Job: Farm Manager at The Greening of Detroit Urban Agriculture and Organic Farming Education Project

Location: 1418 Michigan Ave., Detroit 48216 Application Deadline: February 28, 2010 Salary: $30,000 - 40,000 commensurate with experience plus benefits Area of Focus: Urban Agriculture, Organic Farming Education, Environment Organizational Description: The Greening of Detroit’s mission is to “guide and inspire the growth of a ‘greener’ Detroit through planting and educational programs, environmental leadership, advocacy, and by building  community capacity.” One of the ways The Greening engages the community to achieve this mission is through urban gardening and agriculture projects. Since 2003, The Greening of Detroit in partnership with EarthWorks Urban Farm, Detroit Agriculture Network, and Michigan State University (Garden Resource Program Collaborative) has been at the forefront of an emerging movement to achieve a ‘greener’ city while transforming the food system in Detroit. Some of our accomplishments include providing farming resources and educational opportunities to over 8,000 urban gardeners of all ages each year in over 557 family, 263 community, and 55 school vegetable gardens in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Together these gardens produce over 120 tons of fresh, nutritious food for predominantly low-income families, a portion of which is sold at six local farmers’ markets through the Grown In Detroit urban farmer cooperative. In addition to our work with the Garden Resource Program Collaborative, The Greening of Detroit has operated an urban farm and nutrition education program in Romanowski Park since 2005. Position Summary: The Greening of Detroit is seeking a full-time Farm Manger to manage production and operations at two urban farms in Detroit. The Romanowski Farm Park is 30 acre city-owned park where The Greening of Detroit operates a ¾ acre farm, teaching gardens, an orchard, and sugar bush. The Detroit Market Garden, our newest project, is a 2.5 acre production focused farm located in the heart of the Eastern Market District in Downtown Detroit, equip with three movable 30’x48’’ passive solar greenhouses and one transplant greenhouse. The Farm Manager is responsible for the  management, planning, and oversight of The Greening of Detroit’s farming operations at both sites from land preparation through quality harvest including all aspects of organic vegetable, herb, flower and fruit production. The Farm Manager reports to the Director of Urban Agriculture. Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee all aspects of day-to-day farm operations at both Romanowski Park and The Market Garden, including business and planting plans, pest control and weed management, field cultivation,  compost and seed production, and harvest. Responsible for passive solar greenhouse and transplant greenhouse operations including ordering, scheduling, seeding, fertilizing, watering, pest  management, and distribution. Supervise staff and volunteers working at both sites as well as oversee our Urban Agriculture Apprentices. Work with Urban Agriculture staff to plan and implement educational activities and tours for both youth and adults at both farms. Work with Urban Agriculture staff to coordinate harvest and sales at farmers’ markets, to restaurants, and at u-pick events. For job description and application details click 'Read More'

Tweet

Additional Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of farm management experience, preferably at an organic or chemical free farm.

• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers and working with diverse communities.

• Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a farm or garden setting.

• Interest and familiarity with issues relating to local food, food access, and sustainable agriculture, and a genuine appreciation of the urban environment.

• Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency in all MS office applications required.

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, plant science, horticulture or a related field is preferred but not required.

How to Apply:

Please send email of your resume and cover letter to ashley@greeningofdetroit.com. Use the job title as the subject line. Only potential interviewees will be contacted. Visit our website at www.detroitagriculture.org.