Ecosystem Farm Manager

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Accokeek Foundation is seeking a Manager for the Ecosystem Farm. The Ecosystem Farm, a project of the Accokeek Foundation’s Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship (CAES), was created in 1992 as a demonstration of organic fruit and vegetable production. The Manager of the Ecosystem Farm is a hard-working, resourceful, detail-oriented individual who will manage the production and marketing of the Ecosystem Farm’s produce as well as providing on-the-ground training to the Beginning Farmer Training Apprentices. The Manager will serve as a faculty member of the Foundation’s Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship in the development and presentation of the Foundation’s training programs.

The AF is a progressive work environment and invests in the professional development of its staff. Essential functions include:

Essential functions include:

• Farm Production: Production of organic vegetables, herbs, fresh-cut flowers and small fruits (e.g., figs, strawberries, blueberries) on the Ecosystem Farm’s 8 acres. Production will meet or exceed USDA organic standards. The Manager will maintain organic certification.
• Marketing: All produce is currently marketed through an established and well-regarded CSA program. The Manager will continue to produce for the current CSA program, but will explore other marketing opportunities as appropriate.
• Education and Training: The Ecosystem Farm is the primary classroom for Beginning Farmer Apprentices in the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship (CAES). Depending on funding and scope of production, there may be 1 – 4 apprentices per season. The Ecosystem Farm Manager is primarily responsible for the on-the-ground training of the apprentices, and will work with the CAES faculty to coordinate classroom and off-farm learning opportunities. The Manager will also work with the CAES faculty to develop and provide other training programs for the Foundation’s constituents.
• Labor Management: In addition to managing the apprentices, the Ecosystem Farm Manager, in conjunction with Accokeek Foundation management, will hire and supervise additional staff as the budget allows. The Manager will also supervise and direct share-holder workers and volunteers.
• Institutional Responsibilities and Accountability: The Ecosystem Farm Manager will work closely with other Accokeek Foundation agriculture and program staff, particularly with the CAES faculty, to ensure close coordination between the Ecosystem Farm and all other Accokeek Foundation operations. The Ecosystem Farm manager will assist with and support other agricultural operations as needed.

Professional Experience and Qualifications: The Foundation seeks a talented grower with a minimum of four years farming experience, with at least 2 years of proven farm management experience, and an associate degree or relevant educational experience. Machinery operation experience required. Computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel) highly recommended. The Manager must be able to perform the physical requirements of working in a sustainable agriculture operation.

The Manager must possess creative problem-solving skills, initiative, sound judgment, diplomacy and discretion, as well as the ability to maintain poise and professionalism under pressure. While the Manager must demonstrate excellent independent decision making skills, he or she also must work well within the Foundation’s agriculture management team, understand the significance of organizational culture, and support organizational standards.

Reports to
Director of the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship