Assistant Farm Manager 

Reports to: Farm Manager, Director of Programs and Operations 

Viva Farms is committed to maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for its diverse community of farmers, staff, students, volunteers, and partners. Viva Farms provides equal opportunity for its programs and activities and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
 

Essential Responsibilities: 
 

Farm & Facilities Maintenance (50%) 

The AFM is primarily responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Viva Farms facilities and equipment.  

1. Coordinate, execute and improve upon preventative maintenance schedules and systems for all of Viva Farms’  equipment, vehicles, tools and facilities. 
2. Contribute to assessment of equipment needs for Viva Farms as a whole and assist in purchasing of equipment  and supplies. 
3. Monitor, evaluate, maintain and repair shared and “whole” farm systems, including irrigation, road maintenance, cooler/HVAC systems, seasonal restrooms, packing house processes, shared barn storage spaces and all common areas. 
4. Mowing and seasonal maintenance of shared outdoor areas. 
5. Other duties as assigned. 

Logistics & Distribution (25%) 

The AFM will assist with a variety of Viva Farms operations to ensure effective execution of our marketing and  distribution programs. 

1. Contribute to the packing and distribution of Viva Farms’ weekly CSA (produce box) program. 2. Help to organize and maintain order within Viva Farms shared spaces, including coolers, greenhouses, barn and  equipment storage areas and packing houses. 
2. Help prepare wholesale orders for shipping, organizing pallets of produce purchased from Viva Farmers. 4. Filling in on wholesale delivery routes and picking up products and supplies, when needed. 

Farmer Technical Assistance (25%) 

The Assistant Farm Manager (AFM) works with incubating farmers and is a provider of technical assistance in  aiding farmers’ success in organic production.  

1. Be a resource to Viva farmers, helping to coordinate an effective system of equipment availability to address  technical farming concerns. 
2. Participate in safety training on farm equipment with Viva Farmers. 
3. Operate equipment to assist incubating farmers with crop production when requested and provide limited and informal 1:1 training to increase farmers’ capacity. 
4. Assist farmers as able, and in instances where outside advice and guidance is needed, to seek out local and  regional specialists to solve problems.

Required Qualifications: 

• Must demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Viva Farms. 
• Must be a positive team player and have a great sense of humor. 
• Be able to maintain a positive demeanor in a fast-paced environment that requires flexibility.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to identify and balance priorities and execute an efficient work  plan. 
• Familiarity with and ability to independently and safely operate farm equipment, including tractors and  implements. 
• Experience with preventative maintenance to ensure proper function of farm equipment.
• General handiness, including familiarly with and ability to operate power tools and hand tools, and general  construction and safety skills. 
• General skills in basic plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, as well as automotive and small engine repair.
• Willingness to dive in and take on new projects 
• Strong communication and relationship skills and demonstrated ability to work in a culturally diverse  environment. 
• 3+ years of applicable experience working in agriculture or related field. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bi-lingual English/Spanish. 
• 5+ years in row crop production. 
• Skilled in Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Documents, and internet research.  

Wage & Benefits: Wage depending on experience, Health Benefits (75% paid by employer), 403(b) retirement program.

Term: Year-round, full-time position. Responsibilities will vary throughout the year and some weekend and off-hours work may be required in conjunction with the busy farming season.