Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Deadline: February 26, 2010
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (Michigan) has a wonderful opportunity for the right person. We are seeking a motivated individual to be our Farm Manager. This person will be responsible for developing an educational, sustainable, working farm. This is part of the Nature Center’s plan to promote the importance of sustainable local healthy foods. A short job description is below.
The DeLano Farms Manager position is a regular, full-time position with responsibilities including, but not limited to, overall management of the DeLano Farms with emphasis on the development of a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) model. Responsibilities include crop production, planning and management, care of animals, staff supervision, budget management, planning, marketing, procurement, and shareholder relations. This position will work with KNC educators in providing opportunities for the public to experience and learn about sustainable agriculture. The DeLano Farms Manager reports to the Vice President of Education of the Kalamazoo Nature Center and works closely with the all KNC staff. The position is full-time year round with a seasonally variable work schedule and will be required to be on-call with the farm at all times.
Duties:
• Develop and implement a management plan for a financially sustainable CSA operation, following the DeLano Farms Master Plan, to eventually include 500 shareholders
- · Oversee the production of crops and care of animals on a commercial scale
- · Work closely with KNC education staff to provide the public with experiences to build their understanding of sustainable agriculture
• Recruit, manage and supervise permanent and seasonal CSA staff
• Assist with marketing and the management of shares, including shareholder relations
• Assist with production of a regular newsletter
• Prepare, oversee and manage operating and capital budgets
• Develop, plan and assess ongoing CSA projects
• Plan, manage and participate in planting, cultivation, irrigation and harvesting
• Direct special projects including fencing, irrigation, carpentry and other capital projects
• Help train seasonal CSA staff in safety regarding use of equipment and facilities
• Participate in administering the apprenticeship and volunteer programs, train and oversee seasonal farm crew and volunteers in everyday tasks with help from the Assistant Farm Manager
• Work with other farmers to help support the local agricultural economy
• Work effectively and cooperatively with other KNC staff
• Participate in KNC’s green initiative, help promote KNC membership and support the overall fundraising efforts.
• Understand and educate CSA staff on the strategic goals of the DeLano Farms as outlined in the Business Plan
• Complete special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Education
Entrance Requirements:
- · Minimum of 5 years commercial-scale organic vegetable crop production and animal care experience required
- · Demonstrate ability in labor, infrastructure, equipment, business management and experience in marketing.
- · Ability to communicate effectively with the public
- · Understanding of CSA and agricultural principles, whole-farm planning, crop rotation, soil enhancement methods, soil science, and general ecological principles also required
- · Must have a good attitude, with a willingness to be flexible and a commitment to achieving the goals of the DeLano Farms while supporting the mission of the Kalamazoo Nature Center
- · Excellent oral and written skills
- · Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team
- · Detail oriented
- · Creative and high energy
- · Self-starter and self-directed
- · Able to work on rough terrain in all weather conditions
- · Able to lift 50 pounds
- · Computer competency
Abilities and Skills:
The DeLano Farms Manager must possess a strong appreciation for farming, the land and the extraordinary agricultural and cultural history of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The DeLano Farms Manager must enjoy working with people and must be able to work independently with a minimum of supervision. This person must able be willing to learn new skills through professional development opportunities in order to meet the broad range of tasks that will be assigned to the position.
The DeLano farm is a part of the 1,100 acres owned by the Kalamazoo Nature Center, a not-for-profit organization which is open to the public. The DeLano Farms Manager will work closely with the land management staff to integrate farm practices into the previously established land management plan. Interpretive and educational programs will be developed to utilize the CSA and associated lands to inform visitors about the farm’s history and the role of agriculture in our society. In addition, management decisions will reflect sound resource protection and management principals. As a result, the DeLano Farms Manager must possess excellent people skills, and be able to adjust to farming methods and practices that are not normally found on a typical farm. The DeLano Farms Manager may also be required to assist with other non-CSA farm tasks.
Salary and Benefits:
Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position also includes an excellent fringe benefits package with group health insurance, vacation and sick pay, option to enroll in a flexible spending account and a company matching contributions to a simple IRA. On-site housing may also be available.
To Apply:
Send resume, cover letter, three references & your salary requirements to:
Jenn Wright, Vice President of Education: JWright (at) naturecenter.org; Fax: 269-381-2557
Or mail to: Kalamazoo Nature Center Attn: Jenn Wright, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Tags: farms manager, kalamazoo, kalamazoo nature center, michigan
