Field Manager
LOCATION: Brewster, NY REPORTS TO: Director of Farming
STATUS: full-time SALARIED FULL TIME-EXEMPT
Founded in 2011, SPACE on Ryder Farm has historically been a non-profit residency for artists and activists located on the grounds of a 225-year-old homestead in Brewster, New York. In 2016, SPACE expanded its mission and began providing agriculture-related administrative support to its co-tenant, Ryder Farm Cottage Industries (RFCI), who has farmed the land since 1979.
In 2019, SPACE succeeded RFCI as the sole organic farming operation growing diversified vegetables, herbs and flowers. For context, in 2019 SPACE’s farming operation covered approximately 6 acres. The operation provided produce for a 140-member CSA, SPACE’s residency kitchen and farm-to-table events, weekly Friday stand at the Union Square Greenmarket and a roadside farmstand in Brewster.
The Field Manager’s chief responsibilities will be seedling production, field preparation, planting, harvesting, washing and packing, irrigation, cultivating and record-keeping. All of this will be carried out while observing safety standards and completing farm maintenance tasks. Additionally the Field Manager will be responsible for supporting the Director of Farming in administrative and artist residency related tasks.
Areas of Responsibility Include:
Crop Production and Field Management
- Under the supervision of the Director of Farming, responsible for all greenhouse work, planting, cultivation and harvesting for SPACE’s outlets;
- Manage compost;
- Responsible for all field irrigation;
- Oversee seasonal farm team.
Roadside Farmstand
- Responsible for stocking, inventorying and upkeep;
- In coordination with the Director of Farming, set pricing and ensure that signage is accurate.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- To the extent needed, support the Director of Farming in the creation of the weekly produce list;
- To the extent needed, liaise with CSA members (both English and Spanish speakers).
The Non-Profit Residency and Administration
- Oversee SPACE’s weekly resident give-back;
- Manage volunteers on a weekly/ad-hoc basis;
- Support Director of Farming in coordinating produce for residency kitchen;
- To the extent needed, support the Director Of Farming in administrative tasks including, but not limited to, organic certification and budget reconciliation.
REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year experience with diversified vegetable production. Additionally, preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of crew management experience. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. The Field Manager must have the resiliency to work outside in all conditions (heat, rain, snow, etc.) and have the necessary gear. Preference will be given to candidates who are comfortable and excited to work in a non profit farm environment. Candidates that speak English and Spanish will be given preference.
MORE ABOUT THE POSITION
SPACE on Ryder Farm is an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ grassroots organization. The Field Manager should be dexterous and able to follow direction with little oversight. The ideal candidate’s farming practices will be in line with SPACE’s overall mission and values. SPACE observes a semi-monthly payroll.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please send a resume, cover letter and 3 professional references to [email protected] with the Subject Line Field Manager at SPACE . Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. If interested, we ask that you please submit materials as soon as possible as the position will begin no later than March 1, 2020.
SPACE’s values are equity, inclusion, support and radical hospitality. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position. SPACE strongly encourages individuals from marginalized and underrepresented groups to apply.