Urban Farm Manager Job – New Jersey

CITY GREEN FARMS IS HIRING AN URBAN FARM MANAGER FOR 2017 – NEW JERSEY

The City Green Urban Farm Manager oversees our two urban farms in Paterson and Clifton, NJ; and is responsible for overseeing day to day farm operations and the organic production of the 30,000 pounds of produce that supports our Farm Market program. 

FARM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Oversee all aspects of day-to-day farm operations, year-round, at both City Green Farms, including:

Starting seeds

Bed Prep

Soil Remediation

Planting and Transplanting

Pest control and weed management o Field cultivation

Composting Waste

Harvest

Responsible for greenhouse operations at Schultheis Farm including:

Ordering, scheduling, seeding, fertilizing, watering, pest management.

Manage 2 bee hives (if knowledgeable in bee keeping)

Maintain, care for and service farm tools and equipment, including a John Deere 2720 Compact Utility Tractor

Maintain farm fencing and repair as needed

Maintain irrigation system

Maintain a high standard of aesthetic for the farm

URBAN FARM MANAGER ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Prepare and implement an organic growing plan that produces desirable produce and farm products for sale year-round, determining types of crops to be raised, according to market demand, soil conditions, etc.

Ensure farm activities adhere to safety regulations and standards

Maintain financial, operational, production, and volunteer records as appropriate

Maintain detailed farm records related to production and harvest

URBAN FARM MANAGER INTERN AND VOLUNTEER SUPERVISION

Train high school and college interns on Organic Urban Farming Practices and Sustainable Agriculture

Supervise farm volunteers

URBAN FARM MANAGER MARKET, SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

Prepare harvest for weekly markets, Farm to Restaurant sales, and Farm to Pantry donations

Coordinate product pricing

Organize and oversee distribution

Participate in “All Hands On Deck” activities, where all City Green staff cooperate on a large project, event, educational program or volunteer day

Be prepared to lend a hand throughout the organization as needed

THIS POSITION REPORTS TO THE DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BENEFITS

Weekly vegetable share

Generous paid vacation, sick and personal time

Health Insurance Reimbursement

URBAN FARM MANAGER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of production farm management experience, preferably at an organic or chemical free farm and is capable of growing 30,000 pounds of food from seed to harvest

Experience operating a John Deere Compact Utility Tractor with various attachments

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

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 collaborative team.

Proficiency in all MS office applications.

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

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Across the United States Urban Farming has become a viable and effective solution to many of the social, economic and environmental problems facing inner cities today: food insecurity, health problems related to the lack of access to healthy, affordable, fresh food, crime and environmental degradation. The benefits of producing food on vacant lots and underused spaces in urban areas are multifold: increasing food security; improving long-term health; fostering a sense of community; and, improving the economic status of communities and residents.

Through the production and distribution of locally grown fruits and vegetables community residents have increased access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate produce. This access, combined with targeted educational and outreach activities, has the possibility of improving, over the long-term, the health and environment of area residents.

Our goal at City Green has always been two-fold; namely to increase food security by providing access to healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate food; and to use gardening and growing food as a catalyst for urban revitalization both on the personal and community level.

The Mission of the City Green Farms and Markets Program is to increase access to and affordability of fresh, locally grown produce in urban communities of Northern New Jersey and to foster an understanding of food systems, the benefits of locally grown organic produce and the importance of healthy food choices.