The Dickinson College Farm invites
qualified candidates to apply for our Vegetable Production Manager (VPM)
position. We are a diversified production farm with strong educational roots
supplying our campus and local communities with fresh certified organic
produce. For more information on the Dickinson College Farm, please go
to http://blogs.dickinson.edu/farm/.
The VPM will be part of the
management team that ensures productive outcomes at the College Farm.
Responsibilities of VPM include effective oversight of crop production needs of
the farm’s 10-acre certified organic vegetable operation. The College Farm supports a 150 member CSA, in addition to robust
produce sales to the campus dining hall, campus farm store, and diverse stand
at Carlisle’s producer only farmers’ market. The VPM will mentor and
supervise college students and seasonal staff in ways that cultivate a cohesive
team. This is achieved in cooperation with other farm managers through hands-on
training, educational lessons, and participating in regular field work
alongside staff.
Successful applicants will have a minimum of 3-5 years of
management-level experience in organic vegetable production and staff supervision. They will be enthusiastic and
organized leaders who enjoy working with college-aged students and bring
diverse skill sets to the position. Compensation includes a competitive salary
with a comprehensive benefits package plus an on-farm residence.
Dickinson College is committed to building a representative
and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body. We encourage
applications from all qualified persons.
For more information and to complete an application, please go
to https://jobs.dickinson.edu/postings/6690
Responsibilities
- Maintain full oversight of the College Farm’s vegetable production operation, including the design and implementation of an annual crop plan, seeding and greenhouse management, field prep and cultivation, transplanting, crop management, and harvest, weed and pest management, crop health and soil fertility, and crop irrigation.
- Train and actively manage student staff, apprentices, and seasonal staff based on the needs and functions of the College Farm’s vegetable operation. Develop weekly work schedules and monitor for progress, efficiency, and correction.
- Maintain farm equipment maintenance schedule and assist with basic equipment repairs in conjunction with other farm staff members.
- Engage in regular communication and coordination with the farm’s Packing House Coordinator to ensure efficiency and food safety with crop harvests, storage, and delivery to our 150-member CSA program, campus dining hall, and farmers’ market.
- Farm record keeping and oversight of production-related expenses, plus manage the farm’s CSA online platform and email communications with Dining Services on weekly produce availability from the College Farm.
- Assist with designing and leading weekly farm-based educational programs for summer staff and apprentices.
- Support as needed with group visits and farm tours.
Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- A minimum of 3-5 years management-level experience on a diversified certified organic vegetable production farm is essential to the success of this position including demonstrated knowledge of organic farming practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, IPM, and soil fertility management.
- Experience with training and managing staff, team building and team work are also key, as is the ability to safely operate tractors and other farm equipment.
- A valid driver’s license is required – operator must have been in possession of a valid operator’s license for not less than three (3) years and the license must have been in good standing without interruption during that time period.
Application Details
For more information and to complete an application, please go
to https://jobs.dickinson.edu/postings/6690
Application review will begin on December 26, 2022. The
position will start in late January/early February 2023.
Compensation
Compensation
includes a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package plus an
on-farm residence.
