Job Listings

Workforce Development Coordinator

Salvation Farms

• Posted March 14, 2019 at 9:47am
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Morrisville, VT
• Type Full Time

Position Title: Workforce Development Coordinator

Supervisor: Executive Director

Employee Status: Full Time, Exempt

Starting Annual Salary: $35,000

Primary Location: Winooski, VT

Program Summary

Salvation Farms’ Vermont Commodity Program (VCP) operates Vermont’s first surplus crop food hub. The VCP aggregates approximately 5,000 pounds per week of unmarketable crops from farms across the state. From the food hub, crops are distributed to charitable and institutional food sites.

The VCP operations are made possible through a workforce development training program. Enrolled trainees clean, quality assess, pack, and process surplus crops while gaining job readiness skills and exposure to potential employers. Volunteers also help the VCP meet production goals.

This is the first operation of its kind in the nation.

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and administering the work-readiness training components of VCP with the VCP Manager. This position is responsible for trainee recruitment, case-management, soft-skill development, and job search. They will foster and maintain area partnerships related to the VCP workforce development initiative and will continually strengthen the training curriculum and lessons.

The Workforce Development Coordinator fills a vital role supporting the evolution of the VCP. They balance both leading and supporting hard and soft skill training, providing exposure to employers, and putting the VCP work in context by organizing certification trainings, field trips, guest presenters, documentaries, and facilitating discussions.

Working closely with the VCP Manager, this position will understand VCP operations to help deliver operational training and foster a safe working and learning environment for individuals with barriers to employment (i.e. ex-incarcerated, out-of-school youth, those in recovery, single parents, etc.). Assisting with production, food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency will be part of this staff position’s role. This staff person may spend as much as 25% of their week supporting operations.

Primary Duties (include but are not limited to)

• Coordinate and deliver the VCP training program; maintaining and developing related partnerships specific to soft-skill development, placing the VCP work in context, and employment search
• Engage in trainee recruitment, screening, enrollment, and case-management; network with and leverage the resources of partners, trainee caseworkers, community members, and social service agencies
• Collaborate with staff and partners to deliver hard and soft skill training; strengthen the curriculum and lessons within the VCP workforce development program as needed
• Provide trainee participant case management; leverage community resources in case management
• Oversee and coordinate with the VCP Manager the daily activities of trainees with particular focus on balancing classroom activities and operational needs
• Measure training program impact and outcomes; generate periodic reports
• Support volunteer orientation and management in the program space
• Provide operational support to the VCP Manager, including but not limited to: supporting and overseeing pack-room training and activities, which includes end-of-day cleaning, inventories, and engaging in produce cleaning, packing, and processing alongside trainees and volunteers
• Understand and ensure workplace-safety and food-safety, quality controls, compliance with the VCP Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures
• Engage in community outreach, partner meetings, program enrichment, budget building, fundraising, and strategic planning

Qualifications

• Social work or workforce development experience and/or education a must
• Knowledge and understanding of challenges faced by community members transitioning out of incarceration, in recovery from substance abuse, overcoming homelessness or facing physical, mental, or emotional disabilities
• Familiarity with trauma informed practice, empowerment models, etc.
• Well networked and familiar with the Vermont social services landscape
• Experience and/or interest in providing educational instruction
• Highly organized, efficient, and pragmatic
• Demonstrated success training, managing, and working in truly diverse teams
• A desire to support workforce development and skill building initiatives for individuals in transition
• Able to work in partnership with staff and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people
• Ability to take direction and offer constructive suggestions for improvement
• Ability to coordinate priorities and exercise appropriate judgment and discretion
• A self-starter with effective time management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent record keeping skills, computer and data entry skills
• A passion for local agriculture, resource management, social justice, and social work
• A valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, and to work in hot or cold conditions
• Available to work some nights and weekends

Benefits & Work Environment

• Paid time off and holidays
• Health insurance available (Employer covers 75% of premium)
• Dental and Vision Insurance available
• Access to training and professional development opportunities
• This position is based in Salvation Farms’ Winooski Facility - some travel will be required
• Mileage is reimbursed at $.40/mile for all approved work travel

Poultry Processor

Maple Wind Farm

• Posted March 13, 2019 at 4:55pm
• Deadline April 30th, 2019
• Location Huntington, VT
• Type Full Time

Our USDA poultry processing plant is state of the art for a plant our size. We process chickens from late May- November, both ones raised by Maple Wind Farm and from other producers that bring poultry to us for the high quality service we provide. Our pasture raised turkeys are processed in November.

We are looking for folks that have experience processing poultry but we are willing to train. A sense of humor and positive attitude and a willingness to take direction but also be proactive will be beneficial.  We listen to a wide variety of music and do like to joke around! You must have reliable transportation.

