Company description

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: take action and build community by working and learning together with the land.

Job description

Job Summary

The Farm Production Manager is part of a three-person team responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Farm at VYCC, which is an organic vegetable and livestock farm that produces for VYCC’s Health Care Share (HCS) and is the platform for the VYCC Food and Farm Program. The Farm Production Manager will work closely with two other Farm Production Managers to oversee the farm systems, engage in essential animal and vegetable production tasks, and ensure that the farm provides meaningful work and learning opportunities for youth, young adults, staff, and community members of all backgrounds. In addition to tasks associated with food production, the Farm Production Manager will also help maintain and improve farm infrastructure, including tractors, hoop houses, coolers, and barns. The essential functions listed below are all in collaboration with the two other Farm Managers. Leadership in each of these areas will be determined as a team based on interest, skills and experience.

Essential Functions

Farm Production

• Manage all aspects of vegetable production at the Farm at VYCC including soil management, field preparation, propagation, planting, pest and disease management, weed management, harvesting, and post-harvest activities
• Support all aspects of livestock production at the Farm at VYCC including brooder management, poultry pasture systems, chicken processing, pig care, and daily chores
• Maintain and model safe use of farm infrastructure including fencing, irrigation, hoop houses, tractors, mowers, power tools, barns, coolers, and processing equipment
• Collaborate on purchasing and maintain tools, supplies, seeds, feed, and equipment
• Maintain regular and thorough records of production, harvest, and sales, including wholesale and farm stand, both for internal tracking and organic certification

• Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various aspects of production
• Identify and explore new revenue sources for the Farm at VYCC

People and Program Support

• Train and model safety protocols for different tasks on the farm, including tractor and mower trainings and tool maintenance

• Collaborate on designing and leading trainings for Leaders and Members on agricultural skills
• Develop the work plans for production-focused seasonal Leaders and collaborate with Food and Farm Program Staff to support their professional development
• Work with the Farm Production Managers to identify and delegate daily work projects for crews and volunteers
• Supervise one to two seasonal Leaders with goal setting, regular check-ins and work-plan support
• Mentor farm Members and Leaders, instructing them in specific farm tasks and engaging them in learning about the farm

• Participate in chore schedule for after hours and weekends; support staff in completing chores

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with additional VYCC programs as needed and appropriate
• Participate in Crew Leader and Crew Member trainings

• Attend program events as appropriate

Desired Skills & Experience

• A minimum three years of experience on a production-oriented farm
• Experience working with young people and interest in youth development

• Knowledge of risk management protocols to ensure safety
• Experience in livestock management
• Proficiency in the safe use and maintenance of tractors or similar mechanical equipment
• Passion for VYCC’s mission and purpose and an ability to communicate this energy to others
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness and empowerment

• Ability to handle multiple, often competing, priorities 
• Flexible, motivated, responsible and willing to both take direction and work independently

Our Mission: Take action and build community by working and learning together with the land. 

  

About Vermont Youth Conservation Corps   

The VYCC is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: young people, working together, guided by highly trained leaders, completing priority projects in conservation and agriculture.     

  

Excellence and Equal Opportunity at VYCC   

VYCC is committed to being an organization that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees, volunteers, and community members. 

   

Our Workplace    

This position is based out of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Headquarters Office at the historic West Monitor Barn, in Richmond, VT. Our office is a collegial, bustling, and fun open office atmosphere, which offers staff opportunities to interact and collaborate.  Staff members can balance working remotely and on-campus in collaboration with their team schedule, tasks and all-staff gatherings. Successful staff are able maintain focus and productivity, balance personal initiative and independence, and plug into our team in ways that help us do our best work as an organization. Staff enjoy the perks of the Farm at VYCC and forest campus year-round, as well as the happenings of nearby downtown Richmond.       

   

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $35,568* - $50,000

Application instructions

Deadline

November 30, 2023