Job Description

The Center for Discovery, designated as a Center of Excellence by the New York State Department of Health and OPWDD, is a major research and specialty center that offers residential, medical and special education programs as well as world-class Music and Creative Arts Therapy, Adapted Physical Education, and a biodynamic agricultural program among other unique services.

Located less than two hours from New York City, The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around New York State and the world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research and treatment for a myriad of disabilities and complex conditions.

Each year, The Center serves more than 1,200 children, adults, and families.

Health. Wellness. And Wonders.

Job Description

TITLE: Farm Manager

REPORTS TO: Director of Farm Operations, Chief of DNA

DIRECT REPORTS: Assist with oversight of vegetable teams

FLSA: Exempt

PURPOSE:

1. Assist in all aspects of Thanksgiving Farms farming operations.
2. Provide support to the Director of Farm Operations in all areas of production including vegetables, orchards, and post-harvest products.
3. This position is a hands-on farming position and as such requires onsite daily farm tasks including but not limited to planting, harvesting, plowing, product delivery.
4. Participate in farming activities related to resident and student skill acquisition and vocational learning.

PRIMARY DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

Agricultural

1. Assists Director of Farm Operations with the following tasks (but not limited to):
2. All aspects of vegetable and fruit production, including greenhouse and hoophouse management.
3. Help compile pertinent information relating to organic/biodynamic certification.
4. Assist with all post production processing: lacto fermented vegetables, vinegar making, and any other future products.
5. Demonstrate the ability to operate all farm equipment including tractors.

DayHab/Education

1. Help to provide farming opportunities which integrate appropriate aspects of agriculture into education/dayhab programs.
2. Communicate these daily needs to education/ dayhab management and participate in the integration of students and residents onto the farm.
3. Educate dayhab/education staff in relation to agricultural opportunities in order for them to support residents and students on the farm.

Farm Operations

1. Work with the Director of Farm Operations to gain a clear understanding of the farming enterprise as a whole.
2. Help with the management of the farm during vacations, holidays, and time off of the Director of Farm Operations.
3. As a clearer understanding of the farm enterprise develops, identify and communicate ideas and insights for improving the farming operation.
4. Assist in conducting farm based research as appropriate.
5. Assist in management of CSA and post-harvest activities.
6. Assist in crop management of the orchard, greenhouse, and field grown crops.
7. Any farm related task the Director of Farm Operations deems necessary and appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Internal: All Agency related required trainings

Language/Writing Skills: Advanced ability to speak, read and understand English, with fluency in Spanish desirable.

Other: Drivers license.

External Experience: Prior farming and management experience. Knowledge in operating large scale farming equipment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Frequently on feet, frequent walking and standing required.
2. Frequent lifting of materials/equipment up to 40 pounds required.
3. Occasional heavy (up to 100 pounds) lifting of materials/equipment required.
4. Consistent outside work, exposure to all elements and weather conditions.
5. Exposure to noise.
6. Occasional exposure to odors.
7. Frequent light lifting, bending and/or stooping required.
8. Frequent operation of farm equipment and motor vehicles.
9. Frequent 12+ hour days during the growing season to achieve production goals.
10. Ability to work 7 days a week during the growing season when necessary.
11. Ability to work all holidays between March and December.
12. Ability to assist any farm related emergency, 24 hours on call (part of housing agreement).

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