Accepting applications immediately

January 11th, 2017 Full Time Start Date

(Possible November or December Part Time Start Date)

Position Description: We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented and energetic person for this position of Farm and Culinary Manager. This position will bottom line all aspects of our farming operation and related youth programming at our three-quarter acre site in Santa Cruz and coordinate with our partners at our Watsonville farm site. This role also organizes and leads the food components of our youth programming. You will not be behind the scenes but very much a primary partner in running programs with youth on the land and in the kitchen.

We run a daily Spring Internship on the farm with youth (March-May), a full time Summer Job Program with youth (June-Aug) and a Fall Management Program with youth (Sept-Oct). This position will work in concert with our Programs Manager and Executive Director in the planning and implementation of these core programs, taking leadership on the farm and food aspects. Additionally, this position will participate in FoodWhat's in-school Winter Community Educator program, year-round Junior Staff training, alumni activities, and large on-farm events.

This position requires a collaborative individual with a high level of organization and flexibility who is solid on farm production and in the kitchen while being gifted in working with youth. You will be a leader in our organization, and a partner, mentor, coach, and cheerleader to the youth. You are someone with outstanding farming, cooking and relationship building skills who can engage and inspire the youth we serve about multiple aspects of the food system from production to consumption to food justice. You are approachable, a great listener, and passionate about our mission. You get the big picture while being a strategic thinker who can dive in and get the daily work done with a strong attention to detail. Most importantly you are a deep believer in the power and potential of youth and willing to do everything in your power to support youth in removing any barriers to their success and growth. You're playful, comfortable being you, and willing to share your personal magic with FoodWhat youth while creating safe space on the farm and in the kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Manage seasonal and day-to-day organic farming operations at Santa Cruz site and coordinate with partners at Watsonville site

• Farming and culinary curricular creation, revision, and implementation

• Prep and lead farm work and culinary/kitchen activities each week for daily Spring Internship groups of youth

• Full immersion in daily youth Summer Job Program leading farm activities, youth "Family CSA", and summer farm stands

• Organize additional summer food aspects such as one-time youth summit food and final summer dinner celebration with youth and their families

• Run youth fall management positions on farm and in kitchen as well as weekly farm stands in Santa Cruz and Watsonville

• Play leadership role in events including spring Alumni Gathering and in our two big on-farm annual events (Spring Strawberry Blast and Fall Harvest Festival)

• Manage summer part-time Food Coordinator position (to plan/implement daily lunch and work with guest chefs)

• Direct the food aspects of two major fundraising events per year, including annual benefit dinner

• Support implementation of fundraising and community events

• Participate in program evaluation (quantitative and qualitative)

• Supervision of full and part-time staff, seasonal program staff, interns, and volunteers

Required Qualifications:

• At least 3-5 years of organic farming production including crop planning, greenhouse, irrigation, cultivation, pest and disease control, harvest and post harvest handling, CSA/market, and cover crop experience

• Significant cooking experience—catering experience a plus

• Multiple years youth development experience with low-income youth (teens), preferably from an empowerment perspective, on farm and in kitchen

• Strong facilitation and group management skills

• Knowledge of and experience with low-income communities and under-served communities of color

• Understanding of and commitment to social justice with an analysis of systems of power, privilege and oppression

• Passion for building community and deep relationships through food and agriculture

• Positive, creative, flexible, and takes initiative

• Ability to work independently, in team setting, and in fast-paced, changing environment

• Completes tasks successfully and within specified deadlines: demonstrates strong time management skills implementing programs on time and on budget

• Dependable with thorough follow through

• Ability to handle multiple programs/projects at once; strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Good communication skills: verbal, written, electronic and with a variety of audiences

• Highly competent in use of computers and necessary technology on a daily basis; additional software experience a plus (database, farm management tools, social media)

• Physically fit to meet the demands of working on farm with youth with ability to lift 50lbs.

• Utilizes and can exemplify tools or strategies for maintaining self-care and personal well-being

• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends as farm/programs demand

• Valid California Driver's license and vehicle for personal and youth travel

Preferred:

• Bi-cultural, Bilingual Spanish speaker

• Rooted in Santa Cruz County and connected to the farm community, particularly in Watsonville