The Waterfall Unity Alliance was founded in 2015 when Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) leaders from Akwesasne came to stand with residents of the Mohawk Valley against the Constitution Pipeline and massive fracked gas infrastructure planned for the area.

As part of a landback effort of community supported reparations, WUA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which very recently began stewarding a 60-acre working fruit and berry farm (formerly known as Bohringer’s Fruit Farm) located five miles from the educational Kanónhses (Longhouse) & developing Healing Center. The Berry farm is in the heart of the Schoharie Valley and will be the economic hub of a vibrant, resilient community dedicated to the teaching of our original lifeways. The Berry farm will also be the site of a Language Center with activities taught, worked, and played in the Kanien’keha language and the robust farm stand named “A Happy Rising” that sells freshly picked local produce, as well as artisanal products from our farm and regional merchants.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Farm Manager to begin the process of transitioning the land to new stewardship. The Farm Manager will help oversee day-to-day responsibilities of the farm alongside the WUA community. The candidate should be an independent, motivated self-starter who values working in a “team” setting. Formal education, technical certificate, and/or extensive work experience in the area of orchard production, or management is necessary. 
 

The first season is the “seed” year of the farm and the Farm Manager will be integral to conducting a full assessment of the farmland, revitalizing and managing existing perennial crops, reinforcing current infrastructure, trialing production capacities of the farmland to meet community food needs, and making a plan for future seasons’ growing. This is a year-round full-time position at the farm. Farm programs  include: wholesale, seasonal U-Pick, tours, retreats, and educational programs.
 

Overall Responsibilities:  

• Model and promote the WUA’s mission, vision, and core values. 
• Manage the overall farm operations including proposing crop plans, establishing production goals, and generating a viable farm plan.
• Lead the day-to-day direction of the farm and community members in food production, including seeding, planting, crop management, greenhouse management, irrigation, bed preparation, transplanting, weeding, harvest and post-harvest processes, marketing strategies, and everything in between.
• Lead weekly team project meetings with onsite team members and WUA leadership.
• Helps ensure compliance for organic certification, government regulations and health and safety standards.
• Establish farm record keeping practices and manage paperwork related to production to support future production and financial planning as well as potential organic/IPM certification applications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and health and safety standards.
• Manage marketing by developing relationships with local farm stores and community members as well as potential wholesale accounts and food banks.
• Collaborate with the entire farm team to promote the berry farm in the local community via social media and newsletter.
• Maintain and manage inventory of all farm equipment, inputs, and packing supplies, and oversee orders for new supplies and equipment as well as make recommendations for farm infrastructure investments.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Berry Farm and create systems to manage farm volunteers, employees and visitors in collaboration with WUA staff and culture.
• Serve as a leader and positive role model, interact with employees in a professional manner and strive to create a collective work environment that aligns with the philosophy of WUA.
• Actively develop employees’ skills and productivity, track employee performance and set clear and achievable goals for volunteers and employees. 
• Attend monthly and/or designated staff meetings and participate in strategizing best practices, ideas for growth and workflow on the farm. 
• Remain current on farm industry and organic practices, and aid in planning and managing all farm activities.
• Coordinate with “A Happy Rising” farm stand staff to create a cohesive, welcoming experience for customers. 
• Competent and complicit in fostering a sacred, nurturing, and alcohol/drug free environment for children, women, families, and volunteers.

Qualifications:  

• 2-3 years of food production experience, especially with perennial crops.
• Passion for healthy food, wellness, and community a plus.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all conditions and ability to stand for considerable periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs of fresh veggies and fruit on occasion.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with picking up and dropping off produce and materials.
• All candidates must consent to a background check.
• Indigenous Preference Applies: Preference given to qualified indigenous people pursuant to the Indian Self Determination and Education Act, public Law 93-638.
• Preference also goes to those who possess experience with Afro-indigenous regenerative agriculture strategies for production and have competency with farm administrative tools and technology.  

Compensation, Start Date, Etc:  

• Position is open and the ideal candidate would be ready to start in March, 2023.
• This position is a year-round, full-time salaried position of $56,000 with opportunity to continue into future seasons and additional compensation possible according to experience and qualifications
• On-site housing as part of the compensation package can be discussed.
• Relocation to the farm as part of the compensation package can also be discussed.
• 7 days paid personal time off (PTO).
• Flexible paid sick leave.
• Free access to farm grown seconds, wholesale discounts on fruit, vegetables, and products.
• Candidates will be expected to visit the farm before being hired.