Shalom Farms Farm Manager Job in Virginia

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Shalom Farms is Hiring a Farm Manager at their Westwood Site for the 2018 Season

About Shalom Farms:

Shalom Farms is a non-profit organization working with communities to increase access to healthy food and the support to live healthy lives. We work with thousands of volunteers from all backgrounds each year to produce more than 200,000 pounds of produce. We distribute this produce throughout the Richmond, Virginia area through a variety of programs and partnerships.

Job Description:

This year Shalom Farms is undertaking a major organizational expansion in the establishment of a second 5 acre farm, centrally located in Richmond’s Northside on property known as “The Westwood Tract” belonging to Union Seminary. The farm will be the largest operation of its kind in the city, and one of the largest in the region. During 2018 the Farm Manager will work closely with the Director of Farm Operations to ensure the farm is developed in a way that meets the rigorous standards of our existing agricultural operations. However, the ideal candidate will have the experience and skill to quickly take ownership and leadership of the project and will, as appropriate, be given autonomy to oversee the operations on the Westwood Site. This position, particularly during the first year, will be very demanding. It requires someone with significant agricultural experience as well as the temperament and interpersonal skills to lead untrained volunteers and partners, sometimes under stressful conditions. The Farm Manager will work with a broader organizational team to explore and develop ways for this new project to complement our existing agricultural and food access programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Planning & Recordkeeping:

1. Under the supervision of the Director of Farm Operations, develop a crop plan consistent with organic standards to achieve harvest goals for our various distribution channels.
2. Develop detailed annual farm budget.
3. Maintain thorough records, including daily work log and inventory, and collect and analyze data pertaining to seeding, pest management, production, distribution, volunteer management,etc.

• Farm Production & Management:

1. Implement crop plan, using organic strategies, to achieve harvest goals for various channels of distribution.
2. Create weekly and daily work plans based on the week’s schedule of program participants, interns, volunteer individuals and groups.
3. Construct, install, or maintain all out-buildings, equipment, irrigation systems, and tools.
4. Perform machine and tractor work as needed.
5. Oversee and coordinate on-time harvest, delivery and, as appropriate, payment for produce.

• Volunteer and Intern Management:

1. Manage communication and scheduling with volunteers and visiting groups
2. Lead educational programming including farm tours and lessons for visitors of all ages
3. Conduct outreach for volunteer and educational programs as needed

Candidate Qualities:

• Passion for sustainable agriculture and a desire to work collaboratively with others who are committed to environmental justice and food justice.
• Comfortable working alone
• Commitment to social justice and health equity, and an understanding of structural racism and inequity.
• Possesses strong communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to multi task in stressful situations.
• Creative, strategic, and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects   and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Shows excellent leadership and supervision skills in management of interns and volunteer groups of sizes, ages, and skill levels.·         
• Comfortable working in a faith-based setting.
• Comfortable performing office tasks and proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Comfortable with public speaking.

Experience:

• Three or more years of experience working in sustainable/regenerative agriculture with a track record of progressive increases in responsibility and leadership.
• Supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including ability to reach across racial, ethnic, generational, socioeconomic, rural/urban and religious lines.

Requirements:

• Drivers’ license and good driving history
• Ability to drive box truck
• Ability to lift 60+ pounds
• Ability to work Saturdays
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions

Time Requirements:

The time requirements for this position vary with the agricultural season. In general, the applicant should expect to work significantly over 40 hours per week April through September, 40 hours per week in March and October, and fewer than 40 hours per week November through February. These hours should only be used as a guideline and may change according to weather, staffing, number of available volunteers, and other factors.

Salary:

Commensurate based on experience.

Benefits:

Shalom Farms offers highly competitive benefits, including high quality company-paid health insurance, a retirement plan with company match, and modest professional development funds.

How to apply:

To apply for this position at Shalom Farms, please send cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references to westwood@shalomfarms.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information, feel free to email, visit the Shalom Farms website www.shalomfarms.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram (@shalomfarms).

 

To learn more about farming jobs and internships or to post an opportunity on beginningfarmers.org, go to: https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/