The Seed Farm is working to cultivate the next generation of farmers through our beginning farmer incubator program and training opportunities on preserved farmland in Lehigh County. We provide beginning farmers with affordable access to land, infrastructure, equipment, technical assistance, and more so that they can start their farm businesses sustainably and with support. The Seed Farm also works to support food sovereignty through community-focused programs. The Seed Farm is a program of Second Harvest Food Bank, which provides nutritious food, offers nutrition education, advocates to end food insecurity, dismantles barriers to create access, and works to attain food justice. Second Harvest, in turn, is a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley-an anti-poverty, social justice nonprofit with a mission of improving quality of life, building a community in which all people have access to economic opportunity, ability to purpose that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
The Farm Manager is responsible for the management of the 42-acre farm including fields and infrastructure, and management of agricultural incubator program. The Farm Manager is responsible for training and mentoring new/aspiring farmers, through the incubator program as well as workshops and events.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Farm Management
Following organic practices, oversees all day-to-day operations of farm production including cultivation, transplant production, soil/pest/disease management, harvest and post-harvest handling, cover cropping, and composting.
Supervises production of transplants for Spring Plant Sale, Fall Plant Sale, and Growing Partners program.
Sources and orders seeds, supplies, and equipment.
Oversees development of additional production fields in accordance with NRCS Conservation Plan and organic standards.
Hosts volunteer and tour groups at the farm.
Maintains farm’s physical appearance so that it is presentable to the public at all times.
Farm equipment and facilities upkeep, maintenance, management, and procurement including tractors, grounds, and other tillage equipment, greenhouses, tunnel, and irrigation systems in order to ensure continuity of farm operations.
Conducts research and explores new production methods and crops.
Farm Incubator
Reviews incubator farm applications and recommends farmer(s) for following year.
Provides technical assistance and mentoring to incubator farmers and troubleshooting as necessary. Monitors incubator farmers on farm policies, equipment, tools, hours, access and limitations. Establishes clear roles and expectations to balance the needs of multiple constituents.
Maintains communication between incubator farmers and ensures all have adequate access to shared equipment and infrastructure.
Assists incubator farmers in their planning and preparation of fields, and equipment and facilities use to promote successful farm businesses.
Conducts bi-weekly meetings with incubator farmers and provide semi-annual evaluations on progress and performance of incubator farmers.
Maintains equipment use logs and keeps meticulous records of equipment misuse and repair. Reviews incubator farm applications and recommends farmer(s) for following year.
Farmer Training
Collaborates with staff and partners to develop and implement workshops, field walks, off-farm visits, and on-farm learning activities.
Promotes and publicizes training opportunities.
Conducts seasonal equipment proficiency assessments for all people using equipment and provides proper training where knowledge is lacking.
Facilitates Community Garden Program by working with participants to chart growing goals, plan season, and build skills.
Miscellaneous
Records data accurately and provide reports to program administrator as needed.
Assists in development of annual farm plan and budget to include crop plan, rotation and succession planning schedule, equipment and marketing.
Recruits and oversees volunteers, as needed.
Participates in external, department, and agency meetings, as well as training and development activities as required.
Assists with planning and development of new programs and initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription
Agency paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance
401 (k) Retirement Plan with agency contribution
Generous Paid Leave Time-
Vacation- 15 Days: Earn more time after 2- and 5-year anniversaries
Sick- 9 days annually
10 Observed Holidays
WORKING CONDITIONS
Hours: 40 hours per week, flexible schedule
Evening and weekend hours required
Site:
The Seed Farm
5854 Vera Cruz Road, Emmaus PA 18049
Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania
6969 Silver Crest Road, Nazareth, PA 18064
Some off-site work at other program locations is required.
Required Education and Experience
High school diploma required; Associate or Bachelor degree preferred
Five years of organic or sustainable vegetable farming experience with commercial farm or greenhouse management experience required
Experience teaching, training and working with new farmers
Additional Requirements
Demonstrated ability to raise crops from seed to table
Commitment to and experience in sustainable practices including weed, pest, disease and water management
Experience with surface water irrigation systems preferred
Demonstrated understanding of and experience with the business side of farming
Experience in developing educational workshops or curricula
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Highly self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
Basic carpentry, equipment maintenance, and small engine repairs skills preferred
Commitment and ability to advance organizational racial equity goals
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Programs
Valid driver’s license and good driving record
Personal vehicle or access to independent transportation required
Proof of motor vehicle insurance (for use of personal vehicle)
PA State Police criminal record check required
Child Abuse History Clearance required
FBI Criminal History background check required
Position open until filled
Apple online: https://communityactionlv.isolvedhire.com/jobs/705235.html
Email info@seedfarm.org with any questions
Category:
Jobs, Internships & Opportunities
Region:
Other
Address:
5854 Vera Cruz
Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049
Contact Name:
Katy Hunter
Contact Email:
khunter@caclv.org
Date Posted:
09/29/2022