Farm Manager Job in Washington State for 2016

Posted on November 8, 2015 by Taylor in Employment, Farmer, Farming, Management // 0 Comments

JOB: SHIPKI FARM IN WASHINGTON STATE IS LOOKING FOR A FARM MANAGER FOR 2016

Shipki Farm is an Eastern European inspired CSA and mini-farm, using French and Bio–intensive methods to grow the best Pacific Northwest & European varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits. They are located outside the town of Clinton on beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington and have been in operation since 2008. They are seeking an energetic and inspired person – or couple – as Farm Manager(s). This position combines practical skills in all areas of small-scale food production, marketing and distribution, as well as the potential for youth education and leadership. The Farm Manager(s) will be housed and fed on the farm, though other arrangements may also be possible.

SKILLS DESIRED

They are seeking self motivated individuals with strong work ethic, healthy-community passion, solutions oriented, team player, good sense of humor, easy going, love of outdoors, creative, people & plant lovers, that appreciate simple living. Some previous experience with farming/ gardening highly desireable. The ideal candidate would also have exceptional organizational skills, some experience in working with youth and mentorship. Some small building & maintenance skills is a bonus too!

RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

– Managing all aspects of farm production: planning start-of-season operations (crop layout, seed selection, marketing strategies etc), monitoring crop development and needs.

– CSA sales, marketing and distribution planning

– Daily farm activities : tending animals (chickens), soil management, digging (They are not mechanized), bug control, weeding, harvesting, wash and pack for CSA boxes, weekly produce deliveries, irrigation, and other projects as they come along.

– Leading regular staff / apprentice meetings

– Guiding and educating interns

– Hours: They work a flexible 35 hr week, seasonally variable, with some weekend work expected.

UNIQUE COLLABORATION

Shipki Farm collaborates with the NWLA Cultural Center – a non-profit educational organization located in Langley, on Whidbey Island, which provides innovative resources for people of all ages to learn new languages and to better understand diverse cultures as community becomes global. The NWLA hosts international visitors, clents, teachers, apprentices. NWLA also organizes cultural events and educational residential programs. With an on-site Guesthouse and Eatery, the NWLA looks to Shipki Farm for organic produce and frequently has opportunities for collaborative projects. The NWLA also frequently has part-time work available – in areas of hospitality, facility maintenance, landscaping, kitchen help, program support, office, etc. which can provide

supplementary income to Shipki Farm staff & interns. NWLA also provides Shipki Farm staff & apprentices many opportunities to participate in a rich variety of cross-cultural programs & events for free.

START DATE

Immediately, or no later than February 1, 2016. Contract will be for one-season , ending on or near October 31, 2016 with the option to renew. There will be an initial review after 3 months.

HOUSING

Several options: Cabin with loft, kitchen, and bathroom; or private quarters in the main house, consisting of a sleeping loft, sitting room and bathroom (shared kitchen).

FOOD

There is abundant, high quality organic produce and eggs from the farm. You may need to provide other staples or proteins on your own. Depending on desired arrangements, They share the cooking and eat like kings & queens!

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

Shipki Farm is situated in the Glendale Valley, a lovely pastoral environment within walk to a beach in one direction, and a lake in the other. They are not directly on the bus route – the Island is served by a free public transportation system – but They are about a mile walk to the nearest bus stop. Having a car is a great asset, but not absolutely necessary. The NWLA Cultural Center is about 12 miles from the farm.