If you’re excited about working with the next generation of farmers, and being outside working on a variety of tasks – this might be the job for you! You’ll help maintain and improve farm infrastructure and manage vegetable production. You’ll also ensure that the farm provides meaningful service and learning opportunities for youth, young adults, staff and volunteers of all backgrounds. A strong candidate will be excited about a blend of behind-the-scenes responsibilities and time in the field supporting crews during the season.
Position Overview
The Farm Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an 11-acre organic vegetable and livestock farm. The Farm Production Manager will work closely with two other Farm Production staff to oversee farm systems, manage vegetable production and animal tasks, and ensure that the farm provides meaningful service and learning opportunities for youth, young adults, staff and volunteers of all backgrounds. The majority of youth and young adults who come to work on the farm have little to no farming experience. The Production Manager provides essential mentorship and in-field instruction for everyone on the farm, guiding them in daily production tasks. The Farm Production Manager also helps maintain and improve farm infrastructure, including equipment, hoop houses, coolers, and barns.
Essential Functions:
The core responsibilities listed below are all in collaboration with the Farm Production Team. Leadership in each of these areas will be determined as a team based on interest, skills and experience.
Farm Production
Manage all aspects of vegetable production including soil management, field preparation, propagation, planting, pest and disease management, weed management, harvesting, and post-harvest activities
Support all aspects of livestock production on the farm including brooder management, poultry pasture systems, chicken processing, and daily chores
Maintain and model safe use of farm infrastructure including fencing, irrigation, hoop houses, tractors, mowers, power tools, barns, coolers, and processing equipment
Collaborate on purchasing and maintaining tools, supplies, seeds, feed, and equipment
Maintain regular and thorough records of production, harvest, and sales
Draft and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various aspects of production
Identify and explore generating new revenue for the farm
Identify and explore opportunities for expanding production throughout the season, including winter growing
Program Support
Design and lead farm production training sessions for Corps Members
Support programming on the farm by leading volunteer groups and working with crews in the field
Train and model safety protocols for different tasks on the farm, including tractor and mower trainings and tool maintenance
Work with the Farm Production Team to develop daily work plans for crews and volunteers
Supervise seasonal Leaders with goal setting, regular check-ins and work-planning.
Mentor Crew Members and Leaders, instructing them in specific farm tasks and engaging them in learning about all aspects of the farm
Participate in rotating chore schedule (occasional after hours and weekends)
Who We are Looking For
The following list of skills and experience is for an ideal candidate. If you’re excited about this role but your experience aligns with most but not all of what is listed below, we encourage you to still consider applying!
A minimum three seasons of experience on a production-oriented organic mixed-vegetable farm
Experience leading farm system planning, crop planning and production, marketing and sales, and tractor and/or farm equipment operation
Experience maintaining a safe farm working environment, including an understanding of food safety protocols and the safe use and maintenance of mechanical equipment such as tractors
Strong communication skills, including speaking, listening, and writing
Experience working in teams with shared leadership, decision-making, and problem solving
Experience or an enthusiasm for teaching and working with diverse teams of young people including staff, Corps Members, students and volunteers
Demonstrated commitment to creating and maintaining working and learning environments that are welcoming and inclusive.
Flexible, motivated, responsible and able to handle multiple, often competing, priorities
Willing to both take direction and work independently
Available to work occasional nights and weekends, attend program events as needed.
Our Workplace
This position is based out of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps campus in Richmond, VT. Our open office offers staff opportunities to interact and collaborate. Staff members can balance working remotely and on-campus in collaboration with their team schedule, tasks and all-staff gatherings. Successful staff are able maintain focus and productivity, balance personal initiative and independence, and plug into our team in ways that help us do our best work as an organization.
Compensation & Benefits:
Position Status: Full-time, Year-Round, Exempt
Starting salary for this position is $45,000, commensurate with experience. Exempt from overtime.
Medical and dental insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) with matching contribution; disability and group life insurance (once eligibility criteria are met)
Simple IRA with matching contribution (once eligibility criteria are met)
Annual paid time off (PTO), paid sick time
One-week paid closure in November for all staff (in addition to PTO)
Ongoing professional development
Annual gift card to the VYCC farmstand (organic produce and eggs)
How to Apply
Please complete our VYCC General Application (http://bit.ly/VYCCapp), to which you’ll upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Christine Hadekel at [email protected]. No calls, please. Position is open until filled.