Farm Operations Leader (Seasonal)

Charter Oak Communities•Stamford, CT

31d•Onsite

About The Position

Fairgate Farm (Farm), Stamford’s unique communal urban farm, has grown considerably since its inception in 2010. The Farm has become a hub of excitement and opportunity when it comes to all aspects of agriculture, food access, personal and public health, environmentalism, and community building. Fairgate Farm has a small staff that is supplemented by volunteers consisting of individuals along with occasional corporate and community groups. The heart of the Farm’s mission is to combat food insecurity by growing and distributing nutrient-rich foods in an equitable way throughout Stamford. The Farm Operations Leader is responsible for carrying out day-to-day farm operations, including food production, volunteer instruction, and farm maintenance – ensuring high-quality food, safe and welcoming farm grounds, and a positive and inclusive environment for all volunteers and visitors – all in alignment with the Farm’s mission and Charter Oak Communities (COC) values. The Farm Operations Leader reports to and works closely with the Director of Fairgate Farm (DoFF).

Requirements

A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent Is required
A minimum of two (2) years of full-time professional agricultural experience is mandatory
Have significant hands-on experience in maintaining, harvesting, and preparing crops for market
A valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain a current license
Ability to read, write, and speak English professionally is required
Ability to work regular weekend hours, and occasional evening events are required
Agricultural Methodology & Skills Assessment will be administered to top candidates; successful completion is required to advance to the interview stage
Successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, physical, background, and reference checks
Candidate must be in good physical health to bend, lift to 50 pounds, use garden tools, and be on one’s feet for extended periods of time working in all weather conditions

Nice To Haves

Associates Degree in agriculture or related field preferred
Three (3) years of direct community relations experience preferred
Ability to multi-task successfully in a multifaceted position
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment that has shifting priorities and is deadline driven
Ability to follow directions and consistently repeat related tasks independently
Strong knowledge, experience and highly skilled in all aspects of the farm business
Strong attention to detail
Proven ability to assess and initiate work to be done independently
Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfortable working with a variety of demographics
Excellent customer service skills with farm patrons, volunteers, market staff and Stamford community
Ability to focus on effective planning and time management
Average knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to work flexible and/or extended hours is required

Responsibilities

Executes crop plan for food production; ensure successful seeding, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest of crops
Monitors crop health, apply amendments, foliar sprays, etc. in accordance with crop plan and DoFF approval
Maintains indoor hydroponic farm
Maintains the Farm’s community compost operation
Supports successful operation of the PWYC Fairgate Farmstand and Farm Community Fridge
Responsible for day-to-day record keeping important information, such as production, compost data, community engagement and Farm market reports.
Generates reports; reviews data and makes recommendations, if appropriate, to the DoFF
Maintains farm machinery, equipment, and structures with guidance and approval of DoFF
Maintains Farm grounds including, but not limited to, mowing, trimming, trash and recycling to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming environment
Understands, educates, and ensures volunteers and others are compliant with governmental regulations and health & safety standards
Trains, manages, instructs and develops volunteers on a daily basis, as appropriate, while working closely with farm staff
Increase volunteer engagement by performing outreach to local community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, and corporations
Co-organize special volunteer events with the Community & Food Distribution Manager (C&FDM) (e.g. volunteer appreciation events, dinners, clean ups, special projects)
Develops and fosters partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and community groups that visit
Conveys positive energy and enthusiasm of Fairgate Farm’s culture and mission
May be required to perform other related duties as required and/or assigned