Farm Manager at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health

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Farm Manager at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health – 2021

FARM MANAGER AT THE AMI FARM – POSITION OVERVIEW

Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to cultivate healthy communities through food and education.  We seek a Farm Manager who is a self-starter with strong interpersonal and organizational skills to direct the AMI Farm at Augusta Health.  The individual will manage a high production four-season vegetable farm that grows 30+ varieties of nutrient-dense vegetables for a total of 25,000 pounds yearly. The Farm Manager should possess strong, practical knowledge of farming methods that emulate natural systems for fertility and pest/disease management while building soil quality and health. The Farm Manager should also have the ability to vision, plan and execute a project, and effectively work on a diverse team. We seek an individual who can build on existing farm systems, create an energetic and collaborative working environment, and support the education of Community Fellows who work at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health as part of the AMI Fellowship. The Farm Manager will supervise AMI Community Fellows and seasonal employees. The individual will report to the Executive Director. This full-time and exempt position with hours fluctuating depending on seasonal and organizational needs.

​KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the sustainable management of 1-acre of vegetable production (including two caterpillar tunnels, two high tunnels, and a greenhouse), plant propagation and cultivation, irrigation, pest and nutrient management, harvesting, processing, and relevant record keeping
• Build soil health with low-till practices, soil testing, composting, and mulching
• Practice fertility, pest, and disease management through extensive use of cover cropping, creation of predator insect habitats, utilization of beneficial bacteria and microbes, interplanting, and crop rotation
• In coordination with Augusta Health representatives, manage the distribution of vegetables to 12 destinations including Augusta Health Community Benefits programming, Augusta Health cafeteria, an employee CSA, and sales. This distribution equates to running a 100+ member CSA. 
• Utilize best practices, ensuring safe food handling and obtaining necessary certifications
• Support the development of farm infrastructure, including buildings, high tunnels, and a wash-pack station
• Manage the budget for farm expenditures, including ordering, purchasing, and maintaining records
• Instruct, supervise, and mentor AMI Community Fellows and seasonal employees
• Teach workshops or classes as needed
• Contribute to staff meetings, report writing, strategic planning, and outreach

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-3 years of experience in full-season organic vegetable production and management, post-handling, and processing for sale and distribution
• Knowledge of and commitment to building a resilient, collaborative, and equitable food system that is grounded in sustainable practices that are focused on building soil health
• Experience operating a BCS walk-behind tractor with multiple implements
• Demonstrated ability to connect with individuals from racially, socioeconomically, and politically diverse communities
• Exceptional multi-tasking, organizational, and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Teaching, mentoring, or supervision experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Google documents
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Willingness to undergo and pass the Augusta Health orientation and health screening, including criminal background check, initial drug screening, and seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccinations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent amount of training and work experience
• 3-5 years of experience in full-season vegetable production using regenerative farming methods
• Experience working in a non-profit setting
• Basic carpentry skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE FARM MANAGER AT THE AMI FARM POSITION

This position requires working outside in physically demanding environments, including climate fluctuations, extreme hot and cold weather, and snowy winters. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. 

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, year-round position. The salary range is $40,000-$42,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, earned vacation, wellness leave, holidays, and a farm-grown vegetable share. There will be periodic weekend and evening work. 

APPLY FOR THE FARM MANAGER AT THE AMI FARM POSITION ONLINE

Applications will be reviewed as they are received with preference given to those who apply by November 15, 2021. If you have questions, please contact Executive Director Kim Davidson at kim@amifellows.org. 

Allegheny Mountain Institute is actively and consciously seeking to create a passionate team that is representative of diverse backgrounds, points of view, and experiences. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with other marginalized identities are encouraged to apply. Allegheny Mountain Institute will not discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military status, pregnancy, political affiliation, and/or other status protected by state or federal law in its any aspect of admission, programs, activities, or employment. 

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org here.