Senior Farm Operations Manager

The Senior Farm Operations Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for all farm operations across Green City Force's Eco-Hub sites within NYCHA developments. This key role is responsible for maximizing agricultural productivity while simultaneously cultivating youth and career development opportunities. The Manager will collaborate closely with young adults and program staff to ensure the efficient and effective operation of each site.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Site Planning, Maintenance, and Management

• Oversee overall ground maintenance of all sites (currently 6 sites totaling ~5 acres, with expansion planned) to ensure proper production, upkeep, appearance, safety, compliance, and an overall inviting space for program participants and the community.
• Create and execute year-round crop plans for all sites, soliciting and incorporating feedback from community members and Service Coordinators, including ordering all necessary supplies (seeds, seedlings, soil, compost, woodchips, tools and equipment); high tunnel management; and providing guidance on weekly Eco-Hub tasks and priorities
• Project-lead infrastructure planning, construction, and repairs, including but not limited to farm beds, shade structures, compost bins (in coordination with Compost Power), solar panels, pathways, rainwater catchment systems, drip irrigation systems, storage areas, and physical grounds. This includes coordinating with independent contractors with infrastructure expertise.
• Ensure farm production and operations data is accurately tracked, submitted, and reported
• Serve as point for farm-site supply deliveries and inventory management; manage distribution of supplies from office to farm sites in collaboration with support from the Farm Operations Associate

Training and Supervision

• Supervise Farm the Operations Associate, providing direction on daily tasks and priorities, and training and coaching as needed to support task execution and professional development
• Train Corps Members in site and classroom-based sessions focused on developing their technical knowledge of urban agriculture, with supplemental training on horticulture, green infrastructure, carpentry, compost, and other related fields where relevant. Review Corps Member assignments and lead mid- and end-term evaluations, and update existing curriculum as needed.
• Provide technical hands-on field training for new staff and periodic refresher trainings for existing staff
• Support supervision of Corps Members on specific projects related to the operation of Eco-Hub sites

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years of organic small/urban farm production expertise
• Minimum 2 years of manager/ supervisory experience/ or demonstrated track record of driving independent outcomes
• Valid Drivers’ License for at least 6 months and able to drive a cargo van in New York City
• Available for a Tuesday-Saturday schedule through the growing season, including early mornings
• Ability to manage daily operations and multiple project needs across different locations.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain farm tools and machinery
• An asset-based approach to working with young people and low-income communities of color. Comfortability with youth development and supervising young adults , providing real-time coaching and learning opportunities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• OSHA 40 and CPR/First Aid certification (will be provided if applicant does not have)

About GCF:

Green City Force (GCF) engages young adults from New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) communities in service years related to the environment. In doing so, we prepare them for sustainable careers, while serving to make public housing communities more sustainable and healthier, creating the green city we want to see.

Our 700+ graduates are working in all areas of the green economy, from energy efficiency to composting, and construction to hydroponic farming. A recent report documents the multiple benefits of GCF’s holistic model, through which young adults in public housing grow change in their communities and their own lives. To learn more about GCF’s impact in NYCHA communities please visit www.greencityforce.org

Green City Force is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds to apply. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law. GCF is an Employer of Service.