GLIF - Incubator Farm Manager
POSITION SUMMARY
The primary focus of the GLIF Farm Manager is to assist in developing and maintaining the Great Lakes Incubator Farm and all of the incubator farmer participants. This manager must be creative and efficient, and able to balance production needs and finance schedules and deadlines while supervising the various incubator farmers. The candidate should be outgoing and a positive representative of the organization, possessing outstanding communication skills. A viable candidate will have experience with small-medium scale organic and regenerative production, and be able to effectively guide farm incubators in the development of their own farm businesses.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: GLIF participants, interns.
Works with: Leadership Team, Advisory Council, GTCD Board of Directors
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
GLIF Community-Building
- Recruit and manage incubator farmers
- Update and implement GLIF practices and procedures
- Organize GLIF events with the Leadership Team and Advisory Council
- Assist the Executive Director in managing and growing the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s presence and visibility within the local community through compelling engagement, marketing, and public relations exposure for the Great Lakes Incubator Farm
- Plan and implement effective strategies and events to encourage support and engagement with GLIF
Farm Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations and upkeep of the incubator farm.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for incubator farmers.
- Work with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, Advisory Council and GTCD Board of Directors
- Manage schedules and paperwork for incubator farmers, mentors, educators, and volunteers
- Communicate effectively with team throughout the workday
- Successfully track and record production practices, field locations, retail outlets and more with lead from incubator farmers
- Maintain planting, production and harvest records in MS Word, Excel or Google
- Coordinate farm equipment, tools, and infrastructure use amongst incubator farmers and manage inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies.
- Monitor upkeep and maintenance of farm equipment and tools.
- Assist in maintaining farm website and manage farm email
- Conduct grant research, writing, submission and reporting.
Incubator Farmer Guidance/Support
- Guide, advise, and support incubator farmers in crop production and business management decisions, as needed.
- Serve as a conduit to local assistance and resources of partner organizations, agencies, and technical assistance providers.
- Direct farm participants to resources such as sustainable/regenerative farming practice education, business plan development, marketing and outreach assistance, transitional planning resources, and financial planning resources in partnership with the GLIF Leadership Team and Advisory Council.
- Coordinate training opportunities for incubator farmers.
- Proactively assist incubator farmers with identifying markets for direct to consumer sales and other potential wholesale outlets
- Other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS
The primary workplace is at the GLIF farm location, in the Grand Traverse region. The Farm Manager will also attend meetings, conferences, and other events in the Grand Traverse area and Michigan. They will frequently meet with the Leadership Team, Advisory Council, Incubator Farmers, GTCD Staff, Program Mentors/Educators, and other community members. This job is based primarily outdoors, with heavy lifting and variable weather conditions.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Formal Education or Equivalent: Bachelor’s degree or higher. Agricultural training and experience in multiple aspects of farming and farm enterprise is essential. Prior farm management/ farm business ownership experience a plus. A minimum of 2 to 3 years in a similar position is required.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Familiarity with Microsoft word, excel, social media and good communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and management skills.
- Understanding of certified organic farming practices, as well as regenerative farming
- Self-motivated, self- directed. Ability to work well within a rapidly-changing environment.
- Experience in adult education and teaching to diverse learning styles
- Excellent oral, telephonic and written communication skills in the English language.
- Ability to develop initiatives and follow through to implementation, evaluation and improvement.
- Excellent social and interpersonal skills and can relate positively with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Maintains a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to work outside, year-round in all weather conditions
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (tractor experience is necessary)
- Lifts and handles materials of up to 50 pounds without assistance.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
- Computer literacy including working knowledge of Windows platform and software, especially the Microsoft Office package.
COMPENSATION:
The Farm Manager position is a full time, 40 hours/week, FLSA exempt position. Salary: $45,000/year, based on grant funding. Benefits include paid holidays, 18 paid days off per year, retirement, and the Conservation District’s group health insurance package including dental and vision.