Join the Foodlink Team!
Employees of Foodlink represent a dedicated and diverse group working to help fight hunger and foster community health and wellness in our area. Job opportunities range from warehouse work, drivers, kitchen staff, program staff, administrative support, marketing and events.
If you would like to learn more about joining the Foodlink team, please email your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to hr@foodlinkny.org. Only potential interviewees will be contacted.
Job Openings
Title: Farm Coordinator
Department: Freshwise Farms
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Type: Full-time
Freshwise Farms is a social enterprise of Foodlink, the regional food bank. It includes a one-acre hydroponic greenhouse and nine acres of surrounding fields. The purpose of Freshwise Farms is to:
- Complement the food bank operations
- Generate revenue to support anti-hunger initiatives across the Genesee Valley and Finger Lakes region
- Serve as an educational center promoting local, fresh, healthy foods.
General Description:
We are seeking an innovative, strong leader to manage day-to-day operations and help expand greenhouse business opportunities. The ideal candidate will be someone who enjoys hands-on growing activities with expertise in all aspects of crop production, including purchasing supplies, propagation, potting, fertilizing, watering, pest and disease management practices, and maintaining environmental controls. Other duties consist of business development and marketing, hiring and managing grower staff, providing customer service, implementing inventory control, and ensuring the upkeep of equipment and facilities.
A flexible work schedule to include some weekends is required. Position also requires extensive knowledge of hydroponic plant production (leaf crops) and personnel management skills with proven ability to be self-motivated. Experience with organics and USDA certification a plus.
Works closely with:
Chief Operations Officer
Greenhouse Personnel
Freshwise Food Service Manager
Duties/ Responsibilities:
Freshwise Farms:
- Assist in the preparation of business plan and operating budget
- Prepare production plan for green house determining product mix to optimize production and meet goals of the business plan
Marketing:
- Prepare a marketing plan target customers and markets which will absorb product as it becomes harvested
- Meet with prospective buyers to educate them on the value and quality of our product
- Oversee sales and shipping of product as it is harvested meeting customer demands
- Oversee quality control to assure that Freshwise standards have been maintained
Production:
- Purchase seed, fertilizer and other raw materials of sufficient quality and quantity to assure that Freshwise production projections are met
- Hire, train and oversee farm staff with regard to maximizing production and minimizing loss
Facilities:
- Maintain production equipment, make recommendations for improvement with in the budget to maximize the use of space available
- Maintain the premises in a business-like and orderly manner
Other activities:
- Conduct periodic workshops educating groups on the value of pesticide-free produce and promote the selection of healthy foods
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
At least five years of experience as a manager/ strategic planning a plus
- Expertise with hydroponics
- Experience in composting system
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive. Employees in this job will follow other instructions and perform other related duties as required.
To apply for this posting, please send a cover letter, resume and potential start date to hr@foodlinkny.org. No phone calls please.
|
