POSITION: Farm and Facilities Manager   

TERMS: Full-time, Regular (year-round), Exempt  

HOURS: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, regular evenings and occasional weekends required, schedule will vary based on farm and program needs 

COMPENSATION: $48,000 – $49,900 annual salary (commensurate with experience), group health insurance, IRA match, generous PTO 

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Programs 

ENVIRONMENT: Hybrid; primarily in-person at the Food Literacy Project farm at the end of Paradise Lane, 40258. Some virtual work required.  

THE ORGANIZATION: The Food Literacy Project’s mission is youth transforming their communities through food, farming and the land. Working toward a vision for a healthy and equitable community where people and places thrive since 2006, FLP engages youth, their families, schools and neighbors in hands-on learning and leadership development experiences with farming and fresh foods at outdoor classrooms. The Food Literacy Project’s values include:  

ENERGY: We are bold and inspired by our community.

ROOTS: We are grounded and purposeful, connected with people and dedicated to sustainably

addressing community needs.

DISCOVERY: We embrace the joy of learning by doing.

CULTIVATION: We bring great care to our work and relationships; we nourish growth in our community, and in turn are nourished ourselves.

ABUNDANCE: We leverage our community’s diverse assets to achieve personal and social change.

JUSTICE: We pursue fairness and equity.

To learn more about our commitment to equity, click here: https://foodliteracyproject.org/about/mission-vision/    

Job Summary. The Food Literacy Project is seeking a seasoned and dynamic leader to direct daily farm operations at our youth-driven farm, working in close collaboration with program staff and Youth Community Agriculture Program crew. The Farm and Facilities Manager will be responsible for maximizing the production of diverse annual vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and other products using organic growing methods and implementing best practice food safety protocols during and post-harvest. The Farm and Facilities Manager will direct the overall maintenance of the property including mowing, managing irrigation systems, upkeep of farm equipment and facilities, seasonal crop rotation, and future infrastructure, and will guide the development of an overall farm strategy.  

Responsibilities:

Production and Site Management 

  • Manage the Food Literacy Project’s diverse vegetable production using sustainable, organic, and agroecological growing methods.  
  • Oversee facility management including general site maintenance (mowing, weed whacking), preparation for events, coordinating repairs, scheduling port-a-loo cleanings, etc.. Determine maintenance and cleaning schedules for farm tools, equipment, vehicles, and future infrastructure. Ensure that the site is conducive to safely welcoming and engaging young people and community members.  
  • Work in close collaboration with YCAP Manager, YCAP crew and Volunteer Coordinator to ensure productive workdays at the farm during the growing and employment season and support these efforts by creating and prioritizing task lists, timelines, etc.  
  • Coordinate with Director of Finance and Administration to ensure proper and up-to-date insurance of equipment and facilities and to review emergency action plans seasonally and ensure that staff receive training in these action plans.  
  • Build and maintain connections with other urban and peri-urban farmers locally and regionally. Call upon this network for training and support when and as needed. 
  • Inventory and stock supplies seasonally or as needed including: seeds, first aid supplies, tools, fuel, compost, etc.  
  • Study and apply responsible conservation practices to the FLP farm in partnership with local and regional experts.  

Training, Education and Community Outreach  

  • Support staff, YCAP crew members and volunteers during workdays to fulfill farm tasks. Train staff and crew members in proper equipment and tool use and maintenance.  
  • Support coordination of staff work and learn days and/or YCAP crew field studies with partner farmers.  
  • Co-develop and support community engagement initiatives at the farm, potentially including collective plantings, community garden plots, etc.. 
  • Participate in strategy around earned income opportunities, while centering equity in food distribution initiatives. Development of these strategies may include management of on-site farmers market and/or coordination of external market participation, coordinating wholesale orders or a CSA program, YCAP-led development of value-added products for sale, etc. 
  • Oversee coordination and implementation of produce distribution initiatives including: produce donation schedules, farmers market participation, and Field-to-Fork club participant shares in collaboration with program team staff and in close partnership with YCAP: Food Access Specialist.  
  • Other job duties as assigned, including administrative tasks associated with managing a small nonprofit.  

Qualifications. 

  • Minimum of 3 full seasons of experience working in organic diverse vegetable production including greenhouse production. 
  • Knowledge of the use and service requirements of tractors, various tractor implements, walk-behind BCS tractor, riding mower, etc.; ability to independently and safely operate equipment.  
  • Familiarity with and ability to operate power tools and hand tools; general construction and safety skills.  
  • Familiarity with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards or similar Food Safety guidelines.  
  • Experience creating and enacting long term and seasonal production and conservation plans, especially considering crop rotation, building soil health, and biodiversity promotion.  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; brings a high level of respect and collaboration to communication with staff, program participants, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.  
  • Alignment with FLP’s values.  
  • Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and organized, set priorities, and manage multiple projects at once.   
  • Must pass criminal background check prior to beginning employment.  
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and access to vehicle.  

Desired but not required 

  • 5+ years of diverse vegetable production experience 
  • Supervisory experience 
  • Fluency in two or more languages and/or cross-cultural life experiences  
  • Familiarity with network of local urban and rural farmers 

Equal Opportunity Employer.  The Food Literacy Project emphasizes diversity in both our programs and staff, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws. 

FLP values an equitable and inclusive workplace. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. FLP is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who bring unique experiences to youth development and community-based work. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. 

To Apply. Email your resume, a cover letter describing your interest in the Food Literacy Project’s mission and any unique qualifications not reflected in your resume, and 3 professional references to Grace Mican, Director of Programs, at grace@foodliteracyproject.org.  

Applications will be accepted through January 13, 2025, or until the position is filled.