POSITION TITLE: Farm Manager, AMI Farm at Augusta Health
MISSION: Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) is a 501(c) 3 educational nonprofit organization that cultivates healthy communities through food and education.
VISION: A thriving network of collaborative, vibrant communities who value the connection between food and health.
HISTORY: AMI was founded in 2011 (as Allegheny Mountain School) as an intensive hands-on cooperative experiential learning and training program designed to teach members of our communities to grow and prepare their own food and to understand the nutritional benefits of eating seasonally.
AMI CORE VALUES: Positivity, Integrity, Sustainability, Stewardship, Experiential Learning, Regenerative Agriculture
PROGRAM: AMI manages a multi-faceted farm project on the main campus of Augusta Health hospital in Fishersville, VA. The farm includes educational gardens and a production farm to grow food for the hospital’s food service and the “Food Farmacy” program that serves at-risk patients. The farm supports AMI’s mission to promote sustainable agriculture and connect communities to local, nutrient-dense food.
GENERAL DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF WORK: The Farm Manager is responsible for all operational aspects of the AMI Farm at Augusta Health, including managing vegetable production, education garden, and the farm
team’s efforts. The Farm Manager assists and reports directly to the AMI Executive Director and works closely with AMI Board, Farm Operations Committee, Augusta Health partners, and consultants to install and maintain
appropriate infrastructure to ensure smooth operation of the farm, and ensure adherence to sustainable, regenerative, organic practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ TASKS
FARM OPERATIONS:
· Responsible for management of all operational aspects of production, including, but not limited to: crop rotation planning, plant propagation, field cultivation, succession planting, pest and disease management, fertilization and soil health management, harvesting, processing, distribution, and quality and quantity control;
· Develop/finalize/execute a maintenance plan/schedule for infrastructure and grounds, including, contracts, material, and budgetary requirements;
· Develop and manage a fertility plan, including soil management record keeping systems, and maintaining the fertility and health of the soil food web of the farm and gardens;
· Establish safe food handling practices and enforce the Food Safety Plan, based on Sodexo’s “Food Safety Guidelines for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables”;
· Track weekly Sodexo’s “Garden Guidelines Weekly Checklist” and make corrective actions as needed;
· Work with AMI Local Food Coordinator to distribute produce to Augusta Health’s nutrition services, the Food Farmacy program, and AMI’s educational programming;
· In a timely manner, produce and maintain accurate records, photo logs, designs, and farm documents; ensure that such records are properly archived in AMI’s Dropbox account;
· Maintain farm site, systems, and equipment:
o Irrigation system maintenance, repairs, inspections, scheduling; inspections and repairs of the operational farm infrastructure;
o Purchase and manage tool inventory for all equipment to meet buildings and grounds maintenance needs; complete an inventory once per year.
o Plan and implement an efficient working composting system for use in the educational gardens.
o Maintain grass, use line-trimmer, and utilize weed management through cultivation practices.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
· Work with the AMI Executive Director and Farm Operations Committee to establish best practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and processes for AMI Farm record keeping;
· Meet regularly with AMI and Augusta Health staff to review, update, coordinate, farm operations;
· Present ideas, timelines, designs, research, and documentation for approval;
· Manage farm budget and expenditures, including purchasing and maintaining records;
· Provide data and information to support organizational Development efforts.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
· Serve as an AMI ambassador during farm tours and at educational outreach events;
· As called upon, serve as a spokesperson and promote the AMI mission through speaking engagements and media interviews, including radio, newspaper, interviews, etc.;
· Coordinate with the AMI Education Assistant to develop curriculum appropriate to the season and crop availability;
· Work with the AMI Farm Team to plan, prepare, and host events, workshops, and volunteer days;
· Provide educational opportunities for Augusta Health’s food service team via farm visits.
MANAGEMENT
· Supervise and mentor Production Assistant/s at Augusta Health;
· Manage and mentor Phase II Fellow(s) and volunteers;
· Develop scheduling for standard workweeks, watering, and planting;
· Manage inventories, records, and data from the farm (yields, volunteer numbers, etc.).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
· Complete and maintain all applicable training and certifications as necessary, maintain certifications, particularly in food safety to fulfill hospital guidelines;
· Attend conferences to network and build awareness in regenerative, organic farming techniques;
· Receive regular training and mentoring with experts from the field of agriculture.
QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
· Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent training and/or work experience;
· Three years experience in organic vegetable production: post-handling, processing and storage;
· Commitment to and demonstrated understanding of regenerative, organic agricultural practices;
· Knowledge of Permaculture principles and ethics;
· Knowledge of and commitment to building sustainable food systems;
· Knowledge and experience with perennial fruits, berries, medicinal herbs, perennial systems, and organic farming practices;
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal;
· Ability to effectively manage support staff, AMI Fellows, and volunteers; provide demonstration and delegation;
· Ability to understand, interpret and enforce policies in an accurate and equitable manner;
· Strong interest in teaching and ability to make hands-on gardening concepts accessible to children;
· Ability to multi-task and prioritize, time management skills;
· Ability to operate a BCS walk-behind tractor and related implements;
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
· Knowledge of regenerative and organic practices relating to nutrient management, pest and disease management, weed management, and post-harvest processing and storage;
· Understanding of organic soil management including composting, mulching, cover cropping, and low/no-till techniques;
· Computer proficiency, including Excel, Microsoft Office, Dropbox;
· Mentoring and/or teaching experience; High level of personal and ethical standards.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:
· Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions;
· Able to lift 50 (+) pounds regularly;
· Must have valid Driver’s License and good driving record;
· Work occasional nights and weekends for workshops and special events
COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, exempt, year-round position, available immediately. Salary range is $30K-$36K. Benefit package includes farm-grown food share, and earned vacation/sick leave, plus holidays.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Allegheny Mountain Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, disability, political affiliation, or marital status. AMI is an equal opportunity employer.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
Allegheny Mountain Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or marital status. AMI is an equal opportunity employer.
The successful candidate should be currently residing in the United States and eligible to work in it, please no international applications. The candidate must have a valid drivers license, pass a background and driving record checks.