Hiring: Lincoln Farm Co-Manager- The Food Project
Who We Are
Youth. Food. Community. Three important issues that intersect in one place: The Food Project.
Here, we believe that food is a unique vehicle for creating personal and social change. Nothing
else ties us so intimately to each other and the planet we share, affecting our health, the climate,
culture, and poverty and privilege around the globe. If we — young and old from all walks of
life — can unite to change the food system, we can change the world. From our urban and
suburban farms to our community education programs, we aim to do just that by bringing
together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build local and
sustainable food systems.
Since 1991, The Food Project has built a national model of engaging young people in personal
and social change through sustainable agriculture. Each year, we work with more than 120
teenagers and nearly 2,000 volunteers to farm on 70 acres in eastern Massachusetts in the towns
and cities of Wenham, Lincoln, Boston, and Lynn. We consider our hallmark to be our focus on
identifying and transforming a new generation of leaders by placing teens in unusually
responsible roles, with deeply meaningful work. In addition, we help others grow their own
food and provide training resources based on all we have learned.
What We Seek
The Food Project is seeking a Lincoln Farm Co-Manager (focusing on Distribution), beginning
April 3, 2023. Applicants for this position should have high energy for and interest in
sustainable agriculture and youth development, as well as a commitment to teamwork. They
should also have creative energy for making a difference in the world and a passion for the
vision of The Food Project. The Co-Manager will work on The Food Project’s 31-acre farm in
Lincoln, MA, growing and distributing produce through our vegetable box program, Farmers’
Markets in Boston, and to local hunger relief organizations.
Core Responsibilities:
Farm Operations (65%)
● Co-Manage Farm with Farm Education Manager 31 acres, 1 heated greenhouse, 2 high
tunnels
○ Co-create daily task plans (lead on harvest & distribution days).
○ Field prep, planting, fertilization, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting.
○ Tractor, vehicle, equipment and property maintenance.
○ Steward non-cultivated acreage (cover crops, other soil building efforts)
○ Recordkeeping for planning, harvest data, soil fertility, expense tracking, budgets
○ Annual reporting and compliance with current lease agreement
● Lead Harvest Crews Create pick sheets, lead or delegate harvest crews with efficiency,
and oversee weighing, recordkeeping, and wash/pack operations
● Manage all Greenhouse Operations Seedling production, watering schedules,
infrastructure, curing, and storage of produce, high tunnel production
● Farm Revenue Generation Plan and executive events (e.g., spring seedling sale),
collaborate with development and communications to advertise, plan, logistics,
inventory.
Farm Distribution (5%)
● Food Distribution Planning Partner with Boston Farm Manager to add produce to
Boston food distribution stream (and other farms and farmers as needed)
● Annual Crop Planning Coordinate with Dudley-based TFP staff to develop annual crop
plans that serve distribution interests of the Dudley neighborhood (as well as TFP’s
other distribution commitments)
● Coordinate Distribution Coordinate to various outlets, maintaining current and new
relationships, communicate produce availability (e.g., Box shares in Boston, on-farm Fall
CSA, wholesale, etc.)
● Sales Recordkeeping Manage sales tracking, billing, and invoicing for box shares and
wholesale accounts. Email/write sales invoices to be delivered to distribution partners
in a timely manner.
Management (10%)
● Mentorship Direct supervision and 1-on-1 mentorship of Grower’s Assistants. Conduct
formal feedback and evaluation sessions with Grower’s Assistants.
● Supervisor Check Ins Check in with Greater Boston Regional Director
● Greater Boston Team Meetings Participate in youth, community, land and food teams in
regions to build relationship and trust, manage overlapping logistics, ensure alignment
across the GB region.
Organizational Health (20%)
● Participate in Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Belonging and Justice, Trainings, affinity
group space, dialogue space, etc.
● Feedback Participation: Real Talk, circle process, etc.
● Active Organizational Team Member: Department/team intersectional collaboration in
respective work/communication as needed and requested
● All Staff Meetings: Team building, trainings, activities as determined
● Support Recruitment, Onboarding, Orientation, Training: Tap into various networks,
participate in screenings, interviews, etc. for all organizational positions.
Qualifications
● At least 3 years of experience managing and/or operating a vegetable farm.
● Experience in organic crop production/agriculture.
● Experience organizing volunteer groups safely and productively.
● Experience with customer service.
● Experience leading or teaching young people in an outdoor setting.
● Experience with/interest in farm equipment operations.
● Experience working in a multicultural environment.
● Greenhouse management experience.
● Experience with and interest in teaching about sustainable agriculture.
● Proficient with basic power and hand tools.
● Willing to work flexible schedules – more hours during the growing season, less in
winter.
● 21 years of age or older (to allow use of TFP vehicles)
● Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive large vehicles in the city.
● CPR and First Aid certified or willingness to be trained.
● Able to pass a CORI/SORI background check.
● Excellent organizational skills
● Strong capacity to work both independently and in teams, with ability to explain
processes clearly and support co-workers’ successful participation in them.
● Dependable, responsible, independent, and open to learning.
● Team-oriented individual with a good sense of humor
● Comfortable and familiar in talking about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Belonging and
Justice.
● Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
● Being bilingual is highly preferred.
● Resident of Dorchester, Roxbury, Matapan preferred.
Location & Schedule
This is a full-time year round position based at the Lincoln Farm and periodic meeting and
work space at our Boston location. Willing to work flexible schedules – more hours during the
growing season (up to 55 hours a week), less in winter (down to 20 hours a week)
Compensation
This is a full-time position with a salary commensurate with experience and skills. This position
is eligible for health insurance benefits, a 403B retirement plan, paid vacation and holidays, and
other benefits. The salary range is $48,000 to $56,500 per year.
Application Process
Please send resume and cover letter via email to: jobs@thefoodproject.org. In the subject line,
write your name and the position for which you are applying with the region, eg: “Jordan Smith
– Lincoln Farm Co-manager (Distribution).”
We will review all submissions, identify viable candidates, and contact ONLY those individuals
selected to continue in the application process (phone screening, interview with staff, interview
with youth). Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with an expected start date in
April 2023.
The Food Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to creating an
inclusive organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for this position.
