Company description

New Entry, an initiative of Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, works locally, regionally, and across the country to strengthen local food systems by supporting new farmers. We serve and collaborate with the people, communities, and organizations in Massachusetts, the Northeast, and beyond!

Job description

Assistant Farm Manager Job Description 

 

 

Position Title: New Entry Assistant Farm Manager 

 

Reports To: New Entry Farm Manager, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project 

 

Organizational description 

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project’s (New Entry) mission is to improve our local and regional food systems by training the next generation of farmers to produce food that is sustainable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate and making this food accessible to individuals regardless of age, mobility, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. In doing this work, New Entry provides critical training, career development, and economic opportunity to new farmers. New Entry is a program of Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition. Programs of New Entry include both The Farm Business Incubator Program and the New Entry Food Hub at Moraine Farm in Beverly MA. 

Job overview 

This job is full time and seasonal, from March through October

The Assistant Farm Manager will work to support New Entry’s Incubator Farmer Manager in operating our 15-acre fields and farm incubator sites. The primary responsibility involves assisting in all areas of organic vegetable production over 3+ acres. This includes the implementation of land management and crop production plans in accordance with USDA Certified Organic production techniques and adherence to Food Safety protocols. The production primarily targets wholesale through the New Entry Food Hub, farm-to-school programs, and partnerships with food access organizations.

Beyond contributing to New Entry's production, the Assistant Farm Manager will also focus on the maintenance and improvement of additional acreage utilized by incubating farmers or areas transitioning into production.

The Assistant Farm Manager's role extends beyond production; they will also engage with volunteers and support some instructional programming. While the primary focus is on production, the Assistant Manager, will provide additional support to the Food Hub for packing as necessary.

 

Key Job Elements:

• Assist the Incubator Farm Manager in all aspects of organic vegetable production, including crop planning, greenhouse production, field operations, harvest, and vegetable wash and pack for the demo-plots and New Entry-grown field production.
• Maintain land/soil management plans for remaining fields.
• Conduct farm operations including land preparation/tillage, custom tractor work, and the use/management of greenhouse, irrigation, cooling / storage, and other farm supplies and equipment. 
• Help maintain farm equipment and facilities, including tractors, grounds, and other tillage equipment, greenhouses, and irrigation systems in order to ensure continuity of incubator farm operations.
• In conjunction with farmer training staff, coordinate, mentor, and supervise volunteers, farm interns, and students to maximize impact. 
• Work with the Incubator Farm Manager to monitor, evaluate, and improve farm systems and develop annual crop plans. 
• Support New Entry Food Hub share packing, market support, and operations as needed.
• Help to create a positive and friendly work atmosphere.
• Be willing to participate in and document farmer technical assistance, participate in workshops, farm field days, and other grant deliverables. 

Qualifications:  

• At least 3 years of direct, hands-on experience on a production-oriented organic vegetable farm. 
• High tunnel production experience desired.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.  
• Self-motivated and directed; works well within a rapidly changing environment.  
• Strong work ethic, willingness to be flexible and a positive attitude. 
• Ability to work long hours and perform physically strenuous farm tasks including repeatedly lifting up-to 50lbs. 
• Experience operating 45 – 65 hp tractors and associated implements/farm equipment. 
• Effective communication, service skills. 
• must be able to pass Tufts Driver Background Check ( https://access.tufts.edu/employee-driver-approval-process)
• Experience supervising volunteers and other staff. 
• Community organizing and cross-cultural experience helpful; prepared and excited to build relationships with diverse farmer participants.   
• Access to reliable private transportation necessary.  
• Warehouse, produce handling, and food safety training or experience a plus.   
• Must be willing to work some weekends. 
• Experience in equipment and building maintenance / light carpentry a plus. 
• Ability to operate forklift in a warehouse environment OR willingness to receive forklift training.  

Benefits

• Salary of $24-$27 dollars per hour based on experience.
• Fresh farm vegetables

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

January 26, 2024