Lead Farmer

Volunteers of America - Upstate New York•Rochester, NY

56d

About The Position

Lead Farmer Make a difference in a family's life! Volunteers of America Upstate New York's continuum of residential programs offer homeless & low-income individuals and families safe housing and support services. We provide long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and poverty by helping the people we serve overcome obstacles and develop healthier, more self-sufficient lives. Lead Farmer JOB SUMMARY: This full time position will support the growth of VOA's urban hydroponic farm program.. The lead farmer will work in VOA's Greenery S vertical container farm. The lead farmer will be responsible for day to day operations, including seeding, transplanting, harvesting, delivery and maintenance, and maintaining records and reporting in accordance with Volunteers of America of Upstate New York's policy and procedures.

Requirements

Background in hydroponics, urban farming, gardening education and/or culinary arts preferred
Passion for hands on learning, plants, food and farming. Inherent interest in how things work, enjoys technology and troubleshooting
Comfortable with computers and using computers to operate the farm
Organized, clean and detail oriented
Physical ability to be on your feet for hours at a time, bending, reaching, lifting heavy objects and reaching in tight spaces
Clean NYS Driver's License
Commitment to the VOA Farm mission of providing quality affordable produce to low income households.

Nice To Haves

Experience with farm operations, GAP and other certifications preferred

Responsibilities

Operate and grow inside a hydroponic container farm (Greenery S). This includes seeding, transplanting, harvesting and maintenance.
Perform routine maintenance of farm, including water and nutrient tan turnover, HVAC maintenance, sanitation and sensor calibration
Packaging and distribution of retail, wholesale and program produce
Follow standard operating procedures and best practices for crop health, food safety and indoor agriculture
Assist with The Farm's program offering, including education, volunteers and workforce development.
Assist with manning farm markets as necessary
Help manage inventory and ordering needs
Other relevant duties as assigned to support the farm mission and operations.