Slow Farm – Ann Arbor, Michigan – Production Manager

Last Updated On: abril 5th, 2019 at 12:17PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
4700 Whitmore Lake Rd.
Ann Arbor, Michigan , 48105

Primary Contact: Kim Bayer
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 734-277-1017
    Email: slowfarmandfriends@gmail.com

Website: http://slowfarmorganic.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: Slow Farm (https://slowfarmorganic.com) is a certified organic U-pick farm devoted to the principles of Slow Food, agroecology, and justice in the food system. Slow Farm’s 187 acres are located in SE Michigan, 3 miles north of Ann Arbor, and includes woods, native prairie and wetlands. We grow mainly heirloom produce and flowers, and provide an organic farm experience demonstrating biodiversity and “closed loop” practices. Farm Mission: The mission of Slow Farm is to create a welcoming, fun, and beautiful place where everyone can experience our organic farm and pick heirloom foods and flowers grown with love (and compost) on land we care for and from which we make our living.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: May 1, 2019
Internship Ends: October 31, 2019
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: April 15, 2019
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

The Production Manager has primary responsibility for coordinating and implementing farm work and activities at Slow Farm, which currently has approximately 20 cultivated acres, including 8 acres of perennial or semi-perennial crops. The Production Manager works as part of the Farm Leadership Team to plan for and implement all aspects of farm viability and infrastructure development.

Responsibilities include producing organic vegetables, flowers and livestock; managing pests and weeds; complying with food safety and organic requirements; maintaining a safe and compelling farm environment; operating and maintaining equipment; wholesale and retail sales; managing farm employees and volunteers; working on farm infrastructure; some budgeting and record keeping; and other duties as needed.

This position requires a strong, practical knowledge of agricultural skills and farm management, a passionate commitment to soil health and closed loop practices, focus on growing the highest quality food, personal evolution toward equity and self-knowledge, and daily effort toward creating the best possible farm experience for our guests. The Production Manager understands important vs. urgent work, and prioritizes for the farm’s best long-term interest while meeting shorter term goals.

Educational Opportunities: - Organic crop production (asparagus, strawberries, heirloom tomatoes and peppers, flowers, raspberries, squash and pumpkins, beans, sweet corn, other garden vegetables) - Vermicomposting - Farmstand management - Upick and wholesale operations - Wash/pack for distribution - Livestock management (chickens and bees) - Enterprise budgeting - Data management

Skills Desired: REQUIREMENTS - Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with reliable follow through on commitments. Demonstrated self-awareness. - Leadership in all its dimensions, with a focus on creating a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion. - Plan weekly labor schedules and lead team in planting, weeding, cultivating, harvesting, packing, and delivering produce according to specifications. - Supervise farm employees and volunteers and lead/foster the team environment. - Work in the field, which will include challenging physical conditions such as the ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly or to perform repetitive tasks in challenging weather. - Identify, measure, and control insect and weed pests to prevent crop loss. - Monitor and improve soil health and fertility. Develop mulching, composting, irrigation and other strategies to improve farm productivity. - Operate and maintain tractor, vehicles, and equipment safely. - Maintain the highest standards of farm and food safety and NOP requirements. - Regularly and responsibly manage administrative and record keeping tasks related to running the farm business and overall success of the organization. - Current driver’s license and an infraction-free driving record. QUALIFICATIONS - Minimum two years of full-season farm management, with experience in optimizing farm production using organic/biodynamic principles. - Highest level communication skills. - Working knowledge of farm infrastructure and basic construction/carpentry skills. - Commitment to and skill in working in a team environment, proven leadership, and ability to manage and complete tasks independently or as part of a group. - Ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds and work in challenging weather and physical conditions. - Two or more references.

Meals: No meals, but produce from the farm.

Stipend: $12-$15/hour.

Housing: No.

Preferred method of Contact: Email