Sole Food Street Farms in Vancouver, BC is seeking a Farm Manager!
ABOUT Sole Food Street Farms
Sole Food Street Farms is an internationally recognized social enterprise that transforms vacant urban land into street farms that grow artisan quality fruits and vegetables, available at farmer’s markets, local restaurants, and through a CSA program. Our mission is to empower individuals with limited resources by providing jobs, agricultural training and inclusion in a supportive community of farmers and food lovers. Individuals are given basic agriculture training and employed at the farm based on their capability. Some participants excel in this environment, but the project is set up to allow for the “ups and downs” of people with multiple barriers. Unlike mainstream employers, Sole Food uses employment as an outreach tactic, working to develop and nurture relationships with people of diverse backgrounds.
With few significant food production farms within the city, the project provides educational opportunities, a place to learn new skills and an opportunity for self-growth. The farms supply fresh food to inner city residents and model a credible model of high quality intensive urban agriculture.
We value a diverse and equitable workplace. People who identify as women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, and people of Indigenous descent are strongly encouraged to apply.
DESIRED QUALITIES
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 2+ years of agricultural production experience, with at least one year in a leadership role
- Demonstrated understanding of sustainable and organic production
- Experience with irrigation, basic farm tools, and plumbing/mechanical/carpentry skills preferred
- Strong organizational skills including: multi-tasking, prioritizing, planning, and effective time management
- Motivated and flexible
- Ability to work independently
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
- Valid driver’s license and able to drive larger vehicles
- Access to a computer
- Be in excellent physical condition and able to lift 50 lbs.
- The successful candidate will be patient and compassionate with a sharp sense of humour and excellent interpersonal skills
JOB TASKS
Position Description
Sole Food Street Farms is seeking a Farm Manager to manage and support a large staff including long-time employees and seasonal volunteers. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in all day-to-day farm activities. The right candidate will be production driven but also socially engaged and excited about working with diverse groups of people in an urban environment.
The Farm Manager (FM) will work closely with the Farm Operations Director (FOD) to execute Sole Food’s seasonal farm plan, manage time and staffing to efficiently meet production requirements. The FM will also work with the Program and Administration Director (PAD) to execute our social mission . The FM will report to both the FOD.
The FM will participate in an extensive, on-site mentorship alongside the FOD before assuming all on-site daily farm activities. The ideal candidate will be ready to make a multi-year commitment to our organization following successful completion of the mentorship.
Management
- Manage staff and daily farm operations with the support of the FOD
- Execute crop plan and make alterations to harvests, seedings, or plantings based on crop performance under the guidance of the FOD
- Ensure high quality and timely production
- Communicate product availability to the Distribution Coordinator for use in sales decisions
- Manage scheduling and staffing for farmers’ markets
- Execute weekly work plan for site staff
- Create and execute weekly staff schedule
- Oversee the work of the Farm Supervisors and farm staff
- Ensure that Distribution Coordinator and Farm Supervisors have information, tools, supplies and support to do their jobs effectively
- Create opportunities for staff recognition and appreciation
- Build capacity in all staff members to further organizational development and help staff realize their full potential
- With Farm Supervisors, coordinate and deliver yearly performance reviews to all farm staff
Farm Site
- Basic tool and equipment maintenance
- Maintain a safe, clean and orderly environment
- Address site security and vandalism
- Support CSA and farmers markets
- Soil fertility and preparation, as directed by FOD
- Executing plant propagation according to crop plan, making changes as advised by FOD
- Direct seeding and transplanting
- Maintenance of all farm equipment and facilities, supervision of repair
- Maintenance of accurate records of all farm activities
- Execute and manage all farm site operations: soil prep, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting
- Execute planting schedule based on crop plan and changing market needs, collaborating with FOD to make changes as the season goes on
- Participate in on farm training for staff
- Maintain accurate records of all farm activities
- Weekly meeting with FOD for guidance, crop plan feedback, and troubleshooting
- Weekly reporting to FOD
- Maintain all sites in a clean and orderly fashion
Other
- Perform tours or other farm-related public activities as needed
- Provide support to staff when needed. Keep informed of staff well-being, needs, and concerns
- Evaluate staff wages annually with Executive Director and Program and Administration Director
- Work with community partners to support programming for staff members
- Participate in budget planning for current and future years
- Other duties as assigned
JOB DETAILS
Term: Permanent
Hours per week: This position is year-round starting Fall 2022, with an average of 40 hours/week. Must be available to work weekends and occasional evenings.
Wage: Salary commensurate with experience (between $50,000 – $55,000). Benefits include two weeks paid vacation, extended health benefits, and access to farm products.
TO APPLY
Please send a resume, cover letter and three work related references to info@solefoodfarms.com. Please include Farm Manager Application in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been selected. info@solefoodfarms.com
Deadline to apply: October 1, 2022
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Sole Food Street Farms
Website: solefoodfarms.com
Facebook: SoleFoodFarms
Instagram: @solefoodfarms