This farm is a partnership between Rodale Institute and Phoebe Ministries to create an innovative model for farm-to-senior living. The Farm Manager will lead farmers, seasonal workers, and volunteers to produce and deliver safe, healthy, organic produce to two senior living locations in the Phoebe Ministries network. Additionally, the Farm Manager will coordinate with Phoebe Ministries staff and dining services to meet produce requests and deliveries.
Responsibilities Include:- Conduct day-to-day farm operations in relationship to crop production at the Founders Farm. Field responsibilities include, but are not limited to soil preparation, planting, harvesting, washing, and packing produce, weed, pest and disease management, building cold frames or hoop houses, equipment maintenance and repair, etc.
- Manage and coordinate labor efforts among the farm staff
- Document field operations on Rodale Institute forms to satisfy organic certification requirements, research data collection needs, financial accounting and maintain production records on a regular basis
- Coordinate produce deliveries
- Coordinate maintenance schedules for tractor(s), truck(s) and other equipment
- Assist Founders Farm staff with landscaping and facility maintenance
- Operate equipment (tractors, tractor implements, small engine equipment, and hand tools) in a safe and efficient manner
- Complete and follow the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as FSMA
- Plan a growing schedule and meet with supervisor frequently to ensure planting of crops are sufficient and meet all organic certifications
- Educate and train seasonal staff to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation
- Summarize and analyze production data to identify trends
- Maintain a clean workspace and offices
- Organize volunteer activities
- Assist with outreach and education for senior living residents
- Communicate with chefs on produce needs and wants
- Coordinate with Rodale Institute staff for travel needs and purchasing supplies
- Assist the Communication Department with preparing media
- Assist with the Research team when necessary
- Prepare a yearly budget, budget narrative, and quarterly reports
- Other duties may/will be assigned on a case by case and as-needed basis
Qualifications: - Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather conditions
- Ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Ability to be flexible in work hours, as farm work can be unpredictable
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.
Education and/or Experience:- Must have a bachelor's degree and/or 5 years of experience in organic horticultural or agronomic crop production.
Travel:
- Travel will be required between Rodale Institute in Kutztown, PA and the Founders Farm in Allentown, PA, as well as to conferences, grower meetings and workshops
Other Expectations: - Individuals must be committed to the farm's success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual's success.
- To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.