Farm Manager Job in Michigan

Tweet

Farm Manager Job in Michigan at We the People Opportunity Center – 2020

About We the People Opportunity Center (WTPOC):

We The People Opportunity Center was created in December of 2018. Its origin began in 2015 under the auspices of We The People Growers Association. Our mission is to break the cycle of incarceration in Washtenaw County and to build strong communities by investing in the employment and development of returning citizens by way of farming and agricultural endeavors.

We believe everyone, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or prior life choices, is a powerful change agent capable of contributing to their community’s quality of life. We also believe that the issues we face collectively can only be solved collectively, and that a person’s zip code should not determine their opportunities in life. WTPOC is committed to creating and maintaining a culture where every individual (participating in any capacity) is valued and treated with respect. Our policies and practices are based upon a mission, vision and strong set of values (available upon request).

WTPOC is a nonprofit organization that currently operates on ¾ acre of rented land on church property in Ypsilanti Township. We currently grow tomatoes, peppers, kale and collard greens, the bulk of which are sold to locally-owned and operated restaurants in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. WTPOC is working with our community partners and a grant writing and management service to increase our funding support and to find a larger, permanent home for the farm. We expect to accomplish that within the next two years and, in conjunction with those expansions, WTPOC will also
be adding to our team’s compensation, benefits and professional development. We hope newly-hired team members will make a commitment to work one full calendar year, and have the capacity to learn and grow with the organization. Our goal is to continue to grow and we hope you will grow with us.

Farm Manager Job in Michigan – Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with Executive Director to establish planting schedule for each unique growing season
• Collaborates with Board Members and Executive Director to plan long-term development strategies
• Directs and coordinates production activities such as planting, irrigation, cultivation, pest and disease management, harvest, post-harvest handling, payroll, and recordkeeping
• Assists with farmworker hiring process
• Enforces safety regulations and farm policies
• Collects sales data for appropriate crop planning in future seasons
• Operates as the main contact for vendors to arrange harvest and delivery
• Maintains accurate records of production and farm management practices, and prepares financial and operational reports
• Performs annual soil analysis and develop amendment plan for maximizing soil health
• Maintains farm equipment. Conducts regular inspections and performs appropriate maintenance. Inspects fields to determine maturity dates of crops and to assess potential crop damage from weather
• Communicates to the Board or appropriate staff, all equipment & supply purchases related to maintenance of crops
• Evaluates financial statements and makes budget proposals
• Assists with marketing and outreach efforts

Qualifications:

• An Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or 2 years of agricultural and business management experience
• Experience working in a team environment with demonstrated leadership skills
• A proven record of success in crop production and/or sales
• Experience with organic farming practices
• A passion for establishing and maintaining high quality policies and practices
• An interest in, and understanding of, working with men and women returning home from incarceration (preferably based on experience)
• Demonstrable skills with general tools and small scale farming equipment
• Valid driver’s license and transportation are a must
• Understanding of socio-economic, racial and equity issues as they relate to food systems

Hours & Compensation ;:

• $15 per hour
• 20 hours per week upon hire; 20-30 hours per week April through October.
• Hours in November through March for assessment, planning, community building, and program development to be determined.
• Perks (such as free vegetables, flexible scheduling, and transportation or cell phone stipend(s)) to be negotiated

To Apply for this Farm Manager Job in Michigan:

Email resume, cover letter and list of potential references* to wtpgagrowers@gmail.com by 5 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2020 Questions? Call (734) 757-5067

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs, internships, and apprenticeships, and learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/