Urban Farm Manager Job in Utah – AmeriCorps

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Real Food Rising Urban Farm Manager Job – AmeriCorps, Salt Lake City, Utah

Application Deadline: Dec 2^nd, 2016

Real Food Rising is a 1.25 acre urban farm and youth development program that empowers teens with the skills to thrive while increasing access to healthy food in Salt Lake.  We’re looking for a Farm Manager with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, a passion for fighting poverty and hunger, and enthusiasm for working with teens.   This position oversees production on our 1.25 acre urban farm, including vegetables, fruits, berries and fruit trees and co-supervises youth crew workers with our Youth Specialist.  We are a program of Utah Community Action, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been fighting poverty in Utah since 1965.  We grow a wide variety of sustainable produce for the community, donating 60% to hunger relief organizations and selling 40% at neighborhood farm stands, CSA shares and to local restaurants and grocery stores.  RFR hires teenagers (ages 14-17) to work on the farm and teaches them knowledge and skills in job readiness leadership, public speaking, healthy living, positive relationships. www.utahca.org/real-food-rising

Urban farm manager job responsibilities:  The RFR Farm Manager will work in the field on a weekly basis on our 1.25 acre urban sustainable farm.  Tasks include: creating a crop production plan for spring summer and fall, bed preparation, planting, weeding, integrated pest management, irrigation management and compost building.  Equally important, this position will plan and lead agriculture workshops for youth, participate in seasonal planning and strategy meetings, coordinate distribution of farm produce, coordinate with partners and keep detailed records of produce grown and harvested.  The majority of field work will be accomplished through leading community volunteer and youth program work days, and supervising the part-time Farm Apprentice.  Individual work may be required for some tasks.

Farm Manager is a Full time Seasonal position in partnership with AmeriCorps through Utah Conservation Corps (approx. Jan 15, 2016 – Nov 15, 2016). Work week is Tuesday through Saturday for Spring & Fall growing season and Monday through Friday during the Summer season.  This position reports to the Real Food Rising Program Coordinator.

Qualifications: Minimum High School diploma or GED; some college preferred.  A minimum of 1 year of full-season agricultural experience, preferably in an urban environment.  Spanish language skills and knowledge about sustainable agriculture preferred. Experience in a teaching setting and working with teenagers is helpful.  Criminal background check, drug and alcohol testing is required. Valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance is required.

Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to work independently and take initiative

Ability to think critically and manage time effectively

Ability to lead and motivate a group of people and delegate tasks efficiently

Ability to work with a diverse group of people in the community

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Open to learning and feedback

Team-oriented with a positive attitude and good sense of humor

Strong sustainable agricultural skills and knowledge; able to uphold high agricultural standards

Energetic, dependable, organized, timely, genuine and trustworthy

Skills: 

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software

Proven successful farm management and group management experience

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Willingness and ability to learn and adapt

Ability to supervise

Attention to detail and ability to work without supervision to get tasks completed

Proficient in English, both verbal and written

Physical demands: This job requires mobility and physical dexterity, and the ability to read, focus, organize, recall and retain information. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. multiple times throughout the day.  Ability to perform physical labor and work outside for long hours in varying weather conditions.

Stipend for the urban farm manager job: $12,530 annual living stipend, $5775 educational award at the end of service, and health benefits available through Utah Conservation Corps.  Additional training is available and encouraged, including Environmental Educator Certificate through Utah State University, Small Urban Farms Conference, GAP certification training and other relevant local trainings and/or workshops relating to sustainable agriculture, working with diverse populations and youth development.

Apply for the urban farm manager job online at https://slcap.applicantpro.com/.  Please include cover letter, resume and references.  Deadline: Dec 2^nd, 2016

Contact Krystal Rogers-Nelson, program coordinator: Krystal.rogersnelson@utahca.org
764 S. 200 W (office), 1050 W. 500 S (farm) Salt Lake City, Utah