Job Opportunity: Farm Manager with Fresh City Farms
Posted: January 6, 2014
Categories: GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Members / Opportunities / Volunteer. Job and Writing Opportunities
Fresh City Farms is seeking a Farm Manager for the 2014 growing season. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Contact information is available at the bottom of the post.
From the Good Work Canada job posting:
Fresh City is a city farm based on six acres of land in Toronto. We are changing how people think about food by bringing food makers and eaters closer together than they have been in several generations. We deliver food bags to thousands of Torontonians each week and also run an array of workshops and education programs.
The Position:
We’re looking for a Farm Manager. You will need three main sets of skills. First and foremost, knowledge and passion for farming organically. Second, a hardworking attitude and attention to detail. And finally, a team player who wants to help us push boundaries.
You will be responsible for all aspects of planting, tending and harvesting our organic farm and greenhouse. You will be assisted by the assistant farm managers, member farmers, and interns throughout the growing season. You embrace diversity and can work with people from all walks of life.
Responsibilities
Pre-Season, Part-time (January-March):
- finalize and strategize the implementation of the crop plan
- attending Fresh City Farms monthly meetings with staff and member farmers
- creating a communications plan with the General Manager to be used throughout the 2014 growing season
Growing Season, Full-time (April to November):
- Managing two plots (approx. 600 meters apart) at Downsview Park, totaling a maximum of 4 acres
- Planning, developing, and directing functions such as planning and implementation of planting; weeding; harvesting/post-harvesting; irrigating; soil fertility and amendments
- Determining soil use and rotation of crops
- Daily supervision and direction of staff, member farmers, and interns
- Coordinating and making recommendations for improvements, land preparation, fertilizing, planting crops, cultivation, harvesting, processing and marketing
- Ordering equipment and materials
- Maintaining records, preparing reports, and composing correspondence related to work
Please note that this role will not require management of marketing or distributing the produce. There is also someone coordinating the recruitment and orientation of volunteers.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Two or more seasons experience in organic market gardening growing a variety of vegetables
- Experience leading and motivating staff and volunteers
- Urban farming and CSA experience is an asset
- Class ‘G’ drivers license
Schedule and Compensation
The Farm Manager will start working on a part-time basis in January, with an increased time commitment during the farm season. The base salary of this position will be $32,000 annually with health/dental benefits as well as a free produce bag. There will also be a substantial performance bonus.
Contact
Applications will be accepted until we find an appropriate candidate. Please send a cover letter, resume, and portfolio (if available) to Phil Collins, Farm Director at phil 
freshcityfarms.com*