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Farm to Institution Production Manager
Center for an Agricultural Economy
- Posted January 18, 2021 at 5:06pm
- Deadline February 1st, 2021
- Location Hardwick, VT
- Type Full Time
OPEN IMMEDIATELY: Farm to Institution PRODUCTION MANAGER
We’re looking for the right mix of production and management skills to add to our Farm-to-Institution social enterprise, Just Cut! If you know food safety, have a background in industrial kitchen-work, have strong leadership qualities, and have an active interest in our local food system, farms, and community, we’d love to hear from you!
Position: Farm-to-Institution Production Manager
Reports to: Just Cut Program Manager and VFVC Facilities Manager
Full-time: 40 hours/week. Hourly Compensation: Minimum $20.00/hr, dependent on experience, and CAE’s benefits package
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The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) is a not-for-profit organization, which works to build a local, healthy, regenerative food system in the greater Hardwick area and beyond. Through education, outreach, infrastructure, and technical services, the CAE uses partnership and collaboration to achieve a food system that can support working lands and working people. The CAE owns and operates the Vermont Food Venture Center, a food-processing facility, food business incubator, and regional food hub. The VFVC serves small food businesses, farmers and large scale vegetable and fruit producers, as well as our community members.
CAE believes an equitable food system has empowered communities that are socially and economically thriving with shared mutual goals.CAE strives to foster an inclusive and supportive staff culture where learning and growth are supported. Building community leadership, long-lasting relationships, and listening to the needs of the community are core principles CAE applies to this position and our work. We encourage anyone interested in applying to reach out with any questions they may have before applying.
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Just Cut is a social enterprise of the Center for Agricultural Economy and an essential connection between food growers and buyers. We purchase, inspect, wash, prepare (peel, shred, and dice) and deliver Vermont-grown produce to kitchens both large and small. By partnering with local farmers, food buyers across New England, and a regional delivery network, we help ensure the viability of Vermont’s working landscapes and provide greater accessibility of high-quality produce to all markets. Just Cut’s highest aspiration is to show that a conscious, conscientious supply chain is possible - one that strives to do well by all food system participants, from the land to the farmer to the processor to the consumer.
Just Cut emphasizes authenticity, value, and efficiency in your selling or buying experience. We help foster a deeper understanding of your important place in the success of our regional food system. We make it easy for buyers to support local farmers while offering peak taste, freshness, and nutrition in prepared meals. When you choose Just Cut, you are investing in the health and well-being of the people who grow your food and the people who eat your food.
Summary of Position: The Farm to Institution Production Manager role is a critical position for the aggregation, processing, and distribution of ready-to-use local and regional produce products for institutional and bulk buyers. Operating within a shared-use kitchen poses logistical and food safety challenges that require consistent attention to detail. The primary goals of the program are to provide farmers with new markets, and consistently provide institutions with high-quality local products. An emphasis is placed on buyers that feed food insecure individuals (schools, hospitals, and colleges). This position will work directly with:
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CAE’s Just Cut Kitchen Production Team
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Farm to Institution Program Manager
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Facilities Manager
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Executive Director
The position is full-time (40 hours/week) and is primarily expected to be in the VFVC facility during production days. The Farm to Institution Production Manager must be able to work long hours on their feet and consistently move 25-50 lbs at a time and be comfortable maintaining and updating digital production documents. This role holds responsibility for the satisfactory completion of the following production and logistical tasks with the Production Team:
Employee Responsibilities:
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Lead the production planning process on-site, working with the Program Manager and VFVC Facilities Manager to:
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Balance schedule requirements with production capacity - assess and adjust labor as needed
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Create production sheet with produce usage estimates/yields, lot tracking documentation, packing sheets, and BOLs & purchase orders
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Manage Production Team schedule and logistics
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Oversee team hours on an ongoing basis and approve timesheets each pay period
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Plan and facilitate team meetings and check-ins
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Ensure team productivity and safety, both environmental and health-wise
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Oversee the aggregation, preparation, packaging, and shipment of weekly Just Cut product orders
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Track and manage processed inventory
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Create and delegate production efficiencies in order to meet pricing benchmarks
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Manage quality control – shelf-life testing, R&D, samples, storage, and waste/donations – in conjunction with Program Manager and Facilities Manager
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Address and communicate any irregularities during production directly to Facilities Manager and Program Manager
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Identify solutions if issues arise in which product quality was jeopardized or no longer safe for consumption
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Create and print labels, pack cases clearly and accurately for pick-up by distributor
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Train, monitor, and educate all crew members on proper food safety practices, working ergonomics, and production timing efficiencies
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Track and manage raw produce and materials inventory
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Procure and manage the raw product supplies with Program Manager, ensuring that deliveries and supplies are appropriate for the program needs and sales goals
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Coordinate with Facilities Manager to schedule and plan for shipping space and pallets
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Manage quality control – product specs, ensure proper quantities of ordered produce, storage, and packaging requirements
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Receive raw product and problem solve crop deliveries as needed
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Coordinate incoming and outgoing produce with attention to receiving, record-keeping, and food safety protocols
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Work with Program Manager to adjust sales goals to optimize production capacity
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Provide regular and timely feedback on production status against orders & schedules
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Track COGs and production report; update records with input/output
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Work with Program Manager to develop sales goals and R&D products, which, in turn, increase relationships with institutions that further the program goals
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Schedule and delegate facility sanitation and equipment maintenance routines in coordination with Facilities Manager
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Assess weekly and monthly needs to keep facility sanitation checklists current
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Track and delegate sanitation tasks in coordination with Production Team
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Monitor health and plan preventative maintenance for Just Cut Processing Equip
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Review and implement the Just Cut Food Safety Plan that needs to be in compliance with third-party auditing standards
Nursery Propagation Coordinator
Intervale Center
- Posted January 18, 2021 at 1:43pm
- Deadline Open until filled
- Location Burlington, VT
- Type Full Time
Summary of Position:
The Intervale Center seeks an experienced, mission-driven Nursery Propagation Coordinator to join our team in Burlington, Vermont. For over 30 years, the Intervale Center has led a community food revolution that sustains farms, land and people. We manage hundreds of acres of land and have pioneered farm and food innovations like farm business incubation, commercial composting, native tree and shrub production, gleaning and food hub development. To learn more visit: intervale.org.
The Propagation Coordinator is responsible for high quality tree and shrub propagation at our native nursery. The Coordinator will work with the Conservation Nursery Manager to forecast production targets, produce top quality trees and shrubs, manage greenhouse production, and support the broader production goals of the Nursery. The Propagation Coordinator reports to the Conservation Nursery Manager.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Collect seeds and cuttings for propagation needs
- Lead greenhouse propagation, maintenance, and tracking
- Support field planting, maintenance, and tracking throughout the season
- Prepare and maintain container stock including overwintering
- Supervise crews in greenhouse as needed with Services Coordinator
- Update propagation plan throughout the season and support annual inventory process
- Support volunteer activity in partnership with the Development Team
- Attend annual Intervale Farm Equipment Company meeting and equipment jam
- Attend Intervale Center staff meetings, retreats, and workshops as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
- 2-4 years of nursery or farm experience
- Greenhouse production experience
- Ability to organize and track plants from production field to harvest
- Heavy equipment operations experience
- Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management techniques (IPM)
- Knowledge of Vermont natural communities
- Knowledge of/willingness to learn organic practices
- Ability to represent Nursery to public
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work outside for extended periods of time in various weather conditions
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to work with a team and provide leadership in the field
- Must have a valid driver's license
Intervale Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@intervale.org. This position is 40 hours per week February through November, 20 hours per week December through January, and is based in Burlington, Vermont. Compensation is $17-19/hour and includes health care, 401k, and limited wellness benefits. This position will remain open until filled.
Vegetable Production Manager
Smokey House Center
- Posted January 18, 2021 at 10:38am
- Deadline Open until filled
- Location Danby, Vermont
- Type Full Time
Smokey House Center in rural Danby, Vermont seeks a community-minded vegetable production manager with crop and people experience. With a committed program support team, you will lead our Community Farm effort to increase vegetable production and distribution in 2021 as we expand programming to serve our community. Since the launch of the Community Farm project in 2016, Smokey House Center has distributed over twenty-two tons of fresh vegetables throughout Rutland and Bennington counties for hunger relief and community food programs. The Community Farm works with local youth, visiting groups, and volunteers to grow this good food. In 2021, we are looking for a team player to lead field work, maintain farm systems, and support volunteer engagement in Community Farm activities.
Position Title: Vegetable Production Manager
Position Description:
The Vegetable Production Manager is responsible for Community Farm vegetable production, management of farm site and infrastructure, and engagement of crew, volunteers, and visitors in the Community Farm program.
Functions include
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seeding, planting, cultivating, cover cropping, greenhouse work, harvesting, processing, and distributing storage crops for identified community food programs,
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assistance recruiting, training, scheduling and supervision of production crew,
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crop planning, field prep, and soil fertility management, with Program Coordinator and Mentor Farmer,
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some shared responsibility for farm site and grounds maintenance including mowing, tree care, fencing, irrigation, equipment maintenance, and minor road repair
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lead seedling production and support sales,
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facilitating involvement of education partners, visiting groups, and individuals in Community Farm production activities,
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additional farm enterprise management, community engagement, and program development with SHC staff as assigned.
Qualifications:
Two+ years of vegetable farming experience that would prepare you for a management role.
A passion for good food, education, and collaboration is key. Must be a proactive communicator and willing to take the lead. Interest in working with individuals of all ages. Applicant should be able to work well in a variety of settings and to direct the work of paid work and volunteers. Applicant should be mature, responsible, self-motivated, detail oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Additional Desired Skills:
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Experience with naturally grown or certified organic practices,
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Basic understanding or background in food security issues, nuance of giving a dignified food experience to those who receive produce from the Community Farm,
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Educational experience with K-12 students,
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Ability to work with the volunteers and the general public.
Applicants should send cover letter and resume to jamie@smokeyhouse.org. We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and accept applications until the position is filled.
About Smokey House Center
Land. Agriculture. Learning.
For nearly fifty years, Smokey House Center has used our incredible 5,000-acre land resource as a stunning backdrop for youth development and education. Smokey House Center’s fundamental purpose is to maintain a working landscape that promotes sustainable agricultural and forestry practices while engaging people in meaningful ways.
To learn more about Smokey House Center visit our website: www.smokeyhouse.org
Facilities and Technology Coordinator
High Mowing Organic Seeds
- Posted January 17, 2021 at 3:30pm
- Deadline January 31st, 2021
- Location Wolcott, VT
- Type Full Time
High Mowing Organic Seeds is a leader in the organic seed, farming, and food community. We value our unique opportunity to meet the growing demand for professional-quality organic seeds.
Our team is currently looking for a unique person with a special combination of skills to fill a unique position. The Facilities and Technology Coordinator will help ensure an optimal physical and working environment at our warehouse in Wolcott, VT.
The ideal candidate will have experience with property maintenance and management tasks as well as be comfortable working with computers. On-the-job training will be provided as needed. Once trained, you will be responsible for scheduling and completing preventative maintenance tasks, helping to resolve maintenance issues and emergencies in coordination with the property manager, tracking and maintaining equipment and supply needs, setting up computers, workstations, and related equipment, and creating training material or operating procedures.
A complete job description can be obtained at https://www.highmowingseeds.com/staff-and-careers
Fullfillment/Packing Crew Member
High Mowing Organic Seeds
- Posted January 17, 2021 at 3:27pm
- Deadline January 31st, 2021
- Location Wolcott, VT
- Type Full Time
Do you want to be part of a fun-loving group with diverse interests, brought together by our common love of growing, on any scale, all while appreciating the importance of sustainable agriculture?
We are currently looking for seasonal crew members to pack, pick, and ship seed and related products.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented individual with good communication skills and a team-player mindset. Candidates will need to be comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds frequently, being on their feet most of the day, using handheld scanners, computers, and measurement tools, and performing fine motor tasks efficiently and precisely. Evening and weekend availability are a must.
A complete job description can be obtained at https://www.highmowingseeds.com/staff-and-careers
Assistant Farm Manager
Hurricane Flats Farm
- Posted January 17, 2021 at 2:37pm
- Deadline Open until filled
- Location South Royalton, VT
- Type Full Time
Hurricane Flats, a successful organic vegetable, popcorn, and hay farm in central Vermont, is looking for an assistant farm manager for the upcoming growing season. The position entails fieldwork, selling at farmer's market, making hay, as well as other farm related duties.
We are looking for a person that is willing to work hard and fast, think on their feet, learn, and put in the necessary hours to ensure the farm's continuing success. This can be partnership track position, in which the right individual can have the opportunity to become the eventual owner of the farm.
Starting pay will be commensurate with experience, with the possibility of a season ending bonus. Send cover letter and resume to Geo at hurricaneflats@gmail.com.
Agriculture Programs Manager
Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
- Posted January 15, 2021 at 1:17pm
- Deadline February 8th, 2021
- Location Waitsfield, VT
- Type Full Time
Position Overview:
The Agriculture Programs Manager develops and manages agricultural water quality programs for the State Natural Resources Conservation Council (NRCC) and the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD). The Manager provides leadership and support to Vermont’s Natural Resources Conservation Districts in their efforts to help agricultural producers protect and enhance soil and water quality, strengthen farm viability, and comply with state water quality regulations.
Vermont’s 14 Natural Resources Conservation Districts (NRCDs) are local government entities that work with landowners and communities to address water quality concerns through strategic partnerships and programs in agriculture, watershed protection, stormwater mitigation, forestry and education. NRCC is the State of Vermont agency that oversees Conservation Districts. VACD is the non-profit membership association of Vermont’s Natural Resources Conservation Districts.
Position Responsibilities:
- Manage technical assistance and financial assistance programs that aid agricultural producers in protecting soil and water quality, while supporting the viability of Vermont’s working landscape
- Develop, manage and oversee statewide agricultural water quality programs carried out by NRCDs
- Write program announcements, accomplishments, success stories and social media content to publicize and garner participation in NRCD agricultural water quality programs
- Develop guidance and provide or coordinate technical trainings for Conservation District staff
- Draft and monitor grants and contracts with Conservation Districts implementing agricultural water quality programs
- Develop and monitor program budgets and approve payments to Conservation Districts
- Develop documentation systems and report program results to funders
- Modify programs and develop new programs as needs and opportunities change, in consultation with NRCC and VACD leadership
- Write and submit funding proposals and budgets for the continuation of programs and/or funding of new programs, in consultation with Conservation District leadership
- Engage in capacity building activities and initiatives with NRCC and VACD leadership staff to provide support to NRCD organizational development and program improvements
- Maintain positive, professional working relationships with colleagues and partner organizations
- Represent NRCDs, NRCC and VACD at meetings with agricultural and water quality partners
- Participate in the Vermont Agricultural Water Quality Partnership to support and improve coordination and collaboration among partner organizations
- Review relevant policy initiatives and legislation, and provide comments and testimony when appropriate
Key Relationships:
The Agriculture Programs Manager has frequent contact with Conservation District, VACD and NRCC staff in the direct oversight of programs. The Manager collaborates and coordinates efforts closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Lake Champlain Basin Program, US Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Vermont Extension, Vermont Housing Conservation Board and other partners working with the agricultural community to protect water quality.
Classification, Salary Range and Benefits:
The Agriculture Programs Manager is an employee of VACD, supervised by the VACD Executive Director, and reports to organization leadership of both NRCC and VACD. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, with benefits. The starting salary range is $48,000-$52,000 depending upon experience. Benefits include vacation, sick/personal and holiday leave. VACD provides a significant employer contribution to a Section 125 “cafeteria plan,” which employees may take as taxable income, or use pre-tax to purchase health and dental insurance, and/or make contributions to a Health Savings Account. This position is funded through agreements with State and Federal partners. The Program Manager will assist NRCC and VACD in securing ongoing funding for the position.
Office and Working Conditions:
The Agriculture Programs Manager works remotely from a home office, using his/her own vehicle for travel. A monthly home office stipend and mileage reimbursement at the prevailing Federal rate are provided. Conservation District and VACD technical staff are located throughout Vermont, mostly in USDA Service Centers. Meetings and events are held throughout the state and occasionally out of state.
Qualifications Required:
BA/BS degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, or related field.
Experience and Skills Sought:
- Passionate about agriculture and water quality and committed to a collaborative approach in addressing agricultural water quality concerns
- Technical expertise in agronomy and/or conservation planning
- 3-5 years of program management experience, including reporting and financial monitoring
- Knowledgeable about Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices and programs of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to assist agricultural producers in addressing water quality concerns
- Knowledgeable about Farm Bill and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs to assist agricultural producers in addressing water quality concerns
- Program development and grant-writing experience
- Experience awarding and managing grants and contracts
- Experience supervising the work of others
- Experience developing and conducting trainings
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Professional demeanor; able to work effectively and respectfully with diverse groups of people
- Able to self-direct, work productively and independently, while being part of a team
- Flexible and able to work on multiple projects at the same time
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Google products, communications technologies and social media
- Able to work remotely, therefore home office must have a stable Internet connection
- Able to travel around the State of Vermont in own vehicle
VACD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Farm Crew for 2021 Season
Diggers' Mirth Collective Farm
- Posted January 14, 2021 at 11:42am
- Deadline February 15th, 2021
- Location Burlington, VT
- Type Full Time
We are looking to hire a few experienced people for our farm crew for the 2021 season. We are a 15 acre collectively owned and operated organic vegetable farm located in the Intervale in Burlington. We care deeply about social justice, food access, Beyonce, and the Old North End community where we live and work. We enjoy each other and love what we do and are looking for a couple industrious, fun people to round out the team.
Tasks include harvesting, transplanting, wash station, hand weeding, deliveries, and other general farm projects. We are looking for people who are hardworking, fast learners, with an eye for accuracy and efficiency, a good sense of humor and at least two years of production farm experience. Strong candidates with other relevant experience in fast paced and/or manual labor fields will be considered. There are three positions available:
(2) Full time: M-F, 7:30-4:00 with some short Fridays
(1) Part-time: 3-4 days a week, M-W (possibly Thursdays) 7:30-4:00
Positions run from mid/late May through early/mid November. If interested, please email us as diggersmirthcollectivefarm@gmail.com and tell us who you are and why you'd like the job.
BIPOC, women, and queer & trans folks strongly encouraged to apply
Sugarhouse Food Safety Specialist
Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
- Posted January 13, 2021 at 2:54pm
- Deadline February 5th, 2021
- Location Westford, VT
- Type Freelance
About VMSMA:
The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA) is a non-profit agricultural membership organization organized in 1893. VMSMA’s mission is to protect the tradition of maple sugaring while maintaining the highest standards of production and product quality; to identify and study problems and issues that relate to the industry and to set in motion actions to resolve these; to provide educational programming and materials to the general public and the agricultural community with regard to current information, research and advancements relating to maple and maple production; and coordinate industry wide marketing and promotional efforts to support the Vermont Maple Brand, as well as encouraging greater use of Vermont produced and packed maple products within the State as well as in outside markets.
About the Sugarhouse Certification Program:
The new Sugarhouse Certification Program aims to align current sugarhouse food safety practices with those of the Food Safety Modernization Act to create a practical, usable operational guideline that can be documented and followed. The program will certify maple syrup as a safe food while expanding market access and strengthening our reputation for quality and pure products.
Job summary:
Sugarhouse Food Safety Specialists perform sugarhouse audits using the VMSMA Sugarhouse Certification Checklist. The Quality Director will assign sugarhouses ready for Certification to the Specialist to review offsite paperwork and to schedule an onsite audit. Specialists will be assigned specific territories in Vermont to cover so as to minimize mileage, to the extent possible.
Specialists will review the Checklist at the sugar house and determine whether or not the sugar house meetings the criteria or needs to remedy any deficiencies prior to Certification. Any deficiencies will be reviewed by the Quality Director, who will also ensure that remedies have been enacted before the Certification is final and the sugarhouse receives a Certificate under this program.
Consumer Loan Officer
Yankee Farm Credit
- Posted January 13, 2021 at 1:20pm
- Deadline January 21st, 2021
- Location Williston, VT
- Type Full Time
Description/Job Summary
Apply by 1/21/21.
This position could be located in any of our locations. The Consumer Loan Officer initiates and maintains customer relationships, makes sound credit recommendations and decisions and represents the Association in the community.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Represents and promotes Yankee at agricultural organization meetings and events
- Develops relationship with internal and external contacts to market credit, insurance and financially related services
- Discusses credit needs with customers
- Determines eligibility of new and potential customers
- Collects necessary financial and operational information from customers
- Gathers necessary information for appraisal request and orders appraisals
- Completes initial assessment of credit worthiness of new and potential customers
- Determines appropriate loan structure and security with input from the Credit Analyst
- Pre-qualifies applicants for determining loan amounts
- Writes the loan narrative and is responsible for the presentation of the loan package
- Recommends loan decisions above delegated authority and approves loan decisions within delegated authority
- Coordinates appraisal and title search/insurance orders and closings with customers and attorney
- Ensures Association policies, executive orders and procedures as they relate to loan documentation are being followed
- Coordinates the preparation of loan documentation
- Reviews loan documentation for accuracy
- Identifies at-risk loans by monitoring borrower performance and delinquent payments
- Develops loan servicing plans, including down grading of loan classification, frequency of monitoring, and collection plans
- Establishes and maintains relationships with other agricultural providers such as Extension, Farm Bureau, FSA, local banks, accountants, attorneys, and local dealers to provide services to members and generate referrals
Required Qualifications
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, business, finance or a related field | |
| Prior Work Experience | 2 years of experience as a consumer loan office, loan officer associate or commensurate title. | |
| Or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the essential functions of the job. | ||
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ruchel@yankeefarmcredit.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
