Company description

Located within metro Atlanta, Martin’s Garden at Coleman Farms is an established urban farm located 20 miles outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Now entering its eighth growing season, the farm has historically operated a 40 to 50 member CSA, an on-site Saturday market and sold to local restaurants.

The farm is committed to producing high quality vegetables using organic and sustainable practices (although not organically certified). We are uniquely situated in the heart of Roswell, Georgia, voted Georgia’s top city to live in, and established ourselves with strong ties to the community and a sense of charity. Accordingly, we attract a consistent volunteer base as well as customer base.

The farm site is 7 acres in total with a one-acre plot fenced and dedicated to vegetable production. Our 30’ x 70’ greenhouse is in excellent condition and more than ample to provide all vegetable starts for our garden as well as producing plant starts for sale in the Spring and Fall. Red clay soil has been heavily amended over the past several years with compost and cover crops. All key ingredients are in place for a farmer to hit the ground running and be successful.

Job description

Local, committed urban agriculture enthusiasts seek a long-term Farmer-Manager to steward a 1-acre urban farm into a viable urban farm enterprise located within metro Atlanta.

Martin’s Garden seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial full-time farmer that seeks a partnership opportunity to work closely with innovative farm owners to build a self- sustaining urban farm enterprise.

YOU ARE A STRONG CANDIDATE IF:

• You are an experienced, community-minded, entrepreneurial, collaborative farmer seeking to manage and build a viable urban farm enterprise.
• You are able to bring your own vision to the farm-site and able to work with the farm owners to create a self-sustaining urban farm operation with CSA members and restaurant group customers.

The farm owners are committed to a long-term relationship and willing to offer: (1) Annual Salary Increases; (2) A Profit Sharing Plan; and (3) Opportunities For Future Farm Expansion.

HIGH-LEVEL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

The ideal candidate has a complete understanding of farm management, business acumen, and able to take responsibility for:

1. Managing and operating all aspects of production at Martin’s Garden from crop planning to post harvest handling and distribution for customers including weekly farm stand, CSA, and restaurants.
2. Managing the CSA Operations Coordinator and support and share insights with farm volunteers by conducting monthly onboarding orientation, coordinating volunteer duties in support of production including charitable vegetable production. Service is a core value.
3. The Farmer-Manager will bring their own ideas to increase production and develop new outlets to increase produce sales.

HIGH-LEVEL INFORMATION ABOUT MARTIN’S GARDEN

• Since its inception 8 years ago, Martin’s Garden has been an organic farm.
• Martin’s Garden has excellent farm facilities, well-maintained farm infrastructure, and all the farming equipment needed to hit the ground running, including (1) Well and City Water; (2) Drip Irrigation; (3) a heated greenhouse/propagation house, (4) a BCS walk behind tractor with implements; (5) Paper-pot Transplanter; (6) Jang and Earthway seeders; (7) Polaris; and (8) Hands Tools.
• Martin’s Garden is supported by a CSA Operations and Volunteer Coordinator, a Summer Farm Worker, and a committed, stable group of volunteers.

If you want to prove that the urban farming model is viable, read on.

OPPORTUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES

Farming

• Develop and implement crop plan, planting and harvesting schedule for each season to serve weekly markets, CSA, and restaurant customers. Be primary farmer responsible for execution of production
• Coordinate summer/part-time help and volunteers to assist with garden planting, harvesting and other needs
• Utilize sustainable organic agricultural methods, including weed and pest management and development of soil structure through composting and other organic methods
• Maintain field, irrigation systems and greenhouse in good working order

Operations and Finance

• Manage CSA Operations and Volunteer Coordinator
• Track farm operations and data, including crop plans, harvest log, germination rate, planting schedule, growth tracking, compost production and soil nutrient management
• Purchase and maintain farming supplies, tools/equipment
• Ensure property is maintained for safety
• Along with farm owners, co-create annual budget for farm related activities and track performance on an ongoing basis on a timely basis

Participate with Farm Owners in Community Building

• Communicate with customers, respond to emails, messages, etc.
• Provide current content for website and advertisements as needed
• Coordinate/support appreciation gatherings for volunteers and CSA members
• Farmer-Manager may be asked to participate in short farm tours for charitable events, community groups, etc.
• Preference for help with feeding and collecting eggs of farm animals (12 chickens, 5 ruminants)
• Farm is operated on the owner’s personal land that includes a home occasionally rented out or use for charity events so property must be maintained neatly

SKILLS AND QUALITIES REQUIRED

1. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in vegetable farming production together with at least 1 year of experience in farm management.
2. Experience in vegetable production for restaurants is preferred.
3. An attitude of partnership and willingness to work collaboratively with owners and customers to create a viable urban farm enterprise.
4. Able to bring your own ideas and develop new customer accounts to build an urban farming enterprise located within metro Atlanta.
5. Strong entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to implement new ideas and adapt to what is working while pursuing operational excellence.
6. A willingness and ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, under potentially strenuous conditions-preparedness and a positive attitude are essential for success.
7. A strong desire to produce food of the highest nutritional and culinary quality.
8. A strong desire to connect to and educate the community.
9. A desire to continue to learn and grow as a person and farmer. We will encourage and support personal growth and connect you to resources (Georgia Organics, Food Well Alliance, etc.)
10. Exceptional interpersonal skills and timely responses to effectively work with restaurant owners, volunteers and community members, charities and young people.
11. A detail-oriented approach, with considerable attention to order, and cleanliness.

HOURS

Hours vary throughout the year. The ideal candidate will be willing to work as needed during the peak-season (may require up to 60 hours/week including planning/administrative work). Winter hours are variable and highly flexible. This position requires a self-starter with personal discipline and time-management skills. However, a high level of flexibility allows the right candidate to determine when/how tasks are completed.

COMPENSATION

This is an exempt full-time salaried position for the right person that is looking for a long-term farming opportunity. Initial compensation will be determined based upon experience with a base salary in the $40,000 to $50,000 range and the potential for a housing stipend. For an individual committed to a long-term relationship and showing signs of growth and success, Martin’s Garden at Coleman Farms will offer annual salary increases, profit sharing and opportunities for future expansion.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $40,000.00 - $50,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline