Title: Farm Manager – AOVS Urban Farm, Ball Rd

Reports to: Executive Director

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Management of AOVS Urban Farm, Ball Rd

• Oversee and take responsibility for all activities associated with the AOVS Urban Farm;
• Manage all resources of the farm – people, soil, crops, equipment, and budget – towards the highest level of efficiency and quality as possible;
• Develop an annual crop plan consistent with natural growing practices to achieve harvest goals for various distribution channels, which includes: propagation schedule, yields needed, crop selections, plans for rotations and sequencing of plantings, cultivation, pest and disease management, harvesting, and soil fertility;
• Research new techniques, equipment, and technologies to improve the ecological and economic performance of the Urban Farm operation;
• Lead farm planning and design toward long-term economic and ecological success;
• Present proposals for alterations or construction of new infrastructure to meet the farms’ goals;
• Lead, mentor, and develop AOVS veterans and volunteers who play a role in field work and farm production;
• Manage and care for all AOVS Urban Farm livestock;
• Oversee soil testing and nutrient management, crop rotations, and disease, insect, and weed management plans;
• Create a safe and welcoming environment that invites AOVS veterans, staff, and volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels to participate in growing and harvesting food;
• Ensure farm production through seed starting (in greenhouse or direct sow), in-ground planting, harvesting, and weighing food;
• Plan, modify and/or expand irrigation system as needed;
• Oversee all site maintenance and operations for AOVS Urban Farm sites, and ensure that everything is in good, safe, and working order;
• Perform tractor and equipment maintenance and upkeep (and as needed identify personnel to make repairs);
• Incorporate native plants, fruit trees, perennials, and pollinator pathways into AOVS Urban Farm spaces;
• Participate in seed collection, propagation, and ecological restoration;
• Maintain a daily work-log to plan and record details of field work accomplished;
• Create and manage timelines for farm production, ensuring that produce meets the growth and distribution needs requested by contract stakeholders and participants;
• Transport produce within AOVS facilities and other sites as needed;
• Maintain Urban Farm and Garden Food Safety plan in compliance with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Standards

AOVS Urban Farm Engagement

• Research, plan, and lay the foundation for sound farm-related program activity planning and action that takes AOVS staff and veterans input into account;
• Oversee the AOVS farmers market booth, and find ways to gain veteran participation and engagement with the farmers market;
• Identify and seek market and sales opportunities for produce and value added products;
• Provide valuable program development that has established goals and improvements of standards;
• Coordinate with lead chicken keeper to ensure health and safety of chicken flock
• Help plan and execute outreach events that may be hosted at the AOVS Urban Farm, or that are meant to showcase the AOVS Urban Farm and build stronger ties between the farm and AOVS community and the local food community;
• Provide educational tours of AOVS Urban Farm sites for AOVS staff, patrons, and community partners;
• Maintain and grow relationships between the farm, AOVS staff and veterans, and partnering organizations.

Project Administration

• Collaborate with Director of Development to fundraise for farm priorities via grants, events, and other donations
• Collect all relevant data on planting, harvest, distribution, revenue, client work hours, other client engagement
• Ensure timely deposit of farm revenue
• Oversee project spending including coordinating with organization administration over credit card, petty cash, and invoices
• Manage all farm contract and grant requirements, and oversee all AOVS Urban Farm staff, reporting, project planning, and contract budgets; 
• Comply with all AOVS contract and grant requirements, completing any and all requested deliverables, reports, and presentations in a timely and accurate manner; 
• Create and implement surveys that measure and track the following: participant reaction to urban farming practices and produce grown, interests in urban farming, and any personal barriers that may restrict or prohibit interest or ability to replicate farming practices outside of the farm;

• Keep a written and digital record of produce harvested and note trends in produce popularity amongst AOVS veterans;

• Keep an inventory of Urban Farm and Garden tools and supplies;
• Save visual records of progress and any activities for the Urban Farm;
• Manage projects using a variety of project management tools including spreadsheets, timelines, work plans, and budgets;
• Develop and submit payment request forms and back up documentation to ensure timely reimbursements for project expenses
• Foster safe working environment, including implementing safety practices to prevent injury and protocols to report disciplinary issues
• Collaborate with other Managers on AOVS Urban Farm Social Media 

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree or certificate in environmental studies, natural sciences, horticulture, agriculture, ecology or related agriculture or science based field; or 3+ years of related experience
• Experience managing a small team
• Knowledge of and experience working with local food system issues
• Knowledge of with USDA GAP/GHP Certification and/or Food Safety Modernization Act practices; 
• Experience working within CNG or Organic parameters
• Ability to provide guidance to people with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, training and experience; 
• Experience in fundraising and grant writing; 
• Proficient in using computer software and social media.