by offering land-based education, creating access to organic produce, and regenerating habitat and natural resources. CSF teaches concepts of environmental stewardship and personal health to youth and adults through gardening, restoration projects and volunteer- driven fieldwork. We also provide a vibrant outdoor gathering-space, Larkfield Community Garden & Learning Center, for the public to grow food and connect with each other. Since 2015, we have served Mark West Union School District through garden-based education by delivering weekly lessons to nearly 400 students. CSF cultivates approximately 3,000 annual pounds of organic produce, has offered affordable sales of fresh food at a farm stand, and donates a portion of the yield to local food banks and low-income families.
The Community Farm Manager is responsible for managing the upkeep of the Larkfield Community Garden year-round, combining production farming with community engagement. The Community Farm Manager reports to the Program Director and collaborates with all staff, advisors, and partners. This position is part-time at 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule and occasional weekend duties. Wage at $17.00 per hour with paid holidays and sick leave. Anticipated start date in October with some training alongside current Farm Manager.
Qualifications:
- At least two years of farm and/or garden management experience, specifically organic and regenerative methods of 4-season food production
- Experience working with K-8 youth and desire to engage students in hands-on farm work
- Competent with both self-directed work and managing large groups
- Ability to lift 40 pounds and work outdoors in variable climatic conditions
- Desire to build a community rooted in collective land stewardship and sharing healthy food
- Preferably access to reliable work vehicle (mileage reimbursed)
- Able to oversee a diverse group of committed volunteers and interns
Job responsibilities include the following:
Maintenance & Operations
Develop annual garden plan, with awareness of crop rotation, yields, and integrated pest management
Build soil and prepare beds, with knowledge of bio-intensive, organic practices
Build and maintain compost systems
Save and source seeds to represent variety of crops for intended uses
Plant annuals each season and attend to perennial herbs, flowers, and fruit orchard
Maintain irrigation system, tools, and structures
● Communicate with garden educators on farm planting schedule and priorities
Administration
Attend and contribute to monthly staff meetings
Monitor expenditures within program budget
Develop a business plan to generate revenue from produce and services
Collect data to document program impact, such as crop yields and produce distribution
Support organizational goals and strategies around health and biodiversity
Outreach
Harvest, clean, and deliver produce to intended audiences
Collaborate and communicate with staff garden educators
Engage with Mark West students and classes as a regular guest speaker
Coordinate seasonal volunteer projects and attend monthly garden work days
Orient garden visitors and maintain public signage
Contribute to outreach events, newsletters, and social media