Newhall Fields is a non-profit organization and community farm with a mission to increase access to fresh, high quality local produce for everyone in our community. We use organic and sustainable methods to grow a diverse range of vegetables and herbs on less than an acre of historic farmland in Peabody, Massachusetts. We work with hunger relief organizations, senior living facilities and other community partners to distribute food in Peabody, Lynn, Lynnfield, and Salem. We provide on-farm engagement opportunities for community members of all ages and abilities through volunteering and farm-based educational programs. We are seeking an energetic, community-minded grower to guide our farm through the next phase of wholesale growth, infrastructure improvements, and expansion of our cultivated fields.
Title: Farm Manager and Instructor
Reports to: Newhall Fields Community Farm Director, Jeannette McGinn
Status: Seasonal part-time; approximately 20 hours/week; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8:30am to 12:00pm on the farm; plus additional hours preparation, planning, and field work
Salary Range: Compensation is per hour based on experience
Start Date: Seasonal employment from March to November (start and end dates are somewhat flexible) [2022 as soon as possible]
Added benefit: Access to all farm grown produce, herbs, and flowers
Overview of primary responsibilities
Agriculture and produce/herb/flower distribution
Crop planning and greenhouse management; including seeding and watering with the help of volunteers
Setup and maintain irrigation, equipment, and tools
Lead and supervise the farm volunteers and interns: planting, weeding, harvesting, and other field work
Operate tractors and other mechanical equipment
Manage farm food safety protocols
Supervise the washing and packing of produce and herbs for distribution to food pantries, senior mobile market, farm-to-family programs (i.e. volunteer work-for-a-farm-share, SNAP and WIC coupon fresh produce and herb box), and wholesale accounts
Schedule deliveries for wholesale and donations so that volunteers can make these deliveries in an efficient manner
Work with the board of directors to create a budget and place orders for supplies and materials
Develop a long-term farm plan including regenerative organic agriculture and land/soil management best practices, increase production, add conservation practices, and diversify distribution
Programming and engaging the community
Help to develop farm-based education program offerings
Manage and teach programs for small groups of young people on the farm
Coordinate the program schedule with the director
Work with the director to coordinate farm-based volunteering for individuals and groups
Work with, provide guidance to, and create a welcoming and friendly environment for volunteers, neighbors, SNAP/WIC/Senior coupon customers, and other visitors
Maintain working relationship with Tillie’s Farmstand manager
Administrative responsibilities (support and additional volunteer resources will be provided to assist you in following responsibilities including bookkeeping and data entry support)
Maintain accurate records of crop production: including harvest, distribution, sales, and donations
Contribute to newsletter and social media to promote programs and education
Comply with state requirements for educators who work with children (CORI and First Aid/CPR certification)
Work with teams of lead volunteers and the board to improve existing systems to be more efficient and effective
Collaborate and build partnerships with farms, farmers, land conservation organizations, and stakeholders with board support
Input on annual budgeting, grant applications, and fundraising efforts
Submit hours every two weeks to human resources
Qualifications
Passionate and motivated to work on a small-scale, low-till, sustainable vegetable, flower, and herb production farm using organic practices
At least two seasons of experience on a vegetable farm strongly preferred
Eager to learn and receive constructive feedback
Ability to work both independently and as a team member
Demonstrate strong communication skills
Be able to crouch, squat, bend over, kneel, and stand for a good amount of time and ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Willingness to work in all weather conditions
Good at following directions and detail oriented
Have a creative and flexible approach to teaching and collaborating
Have experience directing and leading small groups
21 years of age by June 1, 2022
Pass CORI and SORI checks
Multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply (Spanish and Portuguese language skills, a plus)
Follow COVID-19 protocols
Ability to arrive punctually at the agreed-upon time and be reliably present on all
assigned work dates
Apply to join the Newhall Fields Community Farm team!
**Interested in becoming a Newhall Fields Community Farm team member in summer 2022. Send a cover letter, your resume, and references as soon as possible (applications will be accepted on a rolling basis). Email [email protected] with the subject line: Farm Manager, or mail Newhall Fields Community Farm, P.O. Box 131, Peabody, MA 01960. Any questions please call 978-595-1778. We will follow up with you to set up an interview.
Workplace considerations and expectations
Covid-19: We prioritize maintaining a safe and comfortable work environment and community space on the farm. Please note that employment with us means you are making a commitment to following all COVID-19 guidelines, limit personal risk outside of farm hours, and exercise caution and consideration for staff, volunteers, and community members as we collectively navigate this public health crisis.
Workplace inclusion: We are committed to creating a work environment that values and affirms the experiences of individuals of marginalized identities and backgrounds. We seek to foster a spirit of mutual accountability, constructive dialogue, empathetic listening, and inclusivity by acknowledging the role of systemic oppression as it impacts ourselves, each other, and the world of sustainable agriculture and food access.
