Do you have a passion for farming, food justice and social services? Are you ready to bring your farm experience, organizational skills, and creativity to an organization that is the backbone of Pierce County’s emergency food system? Do you want to work with a dynamic team, interact with incredible people, engage with the community, and have a significant impact on food security in our community?

OUR STORY:

Emergency Food Network is located in Lakewood, WA and was established in 1982. In a given year, we move 14 to 19 million pounds of food and serve over 70+ partner food pantries, meal sites, and shelters. We also run an 8-acre farm in the Puyallup Valley that organically grows food for distribution to food pantries. EFN has been trusted to allocate and distribute local resources from various sources including the Federal & State government, businesses, and individuals. Each year, the farm uses organic practices to grow over 100,000 pounds of fresh produce for our partners. Mostly focused on vegetables, the farm also has an orchard, beehives, and flower garden. We grow and harvest throughout the year, using two high tunnels and three caterpillar tunnels over the winter.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

EFN’s Mother Earth Farm (MEF) is looking for a collaborative Farm Co-Manager. The farm team is made up of two co-managers, several seasonal assistants, Harvest AmeriCorps, interns, and volunteers. The Farm Co-Manager will work on all aspects of production farming at MEF. We are looking for someone with demonstrated ability in producing high quality organic produce, soil and pest expertise, excellent managerial and communication skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative environment. The position is split between two co-managers with specific areas of expertise and oversight assigned to each. Many of MEF’s systems are already set in place but require vision and flexibility in implementing throughout the season.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaboratively set goals and systems for farming on an 8-acre diversified organic farm including 5 acres of row crops, two small orchards, and a couple of beehives
• Follow best agricultural practices for production, harvesting, washing, and distributing produce to multiple food pantries
• Operate farm equipment including tractors, riding lawn mowers, walk behind rototillers etc.
• Balance production goals with available labor and environmental sustainability
• Co-Manage and lead the Farm Team by setting work plans, communicating goals, implementing training, providing oversight, and delegating tasks
• Co-lead the Farm Team with daily, weekly, and monthly goals for production, harvest, and planting
• Work with Development Team to coordinate farm events including Farm Kick-Off, Wine and Weeding, Field to Feast, Brewer’s Nights, and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to plan volunteer programs, set tasks, and keep records throughout the season
• Collaborate with CEO and the Farm Team to communicate farm goals, program achievements and needs throughout the season to supporters and donors
• Co-create farm budget, track spending, and communicate funding needs with assistance from Finance Director and Development Team
• Attend organizational and farm related community meetings with a focus on building relationships (this may include outreach events and public speaking)
• Organize, schedule, and track distribution to our food pantry partners
• Payroll and staff scheduling oversight with Finance Department support
• In the past this farm has traditionally worked with women from the Washington Women’s Correctional Center- that program is currently on hold due to the pandemic
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Has a strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills
• Has two or more years of experience in growing organic vegetables, soil health management, and pest control
• Two years of management experience
• Proven ability in operating tractors and farm equipment. Machinery maintenance experience is a strong benefit, but not necessary
• Familiarity with irrigation systems
• Must be a collaborative leader who values a co-management model and diverse team input
• Demonstrated ability to manage employees, train and lead teams of people including facilitating group discussion and de-escalation on farming and related tasks
• Demonstrated expertise with superior time-management, tracking, and prioritization skills. 
• Enjoys working in a diverse, fast-paced environment with passionate, talented and committed people
• Strong and effective oral and written communications and interpersonal skills
• Patient with a kind demeanor and sense of humor
• A passionate advocate for access to nutritious food as a key social justice strategy  
• Strong networks in Pierce County (preferred) must have a valid driver’s license and insurance

WORK SCHEDULE:

• The schedule is typically 8am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday but due to variances in seasonal and farm schedules, flexibility will be needed. There will be weeknight and weekend events throughout the season that will also need support approximately one per month.

COMPENSATION STARTING:

• $25 to $26 per hour based on experience. This is a full-time non-exempt position
• 2 weeks of vacation, increased to 3 weeks of vacation after 2 years, and 8 hours added monthly to your sick balance
• We provide excellent medical, vision, and dental plans plus life and disability insurance with EFN currently covering 100% of the cost of the employee’s insurance premiums
• EFN has a 403(b) plan and currently contributes 5% after 6 months of employment

HOW TO APPLY:

• Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@efoodnet.org.
• We will start reviewing applications on October 13, 2021 and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

EFN is a collaborative, team-focused, workspace. The Farm Team (which includes this position) values transparency, collaboration, and sustainability. Opportunities to engage in local farm education and training will be available. All applicants will be subjected to a background check.  Background check findings do not automatically disqualify you from employment.

EFN is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all interested applicants to apply. For more information about the Emergency Food Network, please visit our website www.efoodnet.org.