Farm and Garden Manager - Part Time, Seasonal

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains•Albuquerque, NM

16d

About The Position

The Farm and Garden Manager position is a seasonal, part-time (16-19 hours per week) position. Field management and vegetable produce for Tres Hermanas Refugee Farming Program through Lutheran Family Services Refugee & Asylee Programs and small scale community garden sites. Create crop plan that integrates cash crops for market production including culturally appropriate crops from Iraq, Afghanistan and DRC. Coordinate and work alongside the program coordinator to get quality product sold to restaurants and farmers markets and support expanding markets in future years. This position encompasses working with different cultures and the ability to manage labor from refugee clients with limited English skills. Knowledgeable about agricultural practices in New Mexico, willing and able to teach and inspire New Americans to improve English and job development skills. Working with clients and coordinator to create crop plan: main farm plot, plot expansion, and long-term plan for a self-sustaining farm program including expansion of community garden plots and writing seasonal plans for field and hoop house. Using sustainable/organic farm practices such as: crop rotation, seed saving, cover crops, and composting. Maintaining a level of cleanliness in the field and communal areas. Maintenance and operation of tractor and small farm equipment (as per MOU Maintaining) and organizing all farm tools & equipment, which includes keeping farm shed organized. Propagating, harvesting and washing any vegetables, flowers, or fruits for the property, including irrigation of field at Tres Hermanas plot housed within Rio Grande Community Farm. Occasional deliveries and presence at farmers markets, community presentations, staff meetings and other required events, including managing volunteer groups. Purchase of any off-site materials for farm; including but not limited to: seed, tools & equipment, and fuel. Communicating with coordinator regularly. Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

The ideal candidate must possess experience in organic and sustainable agriculture in a dry, New Mexico, climate.
Must have experience operating and maintaining tractors and small farm equipment (such as a BCS tiller).
Must know how to use basic farm tools and have experience with power tools and building materials.
Experience with flood irrigation.
Minimum vacation during growing season.
Friendly, cross cultural sensitivity, able to be goal-oriented and integrate a mix of farming methods to get best results.
Organized with an attention to detail, being self-motivated and able to work alone as well as, in a team environment.
Must have reliable transportation and an unrestricted New Mexico driving license
High school diploma and 2 years of farming experience required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work long hours outdoors in extreme heat and cold, ability to lift up to 100 lbs., able to stand, kneel, crouch, and bend for long periods of time, have a flexible schedule, be available to work early mornings, and exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer skills such as, word, excel, and email are ideal.

Nice To Haves

Farming experience in New Mexico climate preferred.

Responsibilities

Create crop plan that integrates cash crops for market production including culturally appropriate crops from Iraq, Afghanistan and DRC.
Coordinate and work alongside the program coordinator to get quality product sold to restaurants and farmers markets and support expanding markets in future years.
Working with clients and coordinator to create crop plan: main farm plot, plot expansion, and long-term plan for a self-sustaining farm program including expansion of community garden plots and writing seasonal plans for field and hoop house.
Using sustainable/organic farm practices such as: crop rotation, seed saving, cover crops, and composting.
Maintaining a level of cleanliness in the field and communal areas.
Maintenance and operation of tractor and small farm equipment (as per MOU Maintaining) and organizing all farm tools & equipment, which includes keeping farm shed organized.
Propagating, harvesting and washing any vegetables, flowers, or fruits for the property, including irrigation of field at Tres Hermanas plot housed within Rio Grande Community Farm.
Occasional deliveries and presence at farmers markets, community presentations, staff meetings and other required events, including managing volunteer groups.
Purchase of any off-site materials for farm; including but not limited to: seed, tools & equipment, and fuel.
Communicating with coordinator regularly.
Performs other duties as assigned