We're hiring a Farm Manager! Come work for Common Good City Farm
We are currently hiring two positions, a part-time farm manager from late November-December, and a full-time farm manager to start no later than February, 2019. Details are below.
Part-time Seasonal Farm Manager:
This is a part-time, temporary position from late November, 2018, through the end of December, 2018. Common Good City Farm (CGCF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to create a vibrant, informed, and well-nourished community through urban farming. CGCF’s half-acre farm in Washington DC’s LeDroit Park is the principal site for programs providing hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability to people of all ages and backgrounds. CGCF programs include the following: Food Distribution: a Community Supported Agriculture Program, weekly Farm Stand, Value Added and Small Enterprise Program that sells herbs, specialty produce, and value added products to local food producers. Youth Education: an after school program for neighborhood youth, a hands-on experiential learning program for toddlers and their guardians, field trips for DC area schools, and a spring, summer, and fall youth employment program Seed to Table Workshops: hands-on workshops on a variety of food-related topics open to the public.
Short-term Farm Manager Position Summary:
We are looking for an experienced production farmer capable of managing winter crops on a sustainable, small-scale, half acre urban farm. The position entails growing and harvesting vegetables starting from seed, as well as working with staff to create a farm plan for 2019. It includes sowing cover crops, mulching, and preparing the farm for the winter, as well as maintenance of the existing planted crops. This person is expected to occasionally manage volunteers on the farm. This is a part-time, temporary position.
Job Responsibilities
Job responsibilities of the Farm Manager, under the direction of the Executive Director and executed with support and assistance of CGCF staff and volunteers, include: Removing finished crops, and preparing the beds for cover cropping. Sowing cover crops. Mulching pathways and mowing grass. Harvesting any ripened crops. Maintaining greenhouse space and starting seedlings, as appropriate. Working with the Executive Director and Programs Manager to create a 2019 farm plan. Working with the outgoing Farm Manager to transition responsibilities, and maintain and document tools and supplies. Author 2 blog posts about topics TBD (may include agriculture, farming, urban farms, winter farming, etc.). Manage existing composting systems. Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: A minimum of 2 years of vegetable production using sustainable agriculture practices—urban agriculture experience and biointensive mini-farming a plus. Comfort working in diverse neighborhoods across race, culture, and class differences. Ability to work independently. Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours. Ability to train and manage diverse groups of volunteers and community members. Ability to organize and maintain records and daily written reports. Ability to manage assets resourcefully—equipment, labor, etc. Knowledge of composting systems. Ability to budget and plan ahead. Ability to lift 50 pounds and take part in physical labor in all weather conditions.
Salary and Benefits
This is a contracted position, and the rate of pay is $20/hr for up to 24 hours per week.
Application Process
CGCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a brief letter of interest, their resume, and three references to jobs@commongoodcityfarm.org with the subject “Seasonal Farm Manager Application.” At least two references should directly pertain to farming skills.
The position is open until filled. No phone calls please.
Full-time Farm Manager:
Common Good City Farm (CGCF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to create a vibrant, informed, and well-nourished community through urban farming. CGCF’s half-acre farm in Washington DC’s LeDroit Park is the principal site for programs providing hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability to people of all ages and backgrounds. CGCF programs include the following:
Food Distribution: a Community Supported Agriculture Program, weekly Farm Stand, Value Added and Small Enterprise Program that sells herbs, specialty produce, and value added products to local food producers.
Youth Education: an after school program for neighborhood youth, a hands-on experiential learning program for toddlers and their guardians, field trips for DC area schools, and a spring, summer, and fall youth employment program
Seed to Table Workshops: hands-on workshops on a variety of food-related topics open to the public. Farm Manager Position Summary We are looking for an experienced production farmer capable of managing year-round sustainable small-scale vegetable production on our half acre urban farm.
A minimum of three years on-farm experience is required. The position entails crop planning, growing and harvesting vegetables and small fruit, as well as working with volunteers and staff to distribute produce via a 25 member CSA, weekly Farm Stand, and sales to local food businesses. This person is expected to manage a robust volunteer training program that provides hands-on learning to farm volunteers. The farm manager will join a small team of highly committed and talented staff. This position requires dedication and skill in intensive growing techniques, interacting with people from many different backgrounds, personal and professional maturity, creativity, and commitment to the vision and mission of Common Good City Farm. This is a full-time, year-round position.
Job Responsibilities
Job responsibilities of the Farm Manager, under the direction of the Executive Director and executed with support and assistance of CGCF staff and volunteers, include: Farm Management Develop an annual plan for farm operations that addresses programmatic needs and grant deliverables. Develop and implement crop plan, planting, and harvesting schedule for each season (spring/summer/fall/winter), including greenhouse plant propagation, and four-season management of high tunnel Develop and execute a pest management plan and disease control plan Plan and direct day-to-day operation of the farm to meet benchmarks and goals of annual plan. Supervise and train volunteers of various skill levels. This includes leading volunteer groups of up to 30 individuals in large farm tasks. Track farm operations and data, including crop plans, harvest log, germination rate, planting schedule, growth tracking, compost production, and soil nutrient management. Maintain and supervise entries to farm records; documenting work, events, program content, and participation Utilize sustainable organic agricultural methods, to include weed management, integrated pest management, and development of soil structure through composting and other organic methods. Purchase materials and supplies for the operation of the farm. Manage maintenance needs of the farm, handle/ arrange for repairs to facilities as needed.
Program Management and Support
Develop and maintain a robust farm volunteer education program that focuses on knowledge and skills transfer, while providing the necessary support for farming. Collaborate with staff to distribute produce to various outlets including CSA, Farm Stand, Small Enterprise, Seed-to-Table workshops, Value Added, and Community Events Project expected produce available for harvest on a weekly basis. Support and work in partnership with farm-based programs including Youth Education and Seed to Table Workshops. Assist in farm lessons and workshop instruction as needed. Contribute to the planning and support of community events, including ensuring that the space is maintained in a way that reflects well up on the organization. Organizational Support Be a welcoming presence to youth and adult community residents, promoting active and broad participation by volunteers, program participants and other stakeholders in a manner that supports relationship building between the farm and the community. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of farm production and progress. Assist with preparation of farm reports for Board meetings and grant reporting. Represent Common Good City Farm at community meetings, events and other outreach efforts. Cultivate and maintain relationships within the urban agriculture and local food systems communities. Author at least 3 blog posts per year about farming or agriculture related topics.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: A minimum of 3 years of vegetable production using sustainable agriculture practices—urban agriculture experience and biointensive mini-farming a plus. Comfort working in diverse neighborhoods across race, culture, and class differences. Excellent verbal and written communications skills and comfort with public speaking and presentations. Mature and professional demeanor with a strong work ethic. Ability to work independently. Ability to create and build positive relationships with a wide variety of people and to invite and incorporate feedback. Ability to work weekends and evening hours during peak growing season. Ability to train and manage diverse groups of volunteers and community members. Ability to organize and maintain records and daily written reports. Ability to manage assets resourcefully—equipment, labor, etc. Knowledge of composting systems, and fruit tree management preferred. Ability to budget and plan ahead. Passion for and knowledge of community development, healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, community food systems and food security. Ability to lift 50 pounds and take part in physical labor in all weather conditions.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range is $35,000 to $40,000 with a minimum of 10 days paid vacation and sick leave. Benefits include health care coverage and employer contributions to an individual retirement account.
Application Process
CGCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, their resume, and three references to jobs@commongoodcityfarm.org, with the subject “Full Time Farm Manager Application.” At least two references should directly pertain to farming skills. The position is open until filled. No phone calls please.