Company description

The Green Leaf Learning Farm (GLLF) is a three-acre, USDA-certified organic farm operated by Knowledge Quest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located in the historically black neighborhood of South Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, the Farm grows affordable, fresh produce for Memphis families. Green Leaf Learning Farm represents the conversion of 30 former vacant, blighted lots and the repurposing of 4 abandoned buildings inclusive of an on-farm Packhouse; 10-unit collegiate dormitory on the farm for farm-based learning praxis and residential internships; and future career/technical education training center and corner grocery store. The farm focuses its efforts on three strategic pillars: education, community/economic development, and healthy food access/security. GLLF educates children and adults about healthy eating, urban agriculture, and careers in the food and farming industries. The primary focus of GLLF is to exist as a model farm exhibiting and training others on the latest standards in conservation in sustainable urban agricultural contexts. Benefits to our immediate community includes access to some of the most nutrient dense foods, grown with the highest growing standards in one of our nation's most distinct 'food desert' communities.

GLLF specializes in specialty crops including root vegetables, fruits and salad greens. The farm also hosts a 20-count layer hen operation; orchard and expanding apiary. There is an on-site indoor Packhouse with a 3-compartment sink, commercial greens spinner, and walk-in cooler. In 2022, GLLF expanded to include a 20'x60' and a 30'x72' high tunnel for in-ground growing and a 30'x72' climate controlled, polycarbonate greenhouse for hydroponic and aquaponic growing systems. Indoor ag operation includes: 16-10ft channel microgreens system; 4-12’x12’ lettuce systems; 2-4x8 propagation systems; 10-bucket Dutch Bucket growing system; and 12’x20’ aquaponics system. The GLLF team currently consists of 1 full-time Lead Grower, 1 part-time Grower, the Good Health and Nutrition Coordinator, and the Farm Business Manager who work year-round.

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: The primary responsibility of the Hydroponics Manager is to oversee all indoor growing operations in relation to GLLF’s hydroponic production. Responsibilities include researching, developing, managing and executing a hydroponic farm plan; overseeing all functional and operational aspects of indoor vegetable production; supporting the additional high tunnel and in-ground growing operations on the farm; complying with GAP and GFHP protocols; maintaining crop quality practices; preparing specialty crops for wholesale distribution; and partnering with the Farm Manager in direct sales, planning, and activities hosted by GLLF.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage daily operations for all GLLF hydroponic facilities
• Grows, harvests, packages, and delivers all hydroponic production for sale
• Maintains hydroponic facilities in accordance to USDA organic standards
• Foster community relations and implement community engagement projects
• Supervise and train part-time growers in daily tasks relating to hydroponic production
• Track all production and financial data, including all grant requirements, supply purchasing, vendor invoice processing, crop production yields, and crop trials
• Plans and coordinates production schedules with restaurant clients
• Other related duties as assigned
• Using tools requiring high dexterity
• Assist the Farm Manager and Farm Business Manager in planning the GLLF grow plan
• Assist the Development & Communications Manager in developing media content around hydroponic growing and facilitating tours
• Ensure safety of students and volunteers
• Work alongside existing projects based at the Farm
• Maintain records related to farm activities
• Attend meetings, workshops and trainings as required
• Ability to drive a cargo van for produce transport

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An agricultural or hydroponics degree in an accredited program or a minimum of 2 years of hydroponic prior experience. Experience in community and volunteer projects is also preferred. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license (to fulfill job duties). Must reside in Memphis or establish residency within the first 90 days of hiring. Housing will be provided for up to 90 days if necessary.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge in multi-system hydroponic production
• Knowledge in greenhouse plant and vegetable production
• Knowledge in growth & production planning
• Ability to leverage direct harvest sales
• Ability to collaborate with, help, and teach team members
• Ability to prepare educational presentations and facilitate community learning sessions
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to set priorities, respond to changes, and demonstrate flexibility in dealing with daily demands

Knowledge Quest's policies, programs, practices and procedures for hiring and employment adhere to all Local, State and Federal laws.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $40,000.00 - $45,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

May 31, 2023