We are hiring a Field Production Manager and an Assistant Director for the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at UCSC Farm & Garden. Initial review for both positions begins on December 16th.
For more information, see http://casfs.ucsc.edu/news-events/news/CASFS-jobs.pdf
Horton Road Organics is hiring apprentices for the 2015 season.
At Horton Road Organics, we cultivate 5 acres of vegetables that provide food for three local farmers markets, natural food stores, restaurants, and a 70-member CSA.
Our apprentice program is predominantly hands on. Prior field experience can be very helpful but not as important as a willingness to meet the demands of the farm each day. It is essential that you: (1) Are able to commit to the entire season mid April through October and have a good work ethic, (2) Are physically able to do field work, which involves a combination of stamina, strength and flexibility, and (3) Are able to work well with others in a team, have good communications skills, and are prepared to contribute time and energy to community building activities.
Students spend much of their time planting, weeding, harvesting and preparing vegetables. They also dig and fertilize raised beds, go to farmers markets, do deliveries, keep records, choose projects to pursue, and write for the CSA newsletter. Throughout the season, students are expected to gain mastery over different tasks and develop an understanding of the working farm that comes with working closely with past graduates and being an important part of a seasonal crew. What is learned in the field is contextualized by classes and field trips that introduce students to the basic subjects involved in small scale organic farming. Our goal each year is to foster a diversified, productive, ecologically sensitive and personally enriching learning environment.
Commitment & Compensation:
• April 15-October 31, 2015; 40-hour work week, Monday-Friday
• $700 Monthly Stipend & Worker’s Compensation Coverage
• Extra pay for Saturday Farmers Markets
• Community Living, Private Bedroom & Bulk Food Provided
The position is open until filled. Please apply online at www.hortonorganics.com.
The Sales & Merchandising Field Representative (SMFR) acts as an Ambassador of Veritable Vegetable, our mission, culture and policies. The SMFR builds relationships with identified accounts to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction and grows Veritable Vegetable’s business. The SMFR works closely with Sales Director and Account Managers, Marketing and Purchasing staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Utilize questioning and observation skills to build understanding of customer’s business challenges and growth potential.
• In collaboration with Sales Account Manager, proactively identify strategies for adding value to the customer’s business (i.e. merchandising, new product introductions, staff training and promotions). Gain customer support and implement agreed upon strategies.
• Measure and report on results of implemented strategies.
• Assist customer in planning and forecasting to improve sales and profitability, reduce shrink and accommodate business growth.
• Develop merchandising expertise and tools (i.e. best practices, sample ideas and plans) for the customer to use to enhance produce displays and increase sales and profitability.
• Support customer events through attendance and arranging for appropriate Veritable Vegetable resources.
• Develop comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, market conditions, and market trends.
• Provide competitive information and insight on customer and consumer trends to Sales Account Managers, Marketing and Purchasing departments.
• Represent the voice of the customer in the development of new marketing materials.
• Support identification and integration of new accounts to ensure smooth transition into Veritable Vegetable and attainment of planned account goals.
• Implement safety procedures to ensure compliance with food safety and general safety best practices (i.e. FSMA, GHP, and OSHA standards).
• Keep abreast of professional and technical knowledge such as merchandising strategies, customer relationship management (CRM) trends, through educational opportunities; reading professional publications; participating in professional organizations and attending conferences
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Appreciation for the principles of sustainable agriculture and the value of organic produce.
• Strong orientation for building customer satisfaction; actively look for ways to build business.
• Thorough understanding of consumer buying behaviors including how shoppers flow through produce departments.
• Understand specific display requirements of various produce items.
• Think strategically and systematically.
• Use logic, reasoning, research and creativity to identify and solve problems.
• Self-motivated to determine tasks, priorities and goals.
• Taking responsibility for work outcomes and results.
• Being responsible for the health and safety of others and safe handling of product.
• Work well collaboratively across departments and independently.
• Strong working knowledge of produce and seasonality.
• Knowledge and understanding of independent and cooperative community based retailer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• 2 years combined retail organic produce merchandising and sales experience. Outside sales experience a plus.
• Knowledge of produce varieties and seasonality.
• Comfortable with office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be an insurable driver.
• Job responsibilities will be performed primarily off-site and will involve overnight travel approximately 1 week per month; travel time may include nights and weekends.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. without assistance.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend and perform a variety of other physical functions on a consistent basis.
• Must be able to follow safety procedures (i.e. proper lifting techniques, knife handling).
Please send you RESUME, COVER LETTER AND SALARY REQUIREMENTS to hr@veritablevegetable.com or fax to 415-920-0448
Dixon Ridge Farms is hiring a Bookkeeper/Office Manager for our organic walnut farm and processing company. We are seeking assistance with day-to-day office administration, bookkeeping, payroll and human resources management. Candidates must have strong and extensive cost accounting experience, be well-organized, pay attention to detail and proficient in MS Office and QuickBooks. Bilingual Spanish applicants required. This is a full-time position. Send letter of interest and resume to (530)795-5113 (fax); or jenny@dixonridgefarms.com (email).
Camp Tawonga is a children's summer camp located in the Sierra Mountains on the doorstep of Yosemite National Park. Camp's mission is to build positive self-esteem, create a cooperative community, build appreciation for nature, and foster positive Jewish identity and spirituality. Our outstanding staff includes people with both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds.
The Garden Coordinator at Tawonga is a 6-month, paid position from mid-April to mid-October. Responsibilities include growing an organic garden, approximately 1/3 acre; caring for farm animals including goats, chickens and pigs; leading creative garden programs for children aged 7-17; and teaching about ecology, food systems, and Jewish connections to nature.
