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Rodale Institute

Farm Manager - Phoebe Ministries at Founders Farm

Rodale Institute, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States, 18103


This farm is a partnership between Rodale Institute and Phoebe Ministries to create an innovative model for farm-to-senior living. The Farm Manager will lead farmers, seasonal workers, and volunteers to produce and deliver safe, healthy, organic produce to two senior living locations in the Phoebe Ministries network. Additionally, the Farm Manager will coordinate with Phoebe Ministries staff and dining services to meet produce requests and deliveries.

Responsibilities Include:

Conduct day-to-day farm operations in relationship to crop production at the Founders Farm. Field responsibilities include, but are not limited to soil preparation, planting, harvesting, washing, and packing produce, weed, pest and disease management, building cold frames or hoop houses, equipment maintenance and repair, etc.Manage and coordinate labor efforts among the farm staffDocument field operations on Rodale Institute forms to satisfy organic certification requirements, research data collection needs, financial accounting and maintain production records on a regular basisCoordinate produce deliveriesCoordinate maintenance schedules for tractor(s), truck(s) and other equipmentAssist Founders Farm staff with landscaping and facility maintenanceOperate equipment (tractors, tractor implements, small engine equipment, and hand tools) in a safe and efficient mannerComplete and follow the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as FSMAPlan a growing schedule and meet with supervisor frequently to ensure planting of crops are sufficient and meet all organic certificationsEducate and train seasonal staff to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operationSummarize and analyze production data to identify trendsMaintain a clean workspace and officesOrganize volunteer activitiesAssist with outreach and education for senior living residentsCommunicate with chefs on produce needs and wantsCoordinate with Rodale Institute staff for travel needs and purchasing suppliesAssist the Communication Department with preparing mediaAssist with the Research team when necessaryPrepare a yearly budget, budget narrative, and quarterly reportsOther duties may/will be assigned on a case by case and as-needed basisQualifications:

Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather conditionsAbility to lift in excess of 50 poundsExcellent verbal and written communications skillsAbility to be flexible in work hours, as farm work can be unpredictableProficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.Education and/or Experience:

Must have a bachelor’s degree and/or 5 years of experience in organic horticultural or agronomic crop production.Travel:

Travel will be required between Rodale Institute in Kutztown, PA and the Founders Farm in Allentown, PA, as well as to conferences, grower meetings and workshopsOther Expectations:

Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s success.To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.