Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Distribution Full-Time, benefitted

Close Date: December 1, 2016

Organization Description
Mill City Grows is growing a healthier community by creating new opportunities for residents to access healthy, fresh, affordable foods. Our mission is to foster food justice in Lowell, MA by improving physical health, economic independence and environmental sustainability through increased access to land, locally grown food and education.

Position Description

The Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Distribution will oversee all Urban Farm, Mobile Market, and Food Distribution operations, staff, budgets, and reporting. The Director will manage all vegetable production; all produce distribution; and volunteerism and community engagement. Mill City Grows operates two urban farms and a shared greenhouse space for a little over 4 acres of farm space. The farms are centers of food production as well as community education and engagement. We use organic and sustainable growing practices, and combine hand-work and mechanized systems. The food we produce on our farms is distributed via our Mobile Market, which operates 20+ weeks per year at 10 locations weekly; a year round market; our food education programs; and food donations to emergency food providers.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity rooted in the cultivation of healthy food systems, equitable food access, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Distribution responsibilities:

Manage all vegetable production on two urban farms

4 acres across three year-round urban production sites

  • Recruit, hire and supervise all farm workers, including a full-time seasonal Assistant Urban Farm Manager, 3 full-time seasonal Apprentices, and seasonal staff
  • Develop Urban Farm plan that will efficiently and effectively grow food and engage people in food production and education, including: crop plan, staffing plan (including volunteers), outreach plan, business planning and food distribution plan (including Mobile Market, restaurants, and donations)
  • Manage all farm production, including disease, weed and irrigation management in the greenhouse, low tunnels and fields
  • Maintain farm equipment, including BCS with berta plow, flail mower, and tiller, cultivating tractor, and primary tillage tractor (39HP Kubota) with the following attachments: spader, tine weeder, perfecta, disc harrow                                                        
  • Manage farm expansion projects, grant reporting, and workplans for team                                                                      
  • Foster positive relationships with farm neighbors and community

Manage all produce distribution

  • Create a comprehensive business plan for produce sales and distribution
  • Manage full-time year round Mobile Market & Food Access Coordinator, and seasonal part-time team members
  • Oversee all distribution including Mobile Market, restaurants, and corner stores, as well as donations and food access strategies
  • Build relationships with Mobile Market Site Hosts, in collaboration with Mobile Market & Food Access Coordinator
  • Ensure distribution strategies are meeting the needs of our community and that we are increasing low-income residents’ access to local and fresh produce

On farm volunteerism and community engagement

  • Cultivate accessible and inviting farm spaces for the community to explore, ask questions, and dive deep into urban farming.
  • Collaborate with Director of Education and Community Program Manager to ensure the Urban Farms are relevant and available sites for educational programs
  • Work with MCG staff on volunteer scheduling and projects

Qualifications:

  • 3 or more years of management and marketing experience on vegetable production farm
  • Experience supervising, training and team building with staff and volunteers in food production and marketing
  • Tractor operation experience and mastery of general field preparation and production systems
  • High levels of organization, time management, work ethic and leadership skills
  • Desire to work in food justice and food access work
  • Be eager to work hard and get dirty in all kinds of weather (cold, heat, rain, snow, wind)
  • An aptitude for physically demanding, fast-paced work (the ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds repeatedly)
  • Safe driving record, valid license, proof of car insurance and registration
  • Clean CORI/SORI
  • Knowledge of Lowell neighborhoods, communities and languages a plus

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references to info@millcitygrows.org

For more information about Mill City Grows, please visit www.millcitygrows.org.

Mill City Grows is an equal opportunity employer.

Lowell, MA