Farm Manager, Medway Community Farm, Medway, MA

Medway Community Farm began with a vision of healthy local food, community connections, and food education. MCF is a not-for-profit section 501(c)3 organization, cultivating 6+ acres of Town of Medway land on three fields. Through the generosity of our community in support of our events, purchases at our farm stand, and participation in our three seasons of CSA shares program, our mission is sustained and our community expands. Our mission: To maintain a place that enhances Medway's rural character, fosters community spirit and encourages "learning from the land" by providing locally grown food, volunteer experiences, educational programming, and public events. http://medwaycommunityfarm.org/

The Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, developing, and executing the Farm Operations Plan. The Farm Manager provides leadership to Assistant Farm Manager, Growers, and seasonal farm staff, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for the team and community. The Farm Manager is a steward to the land and facilities, fostering a productive farm that nurtures the surrounding ecosystem and the people who work at and visit the site. The Farm Manager works with the Education Coordinator on education programs and outreach as well as identifying and implementing opportunities to serve the local community, aligned with the Medway Community Farm Mission and Goals, in coordination with the Board of Directors.

Full time 1-year contract offering competitive salary, Vacation/Holiday Time off, Health Insurance Stipend, and on-site housing (reduced rent).

Key Responsibilities
• Responsible for farm operations including yield, production schedules, equipment, and employee supervision.
• Supervises and participates in daily farm operations that include: machinery operation, soil preparation, planting, irrigation, cultivating, harvesting, and storing of hay and other forage crops.
• Recruit, hire, and directly manage seasonal field staff.
• Organizes, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned farm employees.
• Develops and implements safe work methods and procedures of all phases of farm operations and ensure compliance with all related safety regulations, including review of facilities and equipment.
• Conducts orientation and training sessions for farm workers, students, and volunteers at the farm.
• Perform basic maintenance and improvements on farm infrastructure, facilities, and equipment.
• Assist field crew in planting, weeding, pruning, and harvesting crops, and fill in as needed.
• Provide animal care, including safe environments for community visits and education programming.
• Develops long-term and short-term plans for the farm operations and CSA plans and recommends changes and improvements in farm operations, staffing, facilities, and equipment.
• Contribute to the farm business planning by providing expertise on farm enterprises including cropping systems, varieties, volumes, inputs, and capital investments
• Implements currently developed annual budget and makes requisitions for supplies and equipment as needed, and prepares succeeding year’s plan.
• Maintains records on farm activities, production, and budget expenditures and provides fiscal reports, working with Board Treasurer on a regular basis.
• Support overall operations as a member of the farm leadership team through active participation in meetings, reports, proactive communication, and collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Partners where appropriate with Education Coordinator on student activities as part of their educational program.
• Coordinates the use of farm facilities for special events, tours, and film crews.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with shareholders, vendors, and the community.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
 
Qualifications
• At least two years of farm management level experience required.
• Demonstrated experience with operating and maintaining machinery.
• Experience in organic farming practices with a working knowledge of plant health, fertility management, pest and disease management, weed suppression, and greenhouse management.
• Creative thinker and problem solver with the ability to innovate.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in videos and social media promoting the farm, farm events, organic agriculture, and the MCF brand.
• Must be able to comfortably lift 50lbs and perform work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Facilitate a respectful, communicative, and team-oriented work environment
• Bachelor’s degree preferred with emphasis in organic or sustainable agriculture desired.

Competencies
• Passion and enthusiasm for farming and stewardship of natural resources
• Interest in working within a non-profit organization
• Eagerness to work and live within a rural and remote community
• Energizes & develops people
• Delivers outstanding results
• Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing job requirements and priorities
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and under time constraints
• Team player with positive attitude
• Ability to work with multiple, diverse stakeholders

To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to Julie Infanger: julie.infanger@medwaycommmunityfarm.org. Anticipated start date by January 2018.

MCF provides equal opportunity employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants.  No person shall be discriminated against in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state statutes.