City Farms Co-op is Hiring!

Posted by Sara Dent on January 29, 2014

City Farms Co-op is one of a new wave of farm co-ops cropping up in the Lower Mainland. We’re excited to watch this co-op grow and distribute food on behalf of its 10 farm members!

City Farms Co-op

Position Title:  Operations Manager

Application Deadline:  February 7th 2014

About City Farms Co-op:

The mission of City Farms Co-op is two fold:  to provide direct marketing and distribution services for local, environmentally conscious farmers, and to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce in Metro Vancouver.

We are a group of passionate, small scale, environmentally conscious farms in the Metro Vancouver region.  We are committed to supporting each other in managing economically, environmentally and socially sustainable farms.

cityfarmscoop-3

Summary of Position:

City Farms Co-op is currently hiring a full time Operations Manager, reporting to the board of directors.  The Operations Manager is responsible for the management of day-to-day operations of the organization.  For the 2014 contract, the primary focus of this position will be the successful implementation of a 300 member Harvest Box Program.  This position will enable a self-motivated individual to take ownership over an exciting and innovative project addressing an identified gap in the local food system.  As the first point of contact for City Farms Co-op, the Operations Manager will share in the mission and vision of the organization and be able to communicate its values effectively.  This position can lead to more business development opportunities with the co-op as the organization continues to grow to service a wider membership and client base.    

Position Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Management and effective execution of a 300 member Harvest Box Program from arrival of local farm products to the City Farms Co-op warehouse to delivery at pick up locations, in addition to weekly harvest box member service
  • Oversight of external communications and development of marketing content in consultation with Board of Directors
  • Development of a framework that will ensure smooth functioning, process improvement and organizational effectiveness of operations
  • Foster and encourage dynamic relations between the community, member farmers, co-op customers and funders
  • Oversight of project management introduction of processes, tools and standards resulting in increased effectiveness and satisfaction
  • Maintain and acquire City Farms Co-op operational equipment and facilities
  • Effective book keeping including: accounts payable/receivable, budget tracking, invoicing and expense reports
  • Management of project and reporting writing/review in consultation with Board of Directors

Requirements include:

  • Industry Knowledge: experience in food production, CSA management, sales, and/or distribution, passionate about local food systems (from soil to consumption), understands the value of a co-operative business model,
  • Produce Experience:  demonstrated understanding of produce quality control measures, work experience in post-harvest produce handling, Food Safe an asset
  • Project Management experience:  experience in project management/ coordination in an operations capacity
  • Valid drivers license and clean drivers abstract
  • Access to computer, phone and email
  • Self motivated: demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage priorities, work with minimal supervision
  • Time management:  demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and highly adaptable to changing circumstances
  • Problem solver:  demonstrated ability to assess situations, gather and process relevant information and make recommendations for potential solutions
  • Physically fit: capable of lifting 50 lbs and standing for extended periods of time
  • Communication skills:  excellent verbal and written skills, ability to represent City Farms Co-op to the public
  • Computer literacy:  proficient with word processing and spreadsheet programs, familiarity with website management tools, mailchimp, social media and ability to learn new software

Position Details:

  • Estimated Start Date: March 1, 2014
  • Training period:  March 10 to March 28, 2014
  • Term: 10 month contract, with opportunity to renew or extend to a full year position
  • Hours: 40 hrs/wk: work schedule is flexible, hours may fluctuate week to week and may require early mornings, evenings or weekends
  • Reports to: Board of Directors
  • Compensation: $3200~ $4000/month based on qualifications and experience

How to Apply:

Submit cover letter and resume clearly detailing your experiences and qualifications for this position to Emi Do: cityfarmscoop@gmail.com.

Your application email should include one attached PDF document, containing your cover letter and resume with your name as the title (example: Jane_Doe.pdf)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  City Farms Co-op is committed to hiring based on merit and does not discriminate based on race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief or sexual orientation.  All applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

cityfarmscoop-2