Allegheny Farm Manager Job

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AMI Allegheny Farm Manager Job – 2017

THIS JOB HAS BEEN FILLED FOR 2017

The AMI Farm Manager is responsible for most operational aspects of the AMI Farm and Facilities at our Highland County, Virginia Campus. Education of the broader community is a key component of the Allegheny Mountain Institute, and a competitive applicant will have an interest in this area. All of our work is rooted in organic, regenerative agricultural practices, and the AMI Farm Manager should have a deep philosophical and operational agreement with such methods. This role is responsible for the organic, sustainable management of operational aspects of the AMI agricultural and meat production including: plant propagation, cultivation, succession planting, pest and nutrient management, harvesting, processing, distribution, quality and quantity control, organic orchard management, and animal husbandry including poultry, bees, and possible future bovine, swine, caprine, sheep, and dairy operations. This position reports to the AMI Executive Director. Work hours may fluctuate and are dependent on the time of year and organizational needs (preparation at the beginning of the season and end of season, for instance).

For a complete job description, please visit https://www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org/

No phone calls or mailed applications, please.

Application Deadline February 19, 2017 – Applications considered on a rolling basis and are reviewed as soon as complete.

THIS JOB HAS BEEN FILLED FOR 2017

GENERAL DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF WORK:

Reporting to the AMI Executive Director, the AMI Farm Manager is responsible for most operational aspects of the AMI Farm and Facilities in Highland County.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:

The AMI Farm Manager is a full-time position at our Highland County Campus. Work hours may fluctuate and are dependent on the time of year and organizational needs (preparation at the beginning of the season and end of season, for instance). Education of the broader community is a key component of the Allegheny Mountain Institute, and a competitive applicant will have an interest in this area. All of our work is rooted in organic, regenerative agricultural practices, so the AMI Farm Manager should have a deep philosophical and operational agreement with such methods.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ TASKS:

FARM MANAGEMENT:

• Responsible for the organic, sustainable management of all operational aspects of the AMI agricultural and 
meat production including: plant propagation, cultivation, succession planting, pest and nutrient management, harvesting, processing, distribution, quality and quantity control, organic orchard management, and animal husbandry including poultry, bees, and possible future bovine, swine, caprine, sheep, and dairy operations)
• Develop, establish and maintain the nourishment (fertility) and health of the soil food web of AMI gardens to promote and sustain vitality in the food we produce.
• Manage greenhouse propagation of seeds and starts
• Manage and develop crop rotation for season extension in the high tunnels.
• Orchard management, including the establishment, pest protection, and plant guild selection of orchard and 
berry crops.
• Mulching and weed control
• Garden tools and equipment storage and maintenance; keep inventory and maintenance records
• Develop and maintain livestock facility as needed including grazing systems, fence and gate moving and repair, 
and water management
• Develop, establish, maintain healthy pasture management, disease control, and animal rotation
• Regular garden set up and maintenance, including:
  • Irrigation systems
  • Inspections and managing repairs of the operational farm infrastructure; garden fences; rodent control
  • Plan and implement an efficient, working composting system for garden and orchard use.
• Responsible for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, neatness and order on the AMI Highland Farm
• Establish processes for upkeep of pantries, cold storage, root cellars, and feed rooms to ensure appropriate 
temperatures are maintained, and the vitality, safety and quantities of foodstuffs meet requirements.
• Establish best practices and processes for AMI Farm record keeping systems
• Manage budget for Farm expenditures, including ordering, purchasing, and maintaining records
• Manage and mentor Fellows on farm-related work and educational opportunities during Phase I of the
• Meet with AMI staff team, once per week to review and plan assignments. Work closely and collaboratively 
with the AMI Education Director to ensure proactive guidance and supervision of Farm Fellows and the learning environment. Work in collaboration with AMI Mountain Farm Caretaker on routine maintenance needs of farm and equipment and with the AMI Farm Committee on big picture strategic plans and needs of AMI farm.
• Perform administrative tasks essential to the smooth operation of the operational farm
• Participate in Open Houses, public visits and educational outreach events as needed

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 


• Grass cutting and weed eating around gardens and orchards.
• Invasive weed management
• Equipment purchase research, and delivery scheduling or pick up as needed
• Assisting in heavy lifting/moving as needed
• Regular waste removal from the AMI farm
• Winter Snow plowing as necessary
• Regular operational farm maintenance, including:
  • General overseeing of facilities, including inspections and managing repairs of buildings and farm infrastructure
  • Fixing items or overseeing repairs done by others

QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent amount of training and/or work experience required
• Minimum 3 years of experience in organic vegetable production and management, post-handling, and 
processing for sale and storage
• 2- 3 years rotational, multi-species grazing experience
• Experience in Apiary management or desire to master
• Demonstrated understanding and application of Permaculture principles and ethics; Permaculture Design 
Certificate preferred
• Knowledge and experience with medicinal herbs, perennial systems, no till farming, and orchard management
• Experience with heavy farm equipment use and basic maintenance
• Basic carpentry, plumbing, mechanical and electrical skills
• Knowledge of and commitment to building sustainable food systems
• Exceptional multi-tasking, organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; ability to work closely and communicatively as a peer 
colleague with AMI Education Director and AMI Mountain Farm Caretaker.
• Experienced crew leader
• Computer proficiency, including Excel, Microsoft Office
• Interest in cooking and culinary arts/hospitality
• Demonstrates high level of personal and ethical standards
• Ability to understand, interpret and enforce policies in an accurate and equitable manner.
• Ability to complete and maintain applicable training and certifications as necessary
• Have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Mentorship and/or teaching experience
• Ability to deal with Fellows, colleagues, and guests in a professional, timely, fair, and confidential manner

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION: 
Applicant must be comfortable working outside in physically demanding environments, including climate irregularities, cold weather, and snowy winters. Applicant must be able to lift 50 (+) pounds regularly.

COMPENSATION: 
This is a full-time, year-round position. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes: housing and farm-grown food share (2nd story of farm house is exclusively for farm manager, while main floor is shared with AMI community in season) , workers’ compensation coverage, and earned vacation/sick leave, plus holidays. This position requires regular weekend and periodic evening work.

Allegheny Mountain Institute
POB 542, Staunton, VA 24402-0542
www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org