Open Positions:

2024 Farm Manager

The Needham Community Farm (NCF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization comprising a very active volunteer Board of Directors, Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, and a part-time Development Director. NCF’s mission is to deepen its community's connection to nature, our food system, and each other. We focus on three intertwined program areas: 1) Increasing access to healthy produce for those in our community who experience food insecurity; 2.) Providing farm-based educational opportunities for learning about sustainable growing and nutrition; and 3) Building community through volunteerism.

The Farm Manager will be responsible for the management and operations of all aspects of production and will assist the Assistant Farm Manager with programming including leading youth and adults in educational programming and volunteer days on the farm. This position reports to the Board of Directors through its designated Farm Management member. The Assistant Farm Manager reports to the Farm Manager.

This position offers part-time hours from late Fall through early Spring and full-time hours starting in or around March through September, shifting back to part time in or around October. This is an hourly position, paid at $21.00 - $23.00 depending upon experience plus paid time off and a modest monthly stipend for expenses, such as health insurance. Total expected hours for the year would be approximately 1600 hours, in addition to 80 hours of accrued paid time off.

The Farm Manager will typically work Monday through Friday, but may be required to work additional days or hours as required by farm needs. The Farm Manager may be required to work some Monday and Wednesday evenings during the spring and early summer to lead or assist the Assistant Farm Manager in on-farm classes. In the spring and fall, the position will also require working one weekend day per month to lead a volunteer session.

Responsible for all aspects of farm management and operations, including but not
limited to:

The Farm Manager will grow vegetables for 30-35 share CSA shares and for our food donation program using intensive, sustainable, and organic methods. The operational farm is an acre with permanent raised beds, a small high tunnel, and shared use of an offsite greenhouse. All production is done at hand scale, no tractors.

The Farm Manager will direct and participate in all aspects of farm production including: crop planning, greenhouse work including seedling starts, transplanting, direct seeding, weeding, mowing, fertility management, pest and disease management, harvesting, planning for diverse weekly CSA shares and donations, processing and distribution of CSA shares, communication with CSA members, deliveries to food pantries, and minor farm repairs. Farm Manager will
also be responsible for managing harvest data and production notes. This includes planning for, supervising, and supporting farm interns. Throughout the season, lead the farm crew in weekly field walks and make a work plan for each day and week, including volunteer sessions.

Lead volunteers in harvest and other farm work:

• Lead and supervise youth and adult volunteers and interns in harvest, weeding, transplanting, seeding, and other farm projects. In the summer, there are currently 3 volunteer sessions per week (each session is 3-4 hours long, generally with between 4-12 volunteers)

• Oversee volunteer work while creating a collaborative learning environment with the volunteers

Support education programs as needed:

• If two gardening classes happen, the Farm Manager may, if needed, teach one gardening class weekly for 2 hours per week.

• Lead or fill-in as necessary to teach adult and/or family

• gardening class with adults and young children Co-lead camp or field trip on-farm programming for youth

Support NCF organizational operations as needed:

• The Farm Manager will provide administrative and organizational support as needed by the Assistant Farm Manager, Development Director, and Board of Directors.

• Attend board meetings 3 to 4 meetings a year

• Collect and input data related to farm operations and programs

• Oversee volunteer waiver compliance

• Contribute to fundraising events, grant writing, etc. as needed

• Staff Mobile Markets on occasion

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of organic farming practices with at least 2 full seasons of farming on a farm with a CSA, 3+ preferred

• Management experience preferred

• Experience in greenhouse management

• Successful experience working with diverse populations

• Reliable personal transportation to multiple locations in Needham

• Access to computer for remote administrative work

• Proof that applicant is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with CDC guidelines

• Experience in youth development and/or volunteer management preferred

• Customer service or similar experience preferred

• Final candidate’s offer will be subject to passing the CORI/SORI background check.

Please submit cover letter and resume to Joe Leghorn (he / him), Vice President
at jleghorn@needhamfarm.org. Review of applications will begin upon receipt and
position will remain open until filled.

Needham Community Farm is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be
considered for employment regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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