SKILLS & BEHAVIORS:
To perform the job successfully, the employee should demonstrate the following: 

• Proficient knife skills
• Processing poultry: evisceration/ parting/ packaging(turkey and chickens)
• Maintain quality and attention to detail in fast paced environment
• Monitoring a sanitary work environment
• Strong willingness and desire to learn!
• Creativity and passion for the product
• High energy and an ability to work in a demanding environment
• Self-management and an ability to work independently and remain calm under any stressful situation
• Ability to communicate with various types of people in various ways (written, verbal, demonstration)
• Organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to analyze systems and procedures which provide for efficient and productive operations
• Approachability; works effectively and relates well with others
• Ability to manage conflicts and see them as opportunities
• Problem-solving abilities; resourcefulness
• Ability to follow through on commitments and/or verbal instruction
• Acts as a team player
• Reliability; regular and punctual attendance
• Lift cases or packages of meat products weighing up to 40 lb.
• Meet established volume activity standards.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Perform repetitive grasping, twisting, reaching and hand/arm motions as the product is identified, wrapped, priced and weighed.
• Use hands continuously to feel objects, use tools and equipment to cut and prepare products.
• Be able to handle a variety of substances associated with cleaning materials, packaging materials and meat products.

Sales Fulfillment Specialist

Maple Wind Farm

• Posted March 13, 2019 at 4:39pm
• Deadline March 29th, 2019
• Location Huntington, VT
• Type Full Time

Our Farm:Maple Wind Farm is a pasture-based livestock farm with operations in Huntington and Richmond, VT. In operation since 1999, we raise 100% grass-fed beef, non-GMO pasture-raised pork, pasture-raised non-GMO layer and broiler chickens, and certified organic turkeys. We have an on-farm USDA-inspected poultry processing facility. The egg, turkey and broiler operations are based in Richmond while the other operations are based in Huntington.  We process chickens and turkeys from late May to Nov. Our facility is state of the art for very small plants and includes an innovative air-chilling process.  Farm work with integrity gives meaning and importance to all that we do, even the little details. We work hard and smart and have expectations that we all do the same as a whole team and that this hard work is providing our customers the best possible food on the planet raised the best way with the animal and soil health a priority. 

Position Summary: This position is a key role at Maple Wind Farm to keep the chain of product moving through our system from production through distribution via all channels (direct and wholesale both locally and regionally). This position is also responsible for weekly delivery and Inventory Management. Work directly with the owners in charge of Sales and Marketing to keep flow FIFO (first in first out) of product (both fresh and frozen).  Person must be flexible and available to jump into field work if needed.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Prior experience with sales and inventory management. Must be organized, high level of interpersonal skills for interacting with customers, able to lift 40lb, ability to drive a delivery vehicle. Strong ability to build relationships. Proficiency with computers and spreadsheets.  Familiarity of food safety protocols. Passion for Maple Wind Farms mission.

Agricultural Licensing & Registration Specialist I

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Posted March 13, 2019 at 10:57am
• Deadline March 20th, 2019
• Location Montpelier, VT
• Type Full Time

The Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (AAFM) is currently hiring for an Agricultural Licensing and Registration Specialist. This position involves a fast-paced environment that can include constant disruptions. Applicant must have strong organizational and time management skills, as well as a strong set of customer service and communication skills while working with applicants and vendors, as this is a substantial portion of the daily functions for this position. Multiple databases will be used on a daily basis that will require the use of spreadsheets among other financial applications.

Class Definition

Technical work involving the issuance and renewal of licenses, registrations and permits for 30+ Agency programs, including but not limited to the following: commercial feed and pet food products; pesticide products, companies and applicators; fertilizer, seed, lime, nursery dealers and growers, retail businesses, weights and measures and meat handlers. The position is in the Agency of Agriculture. Employees in this class are responsible for making operating decisions based upon experience, knowledge of agency operations and procedural standards. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative or program-specific supervisor.

Food Systems Coordinator

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Posted March 13, 2019 at 10:54am
• Deadline March 24th, 2019
• Location Montpelier, VT
• Type Full Time

Administrative Support and Data Management Employment Opportunity!

Provide administrative support to the programs that help ensure the safety of Vermont's food supply and protect consumers at the gas pump and in grocery stores. If you are looking for an administrative job with enough subject matter diversity to satisfy the most adventuresome at heart, this position is for you!

The Food Systems Coordinator will be exposed to a myriad of subject areas and will be relied upon to accurately and efficiently complete administrative tasks that support the Dairy, Meat and Poultry, Weights and Measures, Produce Safety and Animal Health sections of the Agency of Agriculture. Additionally, the Food Systems Coordinator will engage in activities that help ensure the efficiency and productivity of the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division. Opportunities for involvement in Agency-wide initiatives exist, and the successful applicant must enjoy interacting with the public and a variety of program managers and colleagues to be successful in these endeavors. Consider joining one of the hardest working teams in state government by applying today!

Help Farms Feed More People

Community Harvest of Central Vermont

• Posted March 7, 2019 at 8:07pm
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Berlin, Vermont
• Type Part Time

Interested in strengthening Vermont’s local food system? Community Harvest of Central Vermont, one of the state’s leading regional gleaning organizations, is looking to add a part-time associate to our team.

