Hiring: Farm Manager – Medway Community Farm

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. 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/

Medway Community Farm – Farm Manager Position, Medway MA

The Farm Manager reports to the Board of Directors of Medway Community Farm. They are responsible for
overseeing all aspects of production, developing, and executing the Farm Operations Plan. The Farm Manager provides leadership to all farm staff, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for the team and community. The Farm Manager is a steward to the land, facilities and community while fostering a productive farm. The Farm Manager works with the other coordinators of the farm to identify and implement opportunities to serve the local community.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises and participates in the daily farm operations including CSA, farm store, food pantry and family shelter donations, farmers markets and wholesale accounts.
• Provides appealing, high quality produce with a variety of vegetables which meet the customers expectations as identified through surveys, direct feedback and a high return rate of share members.

• Sets and achieves production goals for the farm; commits to good communication with the board if goals cannot be achieved (due to weather, pests, diseases, etc.). Develops alternative strategies if necessary.

• Recruits, hires, and directly manages all farm staff and work-for-share volunteers, including regular check-ins and evaluations.

• Develops and implements safe work methods and procedures for all phases of farm operations and ensures compliance with all related safety regulations, including on-going reviews of facilities and equipment.

• Conducts orientation and training sessions for farm workers, students, and farm volunteers.
• Maintains compliance with Produce Safety Standards, OSHA and all regulatory standards.
• Participates in the annual budget planning process, including recommending and prioritizing capital expenditures.

• Develops an annual crop plan which is presented to the BOD no later than the February meeting.
• Participates in the Board Committee meetings at least quarterly. Is an active member of the Finance Committee which meets monthly to review operating budget tracking as it relates to revenue and expenses.

When events occur such as the Earth Day Event, Fall Festival, Summer BBQ, Hoedown, Celebrate Medway Day, the Farm Manager will be expected to be present. The time commitment will be balanced with the seasonal workload.

• Reports to the Board regarding farm activities and production with respect to the crop plan and budget regularly. Concerns with the status of the farm, greenhouses, tools, equipment, farm vehicles, store and house will be brought to the Equipment Liaison of the board or the board’s attention as they arise.

• Works collaboratively with the Store Manager during the season while the store is open. Develops a cropplan for the annual elementary school programs, starts the seedlings in preparation for an April plantingseason and gives guidance to the educators regarding transplanting seedlings and harvesting. Attends theopening session to welcome the students to the farm.

• Develops long-term and short-term plans for the farm operations and CSA plans and recommends change sand improvements in farm operations, staffing, facilities, and equipment.

• Regularly provides updates to the farm website including current farm activities, CSA share information,and volunteer opportunities as well as other needed updates, working with resources as available.

• Performs basic maintenance and improvements on farm infrastructure, facilities, and equipment.
• Provides animal care, including safe environments for community visits and education programming.
• As the Farm Manager and face of the farm, develops and maintains strong relationships with shareholders,vendors, wholesalers, town support departments, local businesses, and the community.

• Responds to the Board, CSA Members, or any other inquiries promptly as will be mutually defined.
• Supports food security measures such as food pantry and family shelter deliveries in the local community. Actively participates in the HIP/SNAP programs and works to increase food access to the food insecurepopulation such as the elderly.

• Provides grant support to board members as needed.
• Maintains the farm in a consistently neat, clean, and inviting manner.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least three years of farm management level experience required.
• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining farm 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.
• Demonstrates ability to achieve financial and operational goals of the farm.
• Willing to participate in 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.
• Knowledge of small engine repair and carpentry a plus.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with emphasis on organic and/or sustainable agriculture desired. Knowledgeable of low-till practices.

• Passion and enthusiasm for farming and stewardship of natural resources.
• Interest in working within a non-profit organization.

Creates an environment that encourages education, is collaborative and attentive to details of the operation.

• Willing 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 hr@medwaycommunityfarm.org. Anticipated start date end of 4th quarter 2021.

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.