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this job's deadline has passed
This job expired on January 10, 2014

Urban Farm Manager Mid-Ohio Food Bank

  • Date Posted November 11, 2013
  • Location Grove City, OH
  • Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
  • Job Type Full-Time
Job Description Our Vision:

Mid-Ohio Foodbank believes that no one should go hungry, and is dedicated to building and sustaining a community that makes food accessible to all people.

Our Mission:

Mid-Ohio Foodbank is dedicated to feeding hungry people by collecting and distributing food and grocery products, advocating for hunger-relief programs, and collaborating with others who address basic human needs.

Project Summary:

Urban Farms of Central Ohio (UFCO), a joint venture of the agriculture, government, non-profit, and business communities, is seeking a dynamic individual with strong experience in sustainable vegetable production and project management. The candidate must be capable, aggressive, self-starter, willing and excited to help grow this social-entrepreneurial non-profit. 

Urban Farms of Central Ohio's mission is to validate a financially viable non-profit urban farming enterprise on vacant or underutilized sites that provide underserved communities with increased access to affordable local produce, jobs and job training, and education about fresh produce and improved diet while building community involvement around local projects.

Like most farming, this position will be challenging, fast paced, multi-dimensional, and rewarding. It takes creativity and dedication to make a vacant lot produce vegetables and perennial crops, and it also takes an experienced agrarian to create the farming systems that will make this operation economically viable. A comprehensive outline of agricultural and related best practices to support this emerging project will need to be compiled. 

The successful candidate will possess the entrepreneurial drive and organizational experience to help expand this enterprise to additional sites and manage non-production activities such as sales, public relations, and community relations. 

UFCO is a limited liability company with Mid-Ohio Foodbank as its parent company. Urban Farms of Central Ohio (UFCO) is a joint venture of the agriculture, government, non-profit, and business communities. 

Job Description:

The Urban Farm Manager will be responsible for developing, overseeing, and managing the 5 acre Clarfield Farm, including high-tunnels and future potential farm sites for food production, training and education, community involvement, and distribution of farm products to a variety of beneficiaries and/or purchasers. The Urban Farm Manager will also be responsible for recruiting, managing, and leading support staff, apprentices, and community volunteers. 

Primary Duties:
  • Develop farm business by creating, implementing, and managing annual farm plan including farm budget, operation, production, marketing, sales, and distribution plans.
  • Develop, operate, and maintain farm infrastructure and materials to manage and improve sites, including high-tunnels.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local community residents and stakeholders, volunteer groups, local restaurants and buyers, community advocates for anti-poverty and health initiatives, and philanthropic entities.
  • Develop labor and work plans, provide supervision and management of farm help including farm Site Coordinators, Apprentices, and community volunteers.
  • Collect and maintain all records to prepare monthly reports on the status of the urban farms for the Project Manager and Board. Work closely with Project Manager to plan, coordinate, budget, and operate urban farm sites.
  • Participates in and leads all daily farm-related tasks including planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigating, and general maintenance.
  • Assists with general Food & Strategic Initiatives activities, including the identification and assessment of future sites, and development and implementation of educational andtraining programs.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 
  • High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associates Degree or two years of college preferred. 
Licenses/Designations: 
  • Valid driver's license required
Experience: 
  • Two-five years of sustainable vegetable production experience required. 
Knowledge: 
  • Knowledge of managing a small to mid-size sustainable, natural farm operation with both mechanized machinery and hand tools, from annual planning and seed ordering to all aspects of caring for the farm.
  • Experience in leading and managing diverse individuals and groups of people.
Skills/Competencies: 
  • Strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills, strong presentation skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Must have strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize and multi-task, problem solving skills, and be a self-starter.
  • Ability to develop relationships with community leaders, business owners and volunteers.
  • Understanding of community food security and passion for food justice and social change to contribute to the growth and evolution of the project.
Job Conditions:
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
Working Conditions: 
  • Must have the ability to work outside in all-weather performing manual farm labor as necessary.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting required.
  • Flexible work schedule, evenings and weekend hours may be required.
  • Frequent local travel required.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
ADA: 
  • The above statements cover what are generally believed to the principal and essential function of this job.
  • Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
***Successful applicant must meet 2013 HUD low/moderate income limits. Please see the chart at the below link. Compensation this position is How to apply
This job expired on January 10, 2014
DeadlineDecember 07, 2013

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