Field Manager for Elk Run Farm
The South King County Food Coalition is a 501(c)(3) network of 12 food banks in South King County, Washington, whose service areas range from White Center to Federal Way, and from Enumclaw to Vashon Island. The Coalition is looking for a field manager to help develop Elk Run Farm, a 4.5-acre mixed vegetable farm in Maple Valley, WA. The farm is located on a former golf course in the midst of a growing housing development, with walking paths criss-crossing the property and a high school being built across the street. Elk Run Farm will grow nutritious, local produce for the food banks of South King County, while collaborating with schools and non-profits to educate food bank customers, students and the community at-large about the importance of local food and healthy eating.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about sustainable agriculture and food justice to work 20-25 hours per week from mid-May- October. Tasks include overseeing volunteers, implementing the crop plan, and helping the Farm Manager build systems and infrastructure to support the first season of growing on our site.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Effective Date: April 19, 2016
Revision Date: April 19, 2016
Supervises: Farm Volunteers
Reports to: Elk Run Farm Manager
Hours: 20-25 hours/wk, May to October
The Field Manager will support the farm by implementing a demographic specific crop plan, harvesting produce for distribution to South King County Food Coalition food banks, manage day-to-day tasks on farm and oversee volunteers to ensure the overall success of the farm.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High School graduate or equivalent. Some business or college preferred but can be offset by relevant experience.
Experience: 2 years of experience working on a diversified farm using organic practices. Experience working with volunteers and youth.
Skills: Valid Washington State Drivers License. Friendly, positive attitude and the ability to tolerate uncertainty and changing plans; strong organizational skills; good communication/public speaking skills; an open, caring and non-discriminatory attitude, empathy with a wide demographic group of volunteers and interns; ability to direct work assignments; ability to lift up to 50 lbs; Experience in the use, upkeep & cleaning of farm and construction tools desired; Experience building temporary farm infrastructure, such as a hoop house and wash/pack, preferred; Understand and have knowledge in organic gardening principles, crop rotation, greenhouse growing, soil building, season extension and IPM strategies; Ability to work in inclement weather, and in direct sunshine to complete necessary tasks; Flexibility in thinking and problem solving as the first farm systems are developed, implemented, assessed, and modified as necessary
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Manage implementation of crop plan, seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding and harvesting of garden at Elk Run Farm together with the Farm Manager;
2) Monitoring for readiness, harvesting, and packing all produce for distribution;
3) Help to set up schedules, training and orientation for the volunteers;
4) Work with Farm Manager to coordinate supervision of garden volunteers;
5) Interact in a kind and culturally appropriate way with the community and student volunteers;
6) Assist Farm Manager in creating farm systems for volunteers, record keeping, distribution and implementation of crop plan;
7) Maintain a safe, healthy and organized work environment
8) Additional duties as required; and
9) Represent the Coalition in a professional manner.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letters and resumes to Maria Anderson at elkrunfarmer@gmail.com by May 10th.