Position Description
Position Title: Community Farm Manager
Reports To: Agricultural Programs Director
FLSA: Full time – Exempt
About the Food Bank of Delaware
The mission of the Food Bank of Delaware is to provide nutritious foods to Delawareans in need and facilitate long-term solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty through community education and advocacy.
The Food Bank’s team is dedicated to building community awareness and creating an efficient food distribution network to eliminate hunger in Delaware. Staff and volunteers are committed to embodying the Food Bank’s values in all activities. Relationships are based upon collaboration and respect and resources are leveraged in a manner that is strategic and cost-effective in order to achieve the Food Bank’s mission and goals.
Over the last 40 years, the Food Bank has expanded its scope of services building on partnerships with hunger-relief organizations while at the same time bringing new programs and services to alleviate hunger and provide education and
Training. With locations in both Newark and Milford, the Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, will continue to expand and extend its programs and services to communities in its quest to create a community free of hunger.
Position Summary
The position of Community Fam Manager oversees daily operations at the Food Bank of Delawares Farm. This includes executing the crop production plan under the leadership of the Agricultural Programs Director. Additionally, this position oversees all volunteer activities related to the farm and exterior grounds of the Food Bank of Delaware. This position provides day to day supervision to farm employees and interns.
Major Responsibilities and Essential Functions
Executing a farm crop production plan to maximize fresh fruit and vegetable production for distribution through FBD programs including the Healthy Pantry Center, Culinary School Program, and café retail space. This includes seed propagation, soil tillage & preparation, transplanting, irrigation, weed control, pest & disease management.
Creating and executing a weekly farm task plan for farm staff and volunteer shifts.
Coordinating with the Director to develop the annual crop production plan
Ensuring all staff and volunteers adhere to health and safety policies and regulations
Maintaining farm production and safety records
Ensuring that farm infrastructure facilities and equipment are safe and in good working order
Working with the Director to identify supply and equipment purchasing needs and maintenance
Coordinating with the Director to identify and fill labor needs through recruitment of volunteers and interns
Coordinating volunteers for exterior upkeep of facility
Coordinating with the Director to develop and host on-farm events for the community to educate, engage and fundraise
Developing enhanced partnerships within the agricultural community while creating mutually beneficial relationships supporting the vision of a true community farm
Facilitating the use of farm by FBD Events Team as well as community partners and stakeholders
Working with existing FBD infrastructure to enhance organizational capacity and processes to accept and redistribute produce effectively and efficiently
Representing FBD and promote agricultural initiatives at off-site events in the community
Qualifications and Experience
4-year degree or equivalent work experience in a field related to the agricultural sciences
Familiarity and experience with safe operation of tractors and other common powered farm equipment
Working knowledge of soil health & pest disease management
Knowledge and experience with high tunnel production and or season extension
Experience managing the distribution and sale of farm products
Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication and listening skills
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a similar position
General understanding of social service system and anti-hunger programs a plus
Comfortable speaking to groups of people
A valid drivers license
Competencies
Computer literacy and typing skills required; knowledge and understanding of office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
Strong interpersonal skills with experience dealing with individuals from many different backgrounds, cultures, and races
Physical Requirements
Must be able to transport, lift, and carry operating equipment of 20 lbs or more.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Unusual work hours and unusual environmental conditions are necessary.
Subject to hazards which include a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving parts, electrical current, working on ladders or high places, chemicals, and atmospheric conditions one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin: fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses, and oils or other fluids
To sit or stand as needed
To type on a computer keyboard
May include lifting up to 50 pounds on occasion
Ability to safely operate passenger or cargo van
Regular exposure to commercial kitchen environment
Occasional exposure to warehouse environment
Must wear protective gear where/when required
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Ability to commute/relocate:
Milford, DE 19963: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Experience:
Farming: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person