The Youth Farm: Assistant Farm Manager Position
The Youth Farm seeks an Assistant Farm Manager to begin in early April 2015. Ideally this candidate is interested in committing to 2 years or has a desire to invest in Brooklyn’s food justice and food systems sustainability long-term.
Job Description:
The Youth Farm Assistant Farm Manager (AFM) is responsible for co-leading the UFTP program, and serving as a leader and mentor farmer for all learners who visit and engage with the farm. The AFM will work with the Farm Manager to plan and implement farm management practices that are sustainable, replicable on a small/low-cost scale, and that encourage healthy soil and community life. The Farm Manager is responsible for managing the CSA program, tracking payments and membership communication. The AFM will co-lead the Urban Farm Training Program, a 7 month intensive urban farming certificate program, teaching 20% of UFTP workshops (Mondays) and leading 30% of farm walks (Wednesdays). The AFM will create and lead Wednesday farmer’s market harvests as well as Friday restaurant harvests. The AFM will support the Head Crew Leader on Tuesdays with restaurant harvests, and will oversee our Internship program.
Seasonal work flow: The Assistant Farm Manager sends all seed and tool donation requests in Dec/Jan; orders farm supplies Jan-March; participates in annual budget and organizational planning in Jan-March; UFTP Apprentice selection and CSA program prep in February; Supply inventory and Seed Sowing in March; Internship coordination March-December; UFTP Program Facilitation April – November; Fundraising and Event support throughout the year; Final farm closing tasks in December.
Responsibilities:
● Work with fellow staff to help prepare annual Youth Farm budget
● Ongoing organizational planning and visioning
● Prepare and mail seed and tool donation requests; order farm tools and supplies
● Maintain general field work task list and delegate tasks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
● Perform outreach, manage registrations, organize deliveries for CSA program; handle communications with CSA members and pick-up site locations
● Interview UFTP applicants and help to select apprentices in February
● April-November: Co-lead UFTP Program Wednesdays and Fridays; Teach 20% of UFTP Monday workshops and lead 30% of Wednesday farm walks
● Upload all lesson plans, curriculum, and program planning tools to farm’s Google drive
● Assist Head Crew Leader with Tuesday restaurant harvests and intern supervision
● Lead Friday CSA walk with UFTP CSA rotation
● Assist FM leading ‘winterns’ Jan - March and assist with weekly watering of hoop house
● Manage Internship Program; Communicate with and schedule interns
● Contribute to weekly CSA newsletter by writing ⅓ of “From the Farmer” blurbs
● Model optimal pace for farm work: combination of good technique and speed
● Lead 3 Saturday Volunteer Days between April-November
● Assist with weekend irrigation of the farm in early spring into early summer
● Update and maintain consistent, legible and detailed record keeping forms
● Help plan, support and attend project fundraisers
● Help create and maintain good communication with Farm Manager, Crew Leaders and Farm to School Liaison
● Attend weekly staff meetings (longer in winter, shorter in growing season)
● Assist farm with social media by posting on Wednesdays (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram)
Qualifications:
● Strong motivation to continue in the path of urban agriculture and farm management/education
● Wide ranging/holistic skill set in sustainable agriculture, including but not limited to: propagation and greenhouse management, irrigation systems management, sustainable soil fertility and pest/pathogen management, harvest and post harvest handling
● Familiarity with direct marketing of fresh vegetables and flowers, through diverse streams including CSA, Farmers Market and Restaurants
● At least 2 years prior experience in farm management; crop planning experience on a small to medium scale strongly preferred
● At least 2 years experience in teaching adults: workshop planning and facilitation, curriculum writing, and assessment creation
● Passion for teaching learners of all ages
● Strong desire to expand food and social justice (direct work experience a plus)
● Responsible, reliable, prompt, detail oriented – and a sense of humor!
Additional/Preferred Skills:
● Working knowledge of Google Drive and Excel
● Knowledge or experience with Popular Education theories of learning
● Training of Trainers certification
● Experience managing a CSA membership a plus
● Familiarity with hand tools and light power equipment
Hours/Compensation:
25 hrs. /week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and email/computer work from home; this position is paid, and includes a CSA Share.
How to Apply:
We are committed to creating a workplace that respects and values diversity – we strongly welcome candidates from all backgrounds as we are committed to hiring staff that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of NYC.
Please send your resume, a cover letter explaining your qualifications, and two references to: jobs@bkfarmyards.com
