Position Description for Farm Operations and Training Manager

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1998, Iowa Valley RC&D’s influence is grounded in community, partnerships, and collaboration as we train and support farmers, build local food infrastructure, generate new innovative markets, improve access of locally grown foods, and model and communicate the positive impact of a future food system that nourishes people and place.

Iowa Valley is committed to centering community needs and lifting-up community strengths as part of all our programs and partnerships. We work alongside farmers, value chain coordinators, and value complex reciprocity in our work with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as we explore our relationships with diverse communities, food, land, and agriculture. We are committed to centering racial justice and social equity through collaborative and intentional projects.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Farm Operations and Training Manager will manage and implement various programs within the IVRCD Farmer Development Department aimed at promoting sustainability, equity, and accessibility within the food system. The Manager oversees and participates in the Grow: Johnson County, farmer training and education, on-farm research and demonstration, and the Land Access programs at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm. The Manager will work with the Program Director and Farm Coordinator to oversee the Grow: Johnson County production activities including developing weekly farm schedules, crop planning, greenhouse management, field management, harvest activities, and equipment maintenance. They will collaborate with other staff to oversee food distribution and outreach to Grow: Johnson County partners. The Manager will support the Business Education Manager by providing training to seasonal apprentices and fulltime fellows of the two - year intensive farmer training program. This training includes in-field demonstrations, hands-on training and presentations to program participants.

DUTIES AND AND FUNCTIONS

Essential

Project Management and Implementation: Support directors in setting project schedules and meeting project objectives; Complete specific project tasks as assigned by directors.

Field and Crop Management: Oversee crop planning, greenhouse management, field planting, weeding, irrigation, and machine operation.

Harvest and Distribution Management: Lead decision-making and resource allocation on harvest days including post harvest activities and in-field practices. Serve as Food Safety Lead for Grow: Johnson County farm.

Team Management: Lead and motivate the farm operations team to complete farm tasks. Perform annual evaluation of the Farm Coordinator(s).

Facility, Infrastructure and Equipment Management: With support from the Program Director, oversee that all farm equipment, infrastructure and facilities are in proper repair, regular maintenance is completed and safety considerations are made.

Farm Optimization: Develop and apply strategies that enhance efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices, while creating educational experiences for training participants.

Program Outreach: Engage with the public and communicate about program activities and accomplishments; participate in writing the Grow Newsletter and The Dirt.

Project Planning: Participate in farmer development team meetings and provide input on project strategies and plans. Support grant project idea generation and development.

Fellow, Apprentice and Volunteer Training and Education: With Program Director and Farmer Education Manager provide hands on training and demonstration and provide presentations to program participants. Trains and monitors temporary and full-time staff and volunteers to complete on-farm practices safely.

Partnership Engagement: Attends regular meetings and communicates with on-site Johnson County Historic Poor Farm and Grow Johnson County program partners to achieve program goals and to maintain positive relationships with those partners.

Budget Management: Collaborate with Program Director on annual budgeting for the Grow Johnson County farm; Manage and monitor day-to-day farm expenses; notify the Program Director of emerging needs

Monitoring and Evaluation: Collect and analyze field and crop data related to assigned projects; contribute to project reports.

File and Data Management: Support the organization and management of program data, databases, files and internal controls for programs to ensure quality file management using tools such as AirTable, Excel, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Non-Essential

JCHPF Management Support: Assist with site maintenance and support event preparation.

Professional Development: Participate in professional development activities relevant to the position.

Duties as assigned: Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned by the Program Director.

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE

Diversity brings strength, creativity, and resilience. Iowa Valley believes that one of our key roles is creating meaningful opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of color to engage in their communities. We seek to empower marginalized people to become future leaders in a just, equitable community. Iowa Valley RC&D is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. There is no tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind in our organization.

Iowa Valley RC&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, especially those who have been marginalized by society due to race, color, religion, gender, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, Iowa Valley RC&D will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with Iowa Valley RC&D.

COMPENSATION

$52,000 annual gross wages

This position may require overtime and weekend hours during the regular farm season (April - October) and possibly less than 40 hrs during the off-season November - March.

This is a full-time position and eligible for benefits that include health, dental, vision, PTO, cell phone stipend, etc. This position is located at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm and in the Iowa Valley RC&D office in Amana part time as well as remote. Travel is required. Must possess and maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

TO APPLY

To apply for the position, send a resume, cover letter, and references that outlines the following to Jason Grimm at jason@ivrcd.org;

· Your motivation to apply for this position

· Your past experiences that will help you succeed in this role

Interviews will be conducted with qualified applicants on a rolling basis after December 9th and will continue until the position is filled.

Click here to see the formal job description for this position.

CONTACT

For any questions or concerns regarding the position please contact Executive Director Jason Grimm at jason@ivrcd.org