Farm Site Lead

JOB TITLE: Farm Site Lead

STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Farm Manager

DIRECT REPORTS: None

HOURS: Hours may range between 32-40 in the non-growing season. Hours may increase to 45 per week during peak season. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Urban Farms of Central Ohio, an initiative of Mid-Ohio Foodbank, transforms vacant sites in underserved neighborhoods into thriving farms that provide communities with increased access to fresh produce, jobs and job training, and opportunities for civic engagement. 

Currently, UFCO has successfully launched and now operates one five-acre site, Clarfield Farm, and is currently developing a second site, Wheatland Farm. The farm sites use intensive, organic growing practices, and high-tunnels for season extension to grow high-quality produce for a variety of beneficiaries and/or market buyers. The farm sites also benefit the communities in which they're located in by being a space for education, job readiness training, and civic engagement.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Farm Site Lead will contribute to all aspects of UFCO's farm operations, and will primarily be placed at one farm site. In partnership with the Farm Manager, the Farm Site Lead will prioritize, organize, and lead the day-to-day farm operations. Daily operations entail operating equipment and hand tools, performing farm tasks such as bed preparation, planting, irrigating, fertilzing, weeding, and overall maintenance of the farm as well as harvesting and processing of produce to be distributed to various stakeholders and customers. The Farm Site Lead is also responsible for ensuring high-quality produce is distributed. 

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Ensure daily operations of the farm(s) lead to successful completion of UFCO priorities and goals 
• Provides direction for the UFCO team with regard to daily workflow and processes
• Coordinate, train, and lead volunteers in farm tasks, including planting, irrigating, fertilizing, weeding, cultivating, and maintaining the farm
• Schedule use of and operate hand-tools and other garm equipment such as walk-behind tractor, riding tractor, and mower
• Ensure standared operating procedures and processes are used to successfullly and safely complete farm tasks
• Organize and lead the harvesting, processing, and distribution of produce to farm stakeholders such as community residents, emergency food providers, local restaurants, grocers, and wholesalers
• Perform quality control checks of produce before distribution
• Assist in the installation, operation, and maintenance of farm infrastructure
• Perform record keeping and reporting of day-to-day farm activities
• Complete special projects and planning during the non-growing season in partnership with Farm Manager
• Assist in outreach with the local community to build relationships and foster engagement
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Education and Certifications: High School Diploma/GED required. Candidate must have a valid Driver's License.

Experience:  Minimum of 1-2 years of sustainable vegetable farming experience in farm setting is required.  Experience in coordinating, training and leading volunteers and/or staff and interns is preferred.  Experience working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds is required. Experience working as an educator in a farm or garden setting is a plus. Experience with customer service, public outreach, and/or community-building work is desirable.

Skills/Competencies:  Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and while leading a team. Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft programs is desirable. Knowledge in basic sustainable, organic vegetable production methods and practices is required.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Working Conditions:  This position is based in an urban farm setting and requires a person to have the ability to work outside in all-weather performing manual farm labor as necessary. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting required. Flexible work schedule, evenings and weekend hours may be required. Frequent local travel required.  Must have reliable transportation.

ADA:  The above statements cover what are generally believed to the principal and essential function of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Current Openings for Farm Site Lead Jobs at Mid-Ohio Food Collective