Farm Manager Berggren Demonstration Farm Springfield, OR

The Berggren Demonstration Farm is a 30-acre farm, currently under development, located in the Berggren Watershed Conservation Area on the lower McKenzie River. The farm aims to serve as an educational resource for local farmers and educators, and showcase farming strategies that are both watershed-friendly and economically viable. Primary goals of the Demonstration Farm are to: 1) Demonstrate agricultural techniques that integrate habitat conservation and energy efficiency systems with food production 2) Support beginning farmers through internships and training opportunities 3) Serve as an educational venue for local K-12 and higher education students 4) Highlight 'niche' and experimental crops, varieties and production methods Cascade Pacific RC&D manages the Demonstration Farm. The McKenzie River Trust is the landowner, and EWEB supports the farm through its Drinking Water Source Protection program. Position Description We are seeking an energetic, experienced farmer with strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to develop and manage a working farm. The Farm Manager will be involved in all aspects of crop production, including development and maintenance of farm systems and infrastructure, crop planning, and managing farm helpers. Familiarity with diverse farming systems and local growing strategies is essential to the position. Enthusiasm, flexibility, diplomacy, and a sense of humor are equally important. We anticipate growing a diverse group of crops at Berggren, including fruits and berries, vegetables, beans and grain, small scale livestock, and honey. Our goal is to demonstrate a broad variety of crop production methods, on a small scale, for primarily educational purposes. Crop selection will be contingent on experience and input from the Farm Manager.

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Job Responsibilities

·         Work closely with the Farm Coordinator to develop and implement farm management plan

·         Convert arable land from hay production to food production

·         Utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable production techniques to minimize chemical use at the BWCA

·         Maintain farm infrastructure and equipment

·         Help implement farmer resource programs (e.g. grants and cost-sharing programs) that will be showcased at the farm

·         Work with the Farm Coordinator to develop an Incubator Farm program

·         Integrate farm management with BWCA habitat enhancement efforts (e.g. riparian buffer zone and pollinator hedgerows)

·         Support education and outreach programs connected to the farm (e.g. interact with school groups on farm field trips)

Desired qualifications

·         At least five years farming experience; at least two in a manager position

·         Extensive knowledge of locally-appropriate, year-round food production techniques. Experience producing annual vegetables, tree fruit, berries, beans and grain, and small-scale livestock are all relevant.

·         Interest in exploring experimental/innovative agricultural strategies (e.g. dry farming, variety trials, preserving/propagating heirloom cultivars)

·         Technical farming knowledge: ability to use farm machinery, manage irrigation systems and implement construction of farm infrastructure (e.g. greenhouses and trellis systems)

·         Excellent organizational skills, including record-keeping, budgeting/finances and time management

·         Interest or experience in mentoring beginning farmers

 

Compensation and Benefits

This is a permanent salaried position. Pay range is $35,360-41,600 annually depending on experience. On-farm housing may be available with the position. Benefits include health insurance, ten paid holidays, paid sick and vacation time, and SIMPLE match.

What will distinguish your application?

·         Local ties with agricultural community

·         Professional experience or personal interest in conservation work

·         Background in agricultural education or farmer training programs

This position opened on December 22, 2011 and is open until filled.

Please send a cover letter and resume, including 3 references to Jared Pruch at demofarm@cascadepacific.org.