Contact Information
Name: Paul Huber
Email: TroyFarm@rootedwi.org
Job location: Madison, Wisconsin
Business name: Rooted
ABOUT ROOTED
Rooted evolved from a desire to merge the strengths of two vibrant Madison organizations—Center for Resilient Cities and Community GroundWorks—committed to enabling people to grow and thrive in healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods. We ground our work in collaborations rooted in food, land, and learning.
Ours is a firm commitment to building racial equity and inclusion and dismantling racism in our communities, in our education and food systems, in the environmental movement, and within our organization. This is a path of lifelong learning and commitment to action.
ABOUT TROY FARM
Troy Farm is a vegetable production and education project of Rooted (formerly Community Groundworks). The farm has been growing certified organic vegetables on Madison’s Northside since 2001, and we are proud to be the city’s oldest urban farm. Troy Farm sells produce to farm members and other Madison residents at our on-site farm stand on Thursday evenings and at the Northside Farmers’ Market on Sunday mornings. Through our Urban Farmer Training program, we teach small-scale, organic growing practices and explore the role of urban farms in local food systems and community organizing.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The current production of Troy Farm includes 2+ acres of field as well as greenhouse production of certified organic diversified vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. The Troy Farm Manager will work closely with the Troy Farm Director to ensure the production of Troy Farm is aligned with the organization’s commitment to enabling people to grow and thrive in healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FARM PRODUCTION
– Oversee all aspects of two-wheel tractor urban farm production, including tillage, planting, cultivation, pest control, harvesting, and packing on 2+ acres of organic cropland.
– Oversee greenhouse operations, including both seedling and inground production.
– Assist with creation of annual farm production plan, including seed order, planting calendar, field maps, etc.
– Implement farm production record keeping, including harvest records, field work logs, equipment maintenance logs, etc.
– Identify and execute weekly production priorities and goals.
– Implement production quality standards in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
– Maintain existing infrastructure and equipment, including greenhouse, tractors, irrigation systems, tools, etc.
– Assist with the development of new infrastructure and capital improvements, as needed.
– Ensure that farm organic certification and WI food safety licensing requirements are met and maintained.
SUPERVISION
– Lead Farm crew, with assistance from Crew Leader, in all aspects of production. Lead sales crew for Sunday’s Northside Farmers Market.
– Social Enterprise
– Assist with the planning, implementation, and marketing of Troy Farm’s existing social enterprises, including direct-to-consumer sales through the Sunday Northside Farmers Market, wholesale accounts for vegetables, herbs, and sprouts, on-farm events, and an annual plant sale.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
– Attend farm team, land-based program team, and agency staff meetings.
– Assist with tours and Rooted events.
– Act as ambassador of Rooted through effective communication of the organization’s mission and programs.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
– This position requires a minimum of 2 seasons experience in commercial vegetable production; or equivalent.
– Experience with and knowledge of direct-to-consumer (CSA, farmers markets) and wholesale sales channels.
– Ability to operate farm equipment, including a 16ft. box truck, four-wheel tractor, two-wheel tractor, and other farm equipment.
– Experience supervising employees, trainees, interns and/or volunteers.
– Ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions.
– Ability to lift 50 lbs.
– Strong organizational and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and tasks.
– Flexibility and willingness to grow in response to needs or changes in the field.
– Commitment to mission and values of Rooted, including social justice racial equity.
– Experience working with diverse groups of people in community settings a plus.
– Experience working with and maintaining small scale farm equipment and tools a plus.
– Proficient use of Microsoft Excel and other office software a plus.
– Experience working with non-profit organizations a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / REQUIREMENTS
– Must have access to reliable transportation and provide a copy of a valid driver’s license.
– Willingness and ability to work some weekend and evening hours.
– Ability to pass standard background check.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
Rooted is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from diverse applicants of all ages. Rooted is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
POSITION CLASSIFICATION
– This position is a FLSA non-exempt, full time (40 hrs./week at 1400 hrs) March 1st -October, part time (13 hrs./week) November February. Total 0.78 FTE (1,621 hrs./year).
– Eligible for benefits, including paid time off.
– This position has a six (6) month probationary period.
Salary: Starting salary of $17/hour