Company description
MEVO (the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization, Inc.) is a youth-led environmental nonprofit dedicated to creating scalable ecological solutions that inspires and empowers people to take action for a better future. Since our founding in 2008, we have mobilized more than 12,000 volunteers, providing over 70,000 hours of hands-on environmental service throughout northern New Jersey and lower New York. Our programs include our Fresh Roots Farming Program, Farm to School Program in partnership with the Mahwah School District, Trail Building Program in partnership with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Tribal Gardens Program and Stag Hill Cleanups Program in partnership with the Rampough Lenape Tribe, Internship and Volunteer Programs, and more. Through these programs, we aim to get our community’s boots on the ground and hands in the direct effort to effect change through combating environmental apathy.
Job description
RESPONSIBILITIES
Field Production Management
- Adhering to a low-till, market garden growing system
- Creating and implementing a crop plan for each farm (Fresh Roots Farm and Lottie’s Farm)
- Creating weekly/daily worklists and schedules based on long-term and short-term goals
- Directing field management including planting, crop maintenance, and maintaining the integrity of our raised bed systems
- Overseeing nursery management including seeding, watering, and up-potting
- Leading harvest day responsibilities, including washing, packing, and curing/storing crops for market/CSA/restaurants
- Ordering/buying seeds, materials, and tools as needed for the farm
- Developing and implementing a fertility program to enhance soil health
- Managing our compost system
- Winterizing fields and infrastructure (tarping/cover cropping)
- Ensuring the collection and recording of all field data such as harvest data and crop plan performance
Infrastructure
- Maintaining existing infrastructure including greenhouses, tables, fences, refrigerator, irrigation, etc.
Building new infrastructure when needed such as hoophouses, fences, and tool storage
- Implementing “Lean Principles”: keeping all areas on the farm neat and orderly
- Operating, transporting, and getting repair MEVO machinery including pick-up truck, trailer, and skid steer
Farm Development
- Being willing to take a proactive approach to securing and developing new growing spaces
- Working with the Executive Director to help design and implement field blocks, greenhouses, hoop houses, and any infrastructure that is needed at a new farm
Marketing and Sales
Managing the CSA:
- Conceptualizing CSA offerings and structure
- Managing and ordering any add-on items we offer (grains, mushrooms, eggs, ferments, etc)
- Communicating with CSA members, including creating a weekly CSA Harvest Sheet for email communication
- Overseeing harvest, washing, and packing of shares 1-2 days per week
- Running CSA stand and training others to do so
Managing Ramsey Farmers’ Market stand:
- Leading the weekly market harvest day and creating a weekly harvest list that reflects the trends and demands of the market
- Registering for market participation and communicating with the market manager regarding market attendance
- Ensuring the stand has all needed supplies (signs, tents, tablecloths, etc.) and that they are in good shape
- Ensuring that the market stand is organized and aesthetically pleasing
- Keeping track of earnings and payment methods including using Square mobile payment device
Managing Wholesale Accounts:
- Communicating availability and pricing to customers
- Arranging sale, pick up and delivery of produce
- Sending invoices and recording payments through Square
- Developing new sales outlets if supply consistently outweighs demand
Internship Program & Staff, Intern and Volunteer Management
- Creating a cohesive, supportive, and professional work environment for staff, interns and volunteers
- Leading by example to establish an efficient, punctual, and friendly work culture
- Leading paid farm staff in the accomplishment of the daily worklist with ease and efficiency by:
- Empowering paid staff to take ownership of the farm and worklist
- Delegating tasks clearly to paid staff
- Letting the Executive Director know about issues with staff including poor work performance, chronic absenteeism or lateness, or conflict with other staff
- Sharing responsibility for the Spring, Summer, and Fall College Interns with the Assistant Farm Manager and Executive Director. We work with around 15-20 interns yearly.
- Co-planning internship content and structure
Interviewing prospective Farm Crew interns and conducting mid-internship & exit interviews
- Managing and training interns to accomplish daily tasks consistent with schedule and quality of work expected
- Structuring & guiding daily/weekly intern reflection circles
Managing Volunteer Events (1-2 times per week)
- Leading or delegating the management of volunteer events, ensuring staff have a comprehensive understanding of the work for the day
- Creating a work list and schedule for volunteer events based on the number of volunteers
- Ensuring volunteers get a quality experience through a farm tour for new volunteers, friendly interactions, and sending them home with veggies when possible
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree
- At least two seasons of prior farming experience
- Ability to work physically hard (lift up to 50 lbs. regularly) and in all weather conditions
- Impeccable time management (punctuality and arriving to work on time)
- Valid driver’s license required to fulfill job duties
- Intermediate knowledge of food, cooking, and botany
- Prior experience in a management/supervisory role
- Willingness to work with groups of all ages and backgrounds
- Willingness to read and view the following materials before or at the start of the position (MEVO will provide): The Market Gardener Masterclass and The Lean Farm
SCHEDULE
- Weekly schedule: Sunday through Thursday (subject to change) with approximately 2 hours of weekend chores (watering the greenhouse) during the growing season (performed in a rota with the Executive Director, Assistant Farm Manager, and Farm to School Manager)
- Occasional additional weekend days required (one-off volunteer events, workshops)
- Typical hours are 9AM to 5PM
- Anticipated hours March 1st through December 15th: 40-60+ hours per week
- Anticipated hours December 19th through late February: 20-30 hours per week
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation
this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $45,760.00 - $52,000.00
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline