Agricultural Career Center

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Reporting to the Feed Mill Manager, this position supports animal research and educational programs for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) by performing feed milling operations. The role performs technical duties for feed mill operations according to maintain regulatory and safety compliance.

Primary Duties

• Operate computer-controlled batching systems to mix and process feed.
• Weighs ingredients for premixes to meet research and herd nutrition objectives.
• Monitor bulk bin storage and ensure timely load-out of finished feed.
• Operate and adjust feed processing equipment.
• Prepares and fills bulk and bagged feed orders.
• Handles pallets of bagged feed ingredients and assists with loading and unloading trucks.
• Maintain accurate records for FDA compliance and inventory tracking.
• Guide and train student employees
• Assist with equipment maintenance and facility cleanliness.
• Communicate feed production status and coordinate delivery schedules.
• Support educational activities including tours and demonstrations.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, FDA regulations and internal safety protocols.
• Monitor feedstuff quality and assist with pest control measures.
• Clean equipment to prevent cross-contamination.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in feed milling, grain handling, or animal feeding and nutrition.
• Ability to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to maintain and repair equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills.

Education

• High School diploma or GED. Certification or vocational training may be preferred.
• 1 year of relevant experience required. 2-4 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical tasks for extended periods, climb ladders and work on high structures.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Emerson Farms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through education, regenerative agriculture and access to healthy, nutritious foods. We believe that fresh, locally grown food is fundamental to well-being and should be accessible to everyone.

Emerson Farms is a small, start-up 501c3 nonprofit, whose mission is to educate, empower, and nourish communities through sustainable agriculture and fresh food access. By providing communities the knowledge and resources necessary for cultivating, preparing, preserving, and sharing healthy foods, we foster a culture of nutrition that promotes independence and well-being. Our programs aim to enhance food security while raising awareness about the positive impact of a nutritious diet on physical and mental health, ultimately leading to healthier lives and stronger communities. Working collaboratively with local farms, food assistance organizations, and community partners, Emerson Farms is committed to building access to fresh produce for all. Through our initiatives, we aim to break down barriers to healthy food access, reduce food waste, and build a thriving local food system where every individual can succeed without having to choose between hunger and nutrition.

Position Overview

The Farm Manager orchestrates the seamless integration of various components of Emerson Farms within a sustainable farming system and is the point person with community partners. This is a multifaceted role spanning across crop planning, land stewardship, educational outreach, community engagement, volunteer coordination, facility upkeep, and produce distribution, each contributing to the farm's success. The goal for this position is to establish and maintain a thriving and resilient farming operation that serves as a model of sustainability and community resilience, promoting ecological stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and food sovereignty.

Crop Planning and Field and Greenhouse Utilization Planning

- Develop comprehensive crop plans optimizing productivity and sustainability.

- Design planting layouts leveraging permaculture principles.

- Incorporate companion planting and succession planting techniques.

- Ensure optimal resource utilization and biodiversity conservation.

Growing Operation of Permaculture Mounds and Greenhouse

- Oversee all aspects of crop production from seed selection to harvest.

- Monitor soil conditions and implement regenerative practices.

- Ensure optimal conditions for plant growth and health.

- Foster a biodiverse ecosystem promoting resilience and productivity.

Fresh Food Management and Preservation

- Implement efficient harvesting and post-harvest handling procedures.

- Coordinate Emerson Farms produce donations to food-insecure communities through community partners.

- Assist in delivery efforts of donated food items, as needed.

- Embrace and demonstrate Zero Waste initiatives, when possible.

- Coordinate with food banks and community partners for surplus produce distribution (gleaning).

- Utilize preservation methods to extend shelf life as time and equipment allows.

Grounds, Facilities and Equipment Management

- Ensure the entire farm, including the grounds, facilities, and equipment, is clean, organized, and well-maintained to provide a welcoming and professional environment for everyone involved.

- Ensure all areas of the grounds are kept clean and free of litter, debris, and unwanted items.

- Designate specific areas for waste dumping, composting and recycling and ensure they are used respectfully and maintained regularly. Ensure trash bins are available, regularly emptied, and properly managed to maintain a clean environment

- Regularly inspect and maintain all farm buildings and facilities to ensure they are in good repair and presentable. Repair issues as capable and/or hire and coordinate required specialists.

- Maintain all tools and equipment, keeping them clean, organized, and in good working condition.

- Ensure tools and equipment are stored properly and safely when not in use.

- Keep an ongoing inventory of all farm equipment and tools.

Chicken Coop Care and Egg Production (when/if applicable).

- Oversee care and management of chickens within the coop environment.

- Maintain cleanliness and functionality of the chicken coop.

- Provide proper nutrition, water, and preventive care measures.

- Ensure a healthy and productive flock for high-quality egg production.

Program Management

- Develop, provide and support educational curriculum for the following content areas:

- Empowering individuals with knowledge of sustainable farming practices and fostering a deeper connection to food and the land.

- Empowering individuals facing food insecurity on the importance of consuming fresh produce and how to prepare and serve it.

- Educating the local community on the use of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) combined with regenerative agriculture techniques for sustainable food production, the harvesting of produce, and use of fresh food production for healthy living.

- Other education/training may be needed or desired by Emerson Farms or the community.

- Oversee the day-to-day operation of programs, working with staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are executed with excellence and create the most impact for the mission of the organization.

- Engage participants and supporters in the facets involved with the business of farming including operations, using the operating equipment, hand tools, performing farm tasks such as seeding, planting, irrigating, fertilizing, weeding, and overall maintenance of the farm as well as harvesting and processing of produce.

Ensure that programs are implemented in accordance with - all relevant regulations and guidelines, maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.

- Ensure effective systems for program evaluation and regularly evaluate the program offerings and partners, ever mindful of the need to adapt to the needs of the community.

- Follow and update standard operating procedures and processes to successfully and safely complete program and farm tasks.

Volunteer Management

- Help coordinate schedules, assignments, and training for volunteers.

- Ensure a welcoming and productive environment for volunteers.

- Direct, coordinate and train volunteers about operations activities, record keeping, workflow and processes.

- Oversee maintenance and repair of farm facilities and equipment to ensure facilities are safe and conducive to a positive volunteer experience and required equipment is available.

Outreach and Community Engagement

- Promote the organization’s programs and services to key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, community partners, and the media, to increase awareness and support for the organization’s mission.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Uphold Emerson Farms brand standards and messaging in all work related interactions with staff, volunteers, community partners and funders.

- Support donor stewardship plans to maintain strong relationships with donors and secure ongoing support, including regular communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.

- Help identify and provide content for grant and sponsorship proposals for relevant foundation, government and corporate grants.

- Help raise awareness and provide education regarding the needs related to food insecurity and obtaining fresh produce through a passionate, knowledgeable, and professional understanding of farming, sustainable food production and the surrounding communities throughout Erie and Lorain Counties.

Administration

- Assist the Executive Director in the development of the annual budget ensuring that the budget is aligned with the overall program operations plans for Emerson Farms.

- Monitor program operations budgets closely, control and approve expenditures in keeping with approved budgets and ensure that program operations’ financial performance is in keeping with the plan.

- Ensure accurate volunteer and community partner database management and timely correspondence.

- Measure and analyze results of program initiatives to ensure goals are accomplished and optimized on an ongoing basis; provide regular accountability reports.

- Ensure that the Executive Director is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it in a timely manner.

Supervision

- Build, lead and retain an effective and diverse staff and/or corps of volunteers dedicated to the mission and with the requisite skills to be successful in their work.

- Effectively supervise and manage direct reports and volunteers and provide, by example and leadership, motivation and direction to employees and volunteers of the organization.

- Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable state and federal employment laws.

- Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees and volunteers; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; recognizing and rewarding employees and volunteers; corrective disciplinary procedures and practices, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

- Set the tone of the program to ensure morale, teamwork, and that the positive culture of the organization is maintained.

Professional Performance

- Adhere to all Personnel and Safety Policies and Procedures for the organization.

- Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.

- Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.

- Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.

- Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.

- Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients, volunteers and staff; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of organization business.

- Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.

- Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Other duties may be assigned

- Strategic thinker who communicates professionally and effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, donors, prospects, and community stakeholders

- Exceptional communication and organizational skills with the ability to work with, organize, and guide a broad ecosystem of stakeholders.

- Must be computer proficient and possess experience with Google Workspace and applications, volunteer and donor data management database software, farm management software, and be able to learn new software as needed.

Candidates should be comfortable using technology to streamline farm operations, track inventory, and analyze data to inform decision-making.

- Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based on organizational needs.

- Ability to maintain consistent discretion and confidentiality in the performance of duties.

- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and exercise personal judgment in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of humor and integrity.

- Comfortable leading a high visibility, open communication type role in the face of rapid change while driving toward ambitious outcomes.

- Superior skills to organize, plan, and execute the full scope of required programs.

- Commitment to and passionate about sustainable farming practices, social justice and a deep understanding of the challenges related to food insecurity.

- A strong desire to learn and push the boundaries of current farming techniques.

- A strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development in sustainable agriculture and food systems is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies through ongoing education and training opportunities.

- Strong familiarity and operational experience with farm equipment and facility management.

- Candidates must possess an Ohio driver’s license, meet background check criteria, and meet criteria for clearance to drive Emerson Farms vehicles.

- Substantial experience in organic or regenerative farming practices, with a focus on implementing permaculture principles. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of practical experience working on farms or in agricultural settings, demonstrating proficiency in various farming tasks and techniques.

- A bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, or a related field is preferred, candidates with equivalent experience and a passion for sustainable farming practices will also be considered.

- Community outreach and engagement experience, demonstrating the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner and convening community systems and partnerships.

- Non-profit sector experience, particularly in the field of food insecurity or related social issues preferred.

- Exceptional experience working in a rural or urban farm setting, as well as a demonstrated understanding of and experience with outdoor working conditions, farm equipment and safety requirements while performing manual labor desirable

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position. The typical work schedule is Monday–Friday between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with weekend and/or evening to support the needs of the organization.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid work environment with required on site hours during the growing season to oversee and manage operations. This position may require travel to off-site programming locations.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $45,000 - $60,000 annually.

Emerson Farms currently provides paid time off for holidays, personal, vacation and sick days, and medical, dental and vision benefits. Benefit eligibility varies depending on employment status and the number of hours you are regularly scheduled to work.

Physical Requirements

- Able to lift 50lbs.

- Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.

- Auditory and visual acuity to interact with staff, volunteers and partners on a daily basis.

- Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced environment.

- Daily standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting in an outdoor environment is required.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees performing this job. Furthermore, this job description does not establish a contract of employment. Emerson Farms may change job descriptions at any time, with or without notice as service needs require.

Please send your cover letter and resume to info@emerson-farms.org by September 5th to be considered.