Smokey House Center in rural Danby, Vermont seeks a community-minded vegetable production manager with crop and people experience. With a committed program support team, you will lead our Community Farm effort to increase vegetable production and distribution in 2021 as we expand programming to serve our community. Since the launch of the Community Farm project in 2016, Smokey House Center has distributed over twenty-two tons of fresh vegetables throughout Rutland and Bennington counties for hunger relief and community food programs. The Community Farm works with local youth, visiting groups, and volunteers to grow this good food. In 2021, we are looking for a team player to lead field work, maintain farm systems, and support volunteer engagement in Community Farm activities.  

The Vegetable Production Manager is responsible for Community Farm vegetable production, management of farm site and infrastructure, and engagement of crew, volunteers, and visitors in the Community Farm program.

Functions include

• seeding, planting, cultivating, cover cropping, greenhouse work, harvesting, processing, and distributing storage crops for identified community food programs,
• assistance recruiting, training, scheduling and supervision of production crew, 
• crop planning, field prep, and soil fertility management, with Program Coordinator and Mentor Farmer,
• some shared responsibility for farm site and grounds maintenance including mowing, tree care, fencing, irrigation, equipment maintenance, and minor road repair
• lead seedling production and support sales,
• facilitating involvement of education partners, visiting groups, and individuals in Community Farm production activities,
• additional farm enterprise management, community engagement, and program development with SHC staff as assigned.

Qualifications:

Two+ years of vegetable farming experience that would prepare you for a management role.

A passion for good food, education, and collaboration is key. Must be a proactive communicator and willing to take the lead. Interest in working with individuals of all ages. Applicant should be able to work well in a variety of settings and to direct the work of paid work and volunteers. Applicant should be mature, responsible, self-motivated, detail oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. While we do not require that you have your own vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license because driving vehicles will be an aspect of your job duties in this role.

Additional Desired Skills:

• Experience with naturally grown or certified organic practices,
• Basic understanding or background in food security issues, nuance of giving a dignified food experience to those who receive produce from the Community Farm,
• Educational experience with K-12 students,
• Ability to work with the volunteers and the general public.

Compensation: This is a full-time employment opportunity beginning in Feb./March 2021 with the possibility of extending beyond 2021 based on program development and additional farm needs.  Annual base salary is $24,000, housing and utilities, healthcare reimbursement, educational stipend and mentorship opportunities included. This position requires weekend and periodic evening work. 
 

About Smokey House Center

Land. Agriculture. Learning.

For nearly fifty years, Smokey House Center has used our incredible 5,000-acre land resource as a stunning backdrop for youth development and education. Smokey House Center’s fundamental purpose is to maintain a working landscape that promotes sustainable agricultural and forestry practices while engaging people in meaningful ways.