Farm manager, full time

Position: Farm Manager Schedule: FTE, 40 hrs/week

Tuesday-Saturday April-December (Farmers’ Market Season);

Monday-Friday January-March (non-Market Season)
Compensation Range: $28-$30/hour (DOE), plus paid holidays, medical, vision and dental Specific Location: The San Mateo County School Farm, El Granada, CA
Report To: Executive Director

About the organization: The HEAL Project (THP) is a unique organization providing hands-on programming that inspires environmental and agricultural awareness to children. Our vision is a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health and our environment.

The San Mateo County School Farm (SMCSF), operated by THP, is a 2 acre diversified fruit and vegetable farm in El Granada, California. SMCSF grows annual vegetables, berries, cut flowers and culinary herbs. Produce is primarily used in THP’s educational programming, sold at the Coastside Farmers’ Market, and donated to local aid organizations. Over 3,000 students visit SMCSF annually to learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and nature connection.

Job Summary: The HEAL Project Farm Manager (FM) develops and manages the San Mateo County School Farm to provide a high quality experience for students and farm visitors. As the primary caretaker of SMCSF, the FM manages crop rotation, planning and maintenance. The FM is also responsible for enhancing and growing The HEAL Project Farmers’ Market booth and other produce sales. The FM is responsible for general farm oversight and labor, infrastructure development, budget, and maintenance of THP farm site. The FM facilitates volunteer experiences for youth and adults at the farm as well as hosts community visitors as needed. The FM may develop additional programming to achieve organizational mission and sustainability in collaboration with program staff and Executive Director.

Housing is not included with this position nor available on the farm. Primary Responsibilities are:

• ●  Maintain, develop and schedule farm plantings; perform crop planting & harvesting using sustainable practices including but not limited to cover cropping and no-till practices
• ●  Operate and maintain farm equipment including THP pickup truck, John Deere 4044 Tractor and attachments (rototiller, disc, bucket, bed maker), generators, pumps, etc.
• ●  Collaborate with THP Farm Programs Manager to develop and expand educational farm infrastructure; allocate and maintain student planting areas
• ●  Manage THP Farmers’ Market booth on Saturdays April-December and other direct produce sales opportunities
• ●  Manage regular produce donations to local aid organizations
• ●  Supervise farm labor, interns, “Farmers’ Marketeer” students and volunteer groups

• ●  Purchase/maintain materials, tools and other inventory required for farm use
• ●  Oversee/maintain irrigation and water catchment systems
• ●  Manage utility service for the farm including porta-potties, cell phone service, trash pickup, and water

  bottle delivery

• ●  Develop and manage organization and inventory of sheds and storage solutions for farm equipment,

  materials and supplies consistent with visitor safety, security and general well maintained appearance of

  the site

• ●  Maintain roadsides and vegetable wash/ pack station with tractor and hand tools
• ●  Act as liaison with farm owner/landlord, organizational & agency partners, farming/ranching community
• ●  Oversee and maintain site as necessary to create a high quality learning environment
• ●  Provide backup for program staff when needed leading on-site instruction of students, teachers & adult

  visitors

• ●  Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteers such as business, community service and youth

  groups

• ●  Implement routine recording, tracking and reporting of farm expenses, utilities, and produce sales
• ●  Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and DEI efforts
• ●  Provide written monthly reports to the Executive Director
• ●  Conduct other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

  Additionally:

• ●  Will maintain responsible behavior; work both independently and as part of a team; comply with organizational tenets as outlined in The HEAL Project’s Employee Handbook
• ●  Will utilize interpersonal & communications skills; computer skills to maintain routine communication, prepare reports, etc.
• ●  Will provide proof of valid driver license & insurance
• ●  Will perform physical tasks related to farm maintenance; able to lift 50lbs
• ●  Will submit to and pass fingerprint/DOJ background check and TB test

  Qualifications: The successful applicant will possess a minimum of two years of experience as a farm manager, supervising farm workers, and have the ability to work out of doors in a variety of conditions (heat, cold, mud, rain). Preference given to someone who has used and maintained tractors for agricultural cultivation and/or staffed a farmers’ market stall. Degree in Agriculture or Farm Apprentice training is preferred. A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment is required. Desire to work and contribute to an educational farm space in a coastal California climate. Spanish language skills are a plus.

  Application Instructions:

• ●  Email resume and brief cover letter to [email protected]. Due to the anticipated volume of responses, only candidates requested for interviews will be contacted.
• ●  Application deadline is July 28, 2023 with applications processed on a rolling basis
• ●  Anticipated start date is early or mid August 2023

  The HEAL Project is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.