Position will be defined to match successful applicant’s interest and experience, but will likely include administration, development, writing, and data management as well as some field gleaning, partner and general program outreach, and volunteer engagement

Applicant will need reliable transportation, be self-directed, and be a good team player. Telecommuting is possible, but field work is located in central Vermont. Experience in agriculture helpful but not essential. Funding for the position is partially secured, and the position could be seasonal or year-round. Likely hours are 10-15 hours a week, negotiable and possibly more.

Compensation is negotiable, ranging between $12 and $16/hour.

There’s more work than our current team can do – come help us help everyone eat local! See CommunityHarvestVT.org for program information.

Position open until filled.

Sales Manager

Luce Farm Wellness

• Posted March 7, 2019 at 12:58pm
• Deadline March 31st, 2019
• Location Bethel, Vermont
• Type Full Time

 Please note: If you’re a confidential candidate interested in having an exploratory conversation before applying, please feel free to contact our recruitment partner, Beth Gilpin Consulting, at beth@bethgilpin.com

Luce Farm produces some of the finest full-spectrum hemp products on the planet. Invest your experience and insights selling to independent and chain retailers, passion for growing a sales team, and leading with values first to help double profitable sales in 2019 and beyond. Your focus will be retailers and distributors throughout the Northeast.

We’re seeking a sales professional and experienced leader with proven success placing existing, adjacent and new brands in a variety of retail channels and subchannels (food, health and beauty; yoga and other healing practices; outdoor stores, etc.), including independents and small, high-end chains.  Experience selling wellness and lifestyle products, building a sales team, and helping grow an entrepreneurial and values-based business strongly preferred.

Your mission...

• Deliver results that match or exceed the revenue numbers in the 3-year plan, both individually and through the sales team
• Grow our retail and distributor customer base, order volume, and frequency to drive revenue and margin
• Oversee, mentor, and support the professional development of a small sales team
• As part of the management team, contribute to building a company culture founded on caring for the Earth, people, collaboration, and integrity

Our team has deep roots in socially-responsible businesses.We’re interested in team members who are collaborative and self-directed, contribute to a positive workplace culture, and are interested in holistic health, herbal alternatives and environmental sustainability.

The Sales Manager will split their time between road (⅔) and office (⅓) and live within a couple of hours of Bethel, Vermont, where our offices and production are located, and plan to be on-site for meetings several times a month. Anticipated travel will be within New England/Northeast will be every other week or so, and to trade shows and national accounts at least quarterly.  Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. This on-site expectation, and the expected travel by car and plane, are suppositions and may change based on business needs.

If you love the challenge of balancing both strategic and hands-on work, the fast pace of a startup and helping grow a business and company culture, we’d love to hear from you!

AmeriCorps Farm to School Coordinator

Green Mountain Farm-to-School

• Posted March 6, 2019 at 3:29pm
• Deadline April 15th, 2019
• Location Newport, VT
• Type Full Time

Start-Date: August 19^th 20192-week orientation

       September 2^nd 2019 AmeriCorps term begins

End-Date: August 7^th, 2020

Location: Newport, Vermont

About Green Mountain Farm-to-School

Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) is a nonprofit organization promoting the health and well-being of Vermont's children, farms and communities by providing programs to connect schools and farms through food and education. In the 2019-2020 academic year, GMFTS aims to serve school communities in the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont with school gardens, educational programming and fresh local farm foods, benefiting over 5,000 students. For more information about GMFTS, please visit www.greenmountainfarmtoschool.org.

Position Description

This position is part of the Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program (LEAP). LEAP is a national service program that places AmeriCorps members with non-profit organizations throughout the NEK of Vermont to support those organizations in expanding their services that many communities rely on. LEAP supports their members in their path to educational and career attainment through direct service, on-going trainings, and professional development opportunities offered during the service year. Position dependent upon LEAP federal funding.

The primary responsibilities of the AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator will be to develop, grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ Farm-to-School Programs. This is a full-time year-long AmeriCorps position. The Farm-to-School Coordinator reports to the Farm to School Program Manager.            

The AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator will:

• Develop and maintain relationships with GMFTS partners
• Serve as the primary contact for 3-5 schools
• Create lesson plans for programming and maintain educational materials
• Deliver GMFTS educational programs and events including taste tests, field trips, workshops and special events
• Plant, maintain, and harvest school gardens
• Recruit and train community volunteers
• Design outreach and publicity materials
• Use database to collect, analyze, and report data for program evaluation
• Photo document activities and download in a timely manner
• Work closely with staff, parents, food service directors, and farmers
• Facilitate Farm-to-School Committee meetings
• Serve as an independent member of a team of Coordinators
• Plan, organize, and attend community and organizational events
• Create educational newsletters highlighting Vermont Harvest of the Month
• Communicate organization’s mission through social media (Facebook, Instagram)

Qualifications

●      Be a US citizen

●      A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

●      Knowledge of local food systems and sustainable agriculture

●      Strong interest in working with children, teaching (formal or non-formal) experience required 

●      Some knowledge of gardening and vegetable production needed

●      Excellent public speaking, writing skills, and organizational skills

●      Strong interpersonal skills

●      Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing non-profit environment

●      Offer contingent upon results from National Service Criminal History Check

●      Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation