Help Us Grow-The Farm at Our House Seeks A Farm Manager/Co-Owner
The Farm at Our House Farm seeks a Manager/Co-Owner motivated self-starter who is willing to make a significant commitment to manage the production, development, marketing and sales of organically certified mixed vegetables, small fruits, pastured eggs and shiitake mushrooms on and off the farm. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to farm full time in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Manager/Co-Owner plays a critical role in working with the existing owner, who is also a full time high school teacher during the school year, to lead the farm management team and provide oversight of full time employees, college interns, Our House residents and high school volunteers in the summer. The Manager/Co-Owner must be willing and able to collaboratively oversee the entire farm operation. The current owner recognizes that whoever takes the position may opt to determine whether co-ownership is appropriate for them after managing the farm for a majority of the season.
Responsibilities in Partnership with Existing Owner:
· Management--- supervise & collaborate 1-2 other farm management team members, 1-2 college interns, Our House trainees, and seasonal high school employees.
· Production—lead and perform field work, including supervision of staff: planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, packing of crops, and care of laying hens; assist with mushroom production, equipment maintenance/repair, capital projects, and care of 8 acre field.
· Marketing—possibly represent farm at one or more weekly farmers markets or CSA pickup site; ensure delivery of produce to wholesale customers; manage produce allocation among markets, wholesale and CSA; contribute to newsletter, website, and marketing materials.
· Administration—play a lead role in budgeting, crop rotation planning, crop/variety selection, capital project planning; coordinate with Our House leadership and staff; communicate with CSA members; ensure work is documented and organic certification requirements are met.
· Business Development- Help develop a long-term business strategy, share responsibility for the farm’s continued existence and future development.
Estimated Time Allotment:
Open to negotiation, but might look like the following:
Production and on-farm supervision: about 60% of time
Marketing: about 20% of time
Administration: about 20% of time
Required Qualifications:
Minimum of three years of farming experience, basic tractor skills and understanding of tractor implement use and capability, seed starting and direct seeding knowledge, very good communication and organizational skills.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with at-risk young people, administrative and supervisory experience, marketing experience, small fruit expertise.
Compensation:
The farm manager can expect to make between $300-$400/ per week, which includes 12 paid sick or vacation days and possibility of housing stipend. In addition there is free housing available and incentive based profit sharing opportunities based.
Please forward resume, cover letter, and three references to farm owner, Marc Grossman, at thefarmatourhouse@gmail.com or call him at 202 412 5698 with questions about this opportunity.
Summer Interns:
Summer interns work around 40 hours per week and are provided a weekly stipend of $200/week. Most of our summer interns are college students who begin in the spring and finish the season by mid to late August. We will work with your university to ensure that you receive credit for the internship if possible. No previous farming experience is required, but a strong desire to learn is obligatory. Interns receive free professional development opportunities in the form of farm visits and on the job tutorials. We cannot provide housing for our summer interns.
Summer Interns work side by side with the Farm Manager and Apprentices in marketing, production and to a lesser degree administration.
Please forward resume, cover letter, and three references to Marc
at marcgrossman2001@yahoo.comor call 202 412 5698 for
more information.
High School Interns:
As a high school intern you will experience all aspects of market farming including planting, weeding, harvesting, and possibly marketing and sales. You can expect to do demanding physical activity on a regular basis in the heat of summer and in the rain. You will receive a 45 minute lunch and at least two ten minute breaks (more depending on the heat). High school interns are not expected to work if the temperatures go above 100 degrees. You will be
expected to learn the names of the different crops we sell, and gain familiarity with our methods of growing, washing, and packing produce, as well as the tools we use.
As an intern you are expected to commit at least 80 hours to the farm during the season and in return you will receive student service learning hours. Those interns who do not oblige their commitment will not receive any Student Service Learning Hours. You can expect to work 3-5 days/ week at the farm during the weeks you choose to
work. It is important that schedule the weeks you plan to work and show up on those dates. No more than 5 high school interns can work on any one day. If you cannot work on a scheduled day it is important to contact us quickly as interns play a critical role in the farm operation.
There is public bus service within 3 miles of the farm. We typically schedule carpools from the bus stop to the farm or rely on parents to drive groups of students to the farm. We will accept up to 15 interns this summer.
To apply click HERE and complete the application.
In order to work on the farm you will also need to complete two wavier forms:
Farm Waiver
Our House Inc. Wavier
Volunteers:
We love volunteers and can accommodate many schedules. Email us at thefarmatourhouse@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering with us.
