Lead Farmer

Salary Range $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Position Type Full Time

Travel Percentage None

Description

Make a difference in a family's life!

Volunteers of America Upstate New York's continuum of residential programs offer homeless & low-income individuals and families safe housing and support services. We provide long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and poverty by helping the people we serve overcome obstacles and develop healthier, more self-sufficient lives.

Lead Farmer

JOB SUMMARY :

This full time position will support the growth of VOA’s urban hydroponic farm program.. The lead farmer will work in VOA’s Greenery S vertical container farm. The lead farmer will be responsible for day to day operations, including seeding, transplanting, harvesting, delivery and maintenance, and maintaining records and reporting in accordance with Volunteers of America of Upstate New York’s policy and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Operate and grow inside a hydroponic container farm (Greenery S). This includes seeding, transplanting, harvesting and maintenance.

Perform routine maintenance of farm, including water and nutrient tan turnover, HVAC maintenance, sanitation and sensor calibration

Packaging and distribution of retail, wholesale and program produce

Follow standard operating procedures and best practices for crop health, food safety and indoor agriculture

Assist with The Farm’s program offering, including education, volunteers and workforce development.

Assist with manning farm markets as necessary

Help manage inventory and ordering needs

Other relevant duties as assigned to support the farm mission and operations.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS :

Background in hydroponics, urban farming, gardening education and / or culinary arts preferred

Passion for hands on learning, plants, food and farming. Inherent interest in how things work, enjoys technology and troubleshooting

Comfortable with computers and using computers to operate the farm

Organized, clean and detail oriented

Physical ability to be on your feet for hours at a time, bending, reaching, lifting heavy objects and reaching in tight spaces

Experience with farm operations, GAP and other certifications preferred

Clean NYS Driver’s License

Commitment to the VOA Farm mission of providing quality affordable produce to low income households.

VOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including :

Competitive Pay Paid Time Off Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Company Paid Life & LTD Insurance 403(b), & more!

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.