Farm Operations Director

ob Description

Position: Farm Operations Director

Full Time, Salaried and Non-Exempt

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Feed Iowa First (FIF) Farm Operations Director will be responsible for overseeing the successful functioning of day-to-day operations at Wanatee Farm and the program management of the Grow Don’t Mow program.

This is a multi-faceted role, with an emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. This role must exemplify the organizational values of Dignity, Equity, Health and Balance and work proactively with our leadership team to develop an exceptional work culture. The Farm Operations Director will be responsible for supporting, supervising, and directing the work of the Urban Farm Manager year round, and temp staff or other temp AmeriCorps and farm interns during the farm season.

Responsibilities 

• Support the Executive Director in developing, implementing, and evaluating program policies, procedures and standards
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day operations of Wanatee Farm, including the development and execution of farm plans, planting, harvest, and all other duties of farm management
• Work in conjunction with the Executive Director to generate an annual budget and manage program costs throughout the year
• Ensures all farm equipment and facilities are maintained, serviced, winterized and secured.
• Manage and schedule site specific volunteer activities
• Manage the Urban Farm Manager
• Create and deliver years’ end Farm Report 
• Harvesting, Field, and Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular harvesting of crops, maintain field conditions, and ensure all farming equipment is in good working order
• Support Veggie Van Community Distribution: Assist in the distribution of fresh produce through Feed Iowa First's Veggie Van to reach food-insecure community members.
• Support Farm Site Closures: Participate in closing farm sites, including tasks such as tilling, cover cropping, soil remediation, soil analysis, and installing/removing irrigation systems.
• Manage and Operate Farm Machinery Safely: Use farm machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Interact with and Educate Volunteers: Engage with volunteers, providing guidance and education on farming practices and safety protocols.
• Maintain any annual licenses, memberships and rent for Wanatee for the organization.
• Maintain water quality checks and food safety compliance with GAP, FSMA and other food safety standards
• Provides leadership and oversight of GAP and safety standards for safe food handling, storage, and distribution in conjunction with the Distribution and Shop Operations Director
• Identify, communicate, and facilitate internal/external staff opportunities for continuing education and professional support through food safety training, local agriculture conferences, workshops, and certifications.
• Implement best practices for growing operations, including crop rotation and pest management.
• Conduct regular training sessions for staff on equipment use, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of operations, including inventory management and equipment maintenance logs.
• Collaborate with other directors to optimize production processes and improve efficiency.
• Participate and represent FIF in local partner meetings and events as requested and as needed.
• Engage with volunteers, support shop hours as needed and field days in season at Watanee & plan and manage the plant sale annually.
• Support the Equitable Land Access program in various ways, working in conjunction and collaborating with the Equitable Land Access Program Director
• Assist on site with general shop and farm duties, including wash and pack, distribution and volunteer hours at the shop on Monday nights when needed
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field, or equivalent number of years hands on experience in Farm Operations in a not for profit (preference will be given to those who have worked in farming, agriculture, or food security)
• Experience with chemical free or organic vegetable farming and best practices
• Proven record of accomplishment of innovation and implementation of business efficiencies
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication, written and oral and ability to deliver presentations, training and workshops.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to further business objectives.

Benefits:

You will get the opportunity to work with a like-minded and value-driven team, supporting the local foods system and sustainable development in our region. Our team is dedicated to building a culture that we all support and proactively develop, emphasizing collaboration, respect, boundaries and a growth mindset.

Salary - $55,000-$60,000 per annum, commensurate with experience, 33 days holiday and combined PTO, flexible work scheduling, a professional development stipend and healthcare stipend for private health/vision/dental care.

To apply please send your resume and a cover email with your expression of interest to: Jody@feediowa1st.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000