Company description

Arden is an award winning master plan, agrihood community in western Palm Beach County in Southern Florida. We are seeking a farm manager to work alongside our two Farm Directors. This is a unique opportunity to be a leader in the agrihood community movement.

Job description

The Arden Farm grows organic vegetables for a 200 share CSA that will eventually become a 600 share CSA once all of the homes are built. The farmers also maintain a Childrens’ Garden, two You-Pick Gardens, a Butterfly Garden, a Community Garden, Orchard and General Store.

Working Relationships

Reports directly to Arden Farm Directors. Occasionally works closely with Community Manager, Arden Lifestyle Director and General Store Attendant.

Responsibilities

● Support farm directors in all aspects of vegetable, fruit and herb production, including but not limited to seeding, planting, pest, disease and fertility management, field cultivation, irrigation planning, installation and repairs, harvesting and post harvest handling, record keeping, upholding product, food safety standards, etc.

● Manage CSA pick ups on-site in the Barn on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from November to May

● Maintain farm infrastructure and landscape with support from contracted vendors, including the cleanliness and orderliness of the store, barn and its surroundings

● Prepare and maintain budgets, as well as supply ordering

● Lead workshops and presentations

● Provide tours of the General Store and Farm

● Provide friendly customer service both in person and by phone

● Support the General Store Attendant in maintaining a positive experience for customers while performing an array of vital functions that include produce handling, merchandising, stocking, cleaning/organizing, maintaining food permits and most importantly, customer service

● Practice and foster team spirit and positive productive working relations with HOA, Developer staff and resident volunteers

● Provide feedback to Management

● Reconcile and report resident issues and concerns

● Maintain dress code

● Complete assigned tasks, phone calls and research to assist farm directors

● Assist HOA team with workshops/events as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills

Qualified candidates must be able to work in various weather conditions, stand for extended periods of time, and are required to repeatedly lift and move up to 50 lbs. This position also requires occasional nights and weekend work.

● At least 3 years of organic vegetable production and farm management experience on a similar or larger scale

● Proven experience independently operating a tractor with various implements

● Excellent work ethic and time management skills

● Strong interpersonal communication skills

● Demonstrated attention to details, experience building efficient systems and record keeping

● Carpentry skills, general “fix it” know how, and is familiar with basic tools

● Enthusiasm for local and sustainable agriculture

● Experience working in a team environment with proven leadership skills

● Timely and dependable

● Able to use retail technology and CSA logistics platform

● A problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement, who is always learning, open to feedback and takes action as required

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

● College Degree in Organic Crop Production, or related field

● Experience growing and managing production for 3+ seasons in a tropical/subtropical climate

● Proven experience writing and maintaining food safety plans and procedures

● Knowledge of tropical fruit production

● Bilingual English/Spanish

Since the farmers work regularly with children during events, workshops and volunteer days, all prospective employees must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Salary is based on experience.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

July 31, 2021