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Full-Time Position with Growing Hope URBAN FARM & GARDEN MANAGER Position Title: Urban Farm and Garden Manager Growing Hope is a grassroots non-profit organization in Ypsilanti, Michigan dedicated to empowering individuals, groups and communities through gardening and increasing access to healthy food. We aim to grow healthy people, grow healthy places, and grow healthy economies. Position Description We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Urban Farm and Garden Manager to join our team. This is a full time position and will begin as soon as it is filled. The Urban Farm and Garden Manager is responsible for bringing Growing Hope’s vision of Healthy People, Healthy Places, & Healthy Communities to life through the cultivation and management of the outdoor portions of our 1.4 acre urban property in the heart of Ypsilanti, including a series of organic demonstration garden and urban farm areas (including 30x96 foot hoophouse) and surrounding grounds/landscape management. The farm is a multi-purpose space used for organic-practice production, demonstration, education and events, and the farm and garden manager must keep the space presentable and inviting to the public at all times. The Urban Farm and Garden Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing annual garden and farm plans, leading farm and garden education through tours and workshops (that contribute to funding the position), and inspiring, instructing, and teaching volunteers, job trainees, youth and other visitors. S/he will be responsible for overseeing: ● Production Farm (5000 square feet) operations through implementing and maintaining a farm business and crop plan, meeting earned revenue targets (that partially fund this position), managing selling through existing and new wholesale, retail, and farmers markets/farm stand settings; ● Cooperative work with Program Director, Garden Program Manager and other staff to create and expand demonstration spaces, develop educational materials, and be an active teacher on-site to youth and adults ● Management, maintenance, and general upkeep of GH outdoor spaces; ● Administrative and support role in record keeping of all inputs and outputs of urban farm and garden spaces, assist in grant writing, and the continued development of the farm vision and implementation, exploration of value-added and site-rental opportunities, and other Growing Hope staff duties as assigned. S/he may help source produce for mobile farm stand and to corner stores. The Urban Farm & Garden Manager is responsible for the management of many volunteers, interns, and occasional part-time staff. S/he acts as an educator for youth and adults, and works with other Growing Hope staff, to expand educational vision of the site. The Urban Farm & Garden Manager reports to the Assistant Director. Qualified candidates will exhibit the following: ● At least three years of farming and gardening experience, with some urban farming preferred, including some experience in a management role, and experience in garden and/or farm planning and design. ● Experience teaching, training, and/or working with volunteers in a farm, garden or outdoor setting. ● Experience working with and leading volunteers of all skill levels individually and in large groups. ● Experience seed starting. ● Commitment to and experience in sustainable practices including weed, pest and water management. ● Previous experience with four-season farming/hoophouse cultivation. ● Business planning and crop planning experience. ● Willingness to do physical labor in all weather; Ability to lift 40lbs. ● Flexibility to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings, including evening and weekends as scheduled. ● A commitment to keep our space clean and tidy and an understanding of the challenges of working within a multi-purpose space and an urban environment. ● Highly competent in use of computers (Mac & PC both) and comfort using technology on a daily basis. ● Experience and dedication to data collection and reporting, including through Excel. ● Solid management skills, successful experience working in teams. ● Dedication to working as a member of and in partnership with diverse communities. ● Willingness to adapt to changing organizational conditions and extremely limited resources. ● Experience in nonprofit and community-based organizations ● Creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness and positive thinking. ● Someone who wants to grow professionally with the organization. ● Belief in asset-based, social justice approach. ● Carpentry skills, equipment maintenance skills and small engine repair skills preferred. ● Bee keeping, perennial, fruit tree, mushroom and vegetable cultivation, and animal husbandry knowledge preferred. ● Clean background check, driving record, and valid driver’s license will be required. ● Preference given to Ypsilanti-area residents or those willing to relocate to and engage in the Ypsilanti community. Compensation: $30,000/year. Full-time salaried. Medical, Vision, Dental and Life insurance are available after 90 days from original date of hire. To Apply: Application is rolling and open until filled. Start date ideally late June or early July. Submit resume & 2 page cover letter, complete with contact information for three references, to Amanda Edmonds, Executive Director, at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Samples of past work welcome, though not required. Growing Hope is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate potential employees based on race, creed, age, color, disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status. We encourage the following groups to apply: people of color, and individuals who possess an in-depth understanding of poverty or economic hardship. -- Amanda Maria Edmonds Executive Director, Growing Hope <http://www.growinghope.net/> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> 734.330.7576 Growing Hope helps people improve lives and communities through gardening and healthy food access. Help us connect Ypsilanti with fresh, healthy food by donating TODAY, and your contribution will be DOUBLED! Learn more at Patronicity.com/YpsiMarketPlace <http://patronicity.com/YpsiMarketPlace> So many ways to follow Growing Hope On Social Media! Are you connected? On Facebook: Growing Hope <https://www.facebook.com/growinghope> YpsiPlanti Garden Supply <https://www.facebook.com/ypsiplanti> Ypsilanti Farmers Markets <https://www.facebook.com/YpsilantiFarmersMarkets> All the Rest: Twitter <https://twitter.com/growingthehope> Pinterest <http://pinterest.com/growinghope/> Instagram <http://instagram.com/growingthehope> LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/growing-hope> <https://www.facebook.com/growinghope> <https://twitter.com/growingthehope> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/growing-hope> <http://instagram.com/growingthehope>