Positions Available at Carversville Farm Foundation!
FIELD MANAGER
Job description:
Carversville Farm Foundation is hiring a Field Manager with significant experience growing Certified Organic vegetables, herbs, and perennials. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional grower looking for a career on the cutting edge of sustainable food production. You will have access to brand new, state-of-the art equipment and the opportunity to work with the world’s foremost consultants on soil regeneration, land planning, and crop and livestock production on an ongoing basis. Responsibilities include planning and managing farm staff and apprentices in the production of vegetables, fruit, and herbs. This position reports directly to the Farm Manager and works continuously with the Livestock Manager to plan daily, weekly, and seasonal workflow, personnel, and equipment distribution.
The ideal candidate will be willing to make a long term commitment and possess the following qualifications and experience:
- A minimum of 3 seasons managing Certified Organic vegetable production on 5+ acres.
- Perennials including herbs, small fruits, and trees.
- Utilizing a diversity of cover crops and field crops on a broad-acre scale is a plus, especially in mixes or “cocktails.”
- Pasture cropping, polycultures, companion planting, inter-seeding, and living mulches.
- No-till vegetable and crop production and a desire to be on the edge of progressing the science of no-till production systems on a broad-acre scale.
- Soil testing, re-mineralization, foliar feeding, pest and disease scouting (NOP/OMRI compliant).
- Exposure to Keyline Landscape Design, Keyline soil formation, and the Yeoman’s Plow.
- Experience and desire to work with and teach apprentices on a daily basis.
- A track record of success working in a cooperative team environment requiring a high level of planning, communication, and documentation.
- Desire and willingness to work with world-class consultants and advisors.
- Knowledge of the principles of soil biology, ecosystem function, plant science, and environmental regeneration.
- A desire to produce food of the highest nutritional, culinary, and ecological quality.
- A desire to continue to learn and grow as a person and farmer. Continuous personal development is encouraged and supported at CFF.
- Mechanical and technical ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment, irrigation, and infrastructure with the help of the farm manager, farm mechanic, and professional contractors.
Who we are:
Carversville Farm Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, produces fresh sustainable food specifically for donation to populations who lack access to a balanced diet; offers farm apprenticeships, workshops and facilitates information exchange; and nurtures organic farms through cooperative purchasing and other programs. Utilizing advanced sustainable farming methods, the farm works to provide these services while simultaneously regenerating the agro-ecosystem.
Compensation:
This is a salaried, full time, year round, permanent position starting immediately. You will be provided housing and a share of food from the farm. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes 100% paid health, dental, and other benefits. For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to info@carversvillefarm.org.
Carversville Farm Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
2017 APPRENTICESHIP
Apprenticeship Starts: March 20, 2017
Apprenticeship Ends: November 24, 2017
Number of Apprentices: 3 to 4
Application Deadline: February 1, 2017
Stipend: $9/hour plus housing, eggs and seasonal produce. $10/hour without housing.
Housing: Shared housing available for non-local apprentices (2 spaces available)
Meals: Cook your own meals with our produce, eggs and meat; supplement with other foods you buy.
General Description: Carversville Farm Foundation (CFF) is a non-profit farm that combines ecological regeneration and agricultural production to serve our environment as well as our community. We currently distribute our farm products to soup kitchens and food pantries in the greater Philadelphia area to help improve access to wholesome, locally grown foods. CFF also sells some of its produce . We are in the early stages of creating a diversified farm with intensive cover cropping, multi-species grazing, and vegetable, fruit and mushroom production. Apprentices will work 40 hours/week with our full-time farmers on every aspect of production. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to attend workshops, classes, and trainings on and off the farm to support their professional development in regenerative agriculture.
Skills Desired: At least 1 year of experience working on a farm. Previous tractor experience or basic mechanical and/or carpentry skills are a plus. Applicants should possess the ability and desire to work hard in both an independent and diverse team setting, often in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to lift up to 40lbs. Must have a valid driver’s license. Applicants should also have the self-motivation to strive towards completing tasks quickly and efficiently. Good people skills and the willingness to work with volunteers are important. We’re seeking people who are reliable, organized, enthusiastic, have good communication skills and an attention to detail, and have an eagerness to learn the principles of organic and regenerative farming.
Educational Opportunities: Farm safety training; first aid certification; keyline design/reading contour; how to use a laser level; cover crop field walks; introduction to environmental monitoring; introduction to soil food web, soil sampling and microscope training; “Exploring The Small Farm Dream” course or similar introductory farm business planning education.
Apprenticeship Details: Our apprenticeship program is designed as an introduction to regenerative land management. This includes learning to see the land holistically, beginning with an in-depth assessment of our ecological and cultural context. Apprentices will participate in farm enterprise development while simultaneously supporting ecosystem services. Apprentices will learn to analyze contour maps, use a laser level to understand how water moves across the landscape, and think through various strategies for managing storm water as a resource for production. In addition to thinking about the farm as an integrated system, apprentices will have the opportunity to discover the aspects of farming they like best, and hone in on the personal niches they see for themselves moving forward.
Day-to-day activities will be highly varied, and apprentices will work with all farm departments to achieve the skills required for diversified farming, including but not limited to: learning and protecting yourself from the biggest farm hazards; understand service and safety of as many machines as possible; proper use and care of hand/power/shop tools; food handling safety standards and facility maintenance; fencing, feeding and moving animals; direct seeding, transplanting, packing and storing mixed vegetables; propagating/harvesting mushrooms; cover crop timing, seeding and nutrient management.
Carversville Farm Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Click here to email us your resume and cover letter.
