Job Information
The Food Bank of Western Mass Contracted Farm Manager in Hadley, Massachusetts
HADLEY THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2023 SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION Contracted Farm Manager CULTIVATING FOR COMMUNITY The Food Bank\'s educational and production no-till micro farm, Cultivating for Community (CFC), is a three-acre parcel situated on our second 142-acre Food Bank Farm on the ancestral lands of the Nipmuc and Pocumtuck people, in present-day Hadley, Massachusetts. CFC was conceived to begin a journey of learning and practice in no-till farming and food justice (see Farm Feasibility Study on website link). Currently, CFC has one acre of raised beds. Going into its third year of operation, CFC provides fresh organic produce for local households facing food insecurity and engages local school groups and others to volunteer on the farm to support its operations as well as learn about the importance of no-till farming, the local farm economy as well as food security and food sovereignty. Public walking trails on the Food Bank Farm enhance the public nature of this farmland. JOB OVERVIEW On the CFC micro farm, The Farm Manager is responsible for planning and carrying out vegetable production as well as ongoing care and maintenance of the farm site while documenting current practices, troubleshooting, and planning for the farm\'s expansion. The Farm Manager also supervises TerraCorps member, interns, and volunteer groups on specific farming tasks with support from The Food Bank\'s Education and Community Coordinator who is responsible for volunteer recruitment, mentoring and youth education. START/END DATES ASAP - 11/30/23 (nine months) REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Executive Director Supervises: TerraCorps member, interns, and volunteers ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Farm with no-till sustainable farming techniques, using BCS walk behind tractor, a rotary plow, power harrow, flail mower, ride-on trailer, drip irrigation and pump Create crop and management plan for the no-till beds and first year of two greenhouses consistent with organic no-till growing practices Manage greenhouse planting, maintenance, and harvesting Maintain ?-acre no-till beds and surrounding grounds on a regular basis, including mowing, general clean up and setting up and closing tasks given its public educational purpose Prepare additional ?-acre for no-till farming for the 2024 growing season Maintain farm equipment (i.e. BCS tractor and irrigation equipment) Keep detailed records of weekly/daily tasks done on the farm and thoroughly document planting and crop information to inform future decisions Process produce as it is harvested and oversee distribution by volunteers to area food pantries and/or The Food Bank Train farm team to lead farming activities with volunteers, interns, and school groups Supervise TerraCorps member and interns on farm-related projects and on-site work Connect and communicate with other farmers in the area for mentorship and professional growth OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Assist with research and planning for future infrastructure needs Participate in tours with volunteers, donors, and other interested parties, as needed (1- 2 hours/week) Assist with educational field trips and workshops on-site administered by the Education and Community Coordinator WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS Work outside in all weather conditions Standing, walking, squatting. for 8 hours at a time Lift 20-50 lbs. consistently and 75 lbs. occasionally Use and maintain/maintenance of tools, tractors, and other equipment During summer may work up to 40 hours, including weekend watering Driver\'s license, car, and clean driving record COMPENSATION Contracted through a temp agency Starting pay \$23/hr. 40 hours/week Benefits: Paid lunchtime (45 minutes) PREFERRED CANDIDATES Experienced farmer (at least 2 years of farm management responsibilities) BIPOC farmer