Farm Manager Position in Virginia
Farm Manager Position in Virginia at Allegheny Mountain Institute – 2021-22
Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) is a 501c3 nonprofit working to cultivate healthy communities through food and education in Augusta and Highland Counties, Virginia.
We are hiring a Farm Manager in Virginia for the AMI Farm at Augusta Health The farm started in 2018 and is a unique partnership that integrates food grown on the hospital property into clinical practices, food access initiatives, and the hospital food system.
FARM MANAGER POSITION IN VIRGINIA 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 at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health who is a self-starter with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. 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 methods of farming that emulate natural systems for fertility, 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 on the farm as part of the AMI Farm and Food System 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
- 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 BSC 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
- 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 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.
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