Farm Manager

About ORIS and Fresh Start Farms:

The Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS) is an ethnic community-based nonprofit t organization with the mission to aid in the resettlement of refugees and immigrants by providing training, assistance, resources, and opportunities that promote self-suffi ciency. ORIS’s Board of Directors and staff are majority new Americans, representing eight countries and fl uent in thirteen languages. The power of ORIS lies in its cultural understanding, linguistic expertise and fi rst-hand knowledge of the immigrant experience.

ORIS’s New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP) engages refugees and immigrants with agricultural backgrounds in developing their own small, sustainable farm enterprises that are consistent with their culture, lifestyle, and aspirations. Participating farmers also bring their native languages, including Maay Maay, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Nepali and more. NASAP provides farmer training, technical assistance, access to land and markets and business development support. Participants are able to sell their produce through farmers markets and farm stands, and ORIS’s Fresh Start Farms brand.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the NASAP Director, the Farm Manager is responsible for the management of our farm and garden locations, which currently include over 20 acres in Dunbarton, Concord, and Boscawen, NH. The Farm Manager, in collaboration with the Training & Technical Assistance Manager, also provides training and technical assistance in vegetable crop production to farmers, interns, and volunteers. The Farm Manager works closely with NASAP and Fresh Start Farms staff and farmers to link growers with program activities and with other agricultural support services. The Farm Manager may be called upon to supervise a seasonal farm assistant, on-farm volunteers, and/or interns.

Responsibilities:

• Manage on-site farm operations, including the use and maintenance of NASAP and communal equipment and infrastructure (tractors, lawn mowers, wells and irrigation systems, wash/pack stations and coolers), managing plot assignments, scheduling tilling, monitoring waste and septic services, ordering supplies and materials, and mowing and landscaping.
• Participate in the development and implementation of hands-on farmer training and technical assistance covering topics such as: high tunnel/hoop house/greenhouse production, tilling and fi eld maintenance, setting up and maintaining irrigation systems, soil conservation and fertility management, seed/plant orders, planting and harvesting, pest management, high tunnel usage, and other activities.
• Maintain pesticide applicator’s license and assist participants in developing and implementing an organic pest management system.
• Participate in team planning, discussions and activities including: farmer plan interviews, purchase assistance meetings, program events, budget development and goal setting, problem solving and team building.
• Provide weekly support for NASAP farmers on harvesting and post-harvest handling and safety, as needed.
• Ensure all staff and farmers are following food safety plans and guidelines.
• Support farmers’ documentation of their production activities; take photographs and assist growers with maintaining farm records.
• Coordinate on-farm activities for visitors, volunteers, and interns as required, including coordination with local schools.
• Assist NASAP Director with program evaluation, including on-farm data collection and management, and production of timely reports.
• Attend relevant conferences, training, and workshops, and keep up-to-date on professional research and literature.
• Participate at regular project meetings and other events as scheduled.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should be able to take on a leadership role in helping immigrant farmers reach their farm goals. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and strong agricultural skills are a must. The candidate must be well organized, self-motivated, and exceptionally accountable. Minimum of 2 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture and/or farm management in the northeast U.S.; installing, working with, and repairing farm equipment such as tractors and irrigation systems; and effectively implementing project plans.

• Experience in community building/development and with training multicultural groups including those with limited literacy and/or English comprehension.
• Proficiency in another language will be considered an asset (Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Maay Maay, Nepali, Swahili, etc.) and multilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to safely operate farm equipment, lift heavy objects, and perform manual labor required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly oral and non-verbal communications skills.
• Exceptional time management and organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collect data and keep accurate, meticulous records.
• Committed to food and land justice, sustainable agriculture, community development, and issues impacting new American communities.
• Ability to both collaborate as part of a multicultural team and be self-motivated, working with minimal supervision.
• Driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Candidates with first-hand or lived experience in new American communities are especially encouraged to apply.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability

ORIS is an equal opportunity employer. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in the position to nluc-anilus@refugeesuccess.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20