Applicants must be 21+ years of age with significant gardening/farming experience, educational and/or creative programming experience, and experience working with children.
Salary is $230/wk plus room and board, more DOE.
To apply, visit www.tawonga.org. For more information, contact Becca Meyer at becca@tawonga.org or 415-543-2267.
0Soil Born Farms Apprenticeship
Sacramento, CA
Phone: (916) 363-9685
website: www.soilborn.org
Soil Born Farms is seeking five full-season farm apprentices for the 2015 season. The apprenticeship runs from March 2 to October 31. Please submit your application by December 20, 2014.
The goal of the apprenticeship program at Soil Born Farms is to provide training for aspiring farmers by teaching the basic concepts and practical applications of organic food production. At Soil Born Farms, organic food production is a piece of the broader work of the organization, tying food systems into the larger social issues of food security, social justice, and public and ecological health.
This full-time apprenticeship is designed for people who want to pursue a career in sustainable “specialty crop production” or mixed fruit and vegetable farming. Interested applicants can apply with an intention to participate in only the first-year apprenticeship, but the ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing the second-year apprenticeship as well. Apprentices are exposed to all aspects of food production through hands-on field work (40-45 hours/week), formal classes on sustainable crop production farm business skills (30-35 hours total), monthly readings and discussions, and monthly regional farm tours. Three positions are available each season for Second-Year Apprentices, taking on increased responsibility at either the American River Ranch or the Farm on Hurley Way.
Required Qualifications:
• Ability to commit to a full-time eight-month apprenticeship (March – October)
• Commitment to sustainable agriculture
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in farming or community food systems
• Interest in working in a physically-demanding position in all kinds of weather
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
• An interest in pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture in the Sacramento region
• Some experience working or volunteering on farms and/or doing outdoor manual labor
Housing & Compensation:
10’x10’ canvas platform tents with access to shared kitchen, living room and bathroom. Apprentices will receive a stipend for a portion of the hours worked on the farm. Staff sit down together daily during the work week to eat a prepared lunch. Apprentices will also receive food from the farm (vegetables, eggs, etc) and a stipend for supplementary food.
Application deadline: December 20, 2014
Start date: March 2, 2015
More information and application available at:
http://soilborn.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Item...
Contact apprenticeship@soilborn.org with questions.
Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture and Education Project
Sacramento, CA
Phone: (916) 363-9685
website: www.soilborn.org
Job Description: Assistant Farm Manager
Program: Food Production and Farming Education – American River Ranch
Reports To: Farm Manager, Co- Director
Organizational Background:
Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture & Education Project is a non-profit educational farm in Sacramento, California. Our programs focus on promoting health and providing experiential learning opportunities for youth and adults, producing healthy food, improving access to healthy food for all and modeling land and environmental stewardship. Beyond producing healthy, certified organic produce for our 100 CSA members and local stores, local food banks, restaurants, and a weekly farm stand and farmers’ markets, Soil Born Farms has also developed several innovative education and food access programs in partnership with area schools and non-profit agencies.
The American River Ranch, a 55-acre historic ranch located within the American River Parkway, is the permanent home of Soil Born Farms. It provides a wonderfully diverse landscape to engage both youth and adults in hands-on activities that educate and connect them with the natural world, healthy food, healthy eating, job and life skills, hard work, and service opportunities. The American River Ranch also provides the opportunity to expand the production of vegetables and fruit to meet the needs of more Sacramento residents, particularly those in underserved neighborhoods with little or no access to fresh, nutritious food. Our original site, the 1.5-acre Farm on Hurley Way, is a model hand-scale market garden and serves as a training and educational site.
Job Summary
The Assistant Farm Manager is a developing farmer with a passion for educating young farmers and growing high-quality organic fruit and vegetables. The Assistant Farm Manager must be able to manage their time well and provide assistance on a variety of farm duties. Main duties focus on apprentice training and supervision, produce pack oversight and general field assistance for the vegetable operation.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct and assist management of daily vegetable production field work
• Produce pack management
• Assist in field-based training and instruction and apprentice management in all farm tasks
• Oversight of field-based volunteers and work-traders to support harvests and field work
Required Qualifications:
• Two years experience working on a diversified vegetable operation
• Knowledge of sustainable agricultural systems
• Ability to work quickly, multi-task and be flexible on a daily basis
• Ability to relate, interact and empower people of all ages from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Good communication skills and a “can do” attitude
• Ability to lift 50#
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and especially heat
• Interest in learning and growing as a leader, both in farming and in educating apprentices
Preferred Qualifications:
• CSA program coordination and farm stand/farmers market experience
• Experience managing interns, apprentices or staff
• An inclination to mechanical knowledge and skill
• Mixed fruit orchard management
• Interest in long-term employment at Soil Born Farms
Hours and Compensation
• Between 40-50hrs/week. 5 day work week. Chore weekend rotation every 3 weeks.
• Salary: Dependent on experience
• Benefits: 90% medical and accrued paid time off of 10 days per year (PTO).
• Opportunities for advancement
Please email cover letter, resume, and two references to Shawn Harrison, Co-Director, at sharrison@soilborn.org. Position open until filled.
Prime Irrigated Organic Farmland in the Pacific Flyway. District water from Shasta Reservoir via the Sacramento River. Nearly 1000-acres of CCOF Certified Organic row crop land with field station. Sustainably farmed and responsibly managed. Excellent yield history with organic price premiums. Orchard & vineyard development in-progress on multiple adjacent and nearby parcels.
Soils:
Large sized tracts, laser-leveled with excellent drainage into grass filtered ditches. Organic terroir living soils in the River Gardens district of Yolo County CA. Aggregated and low-tilled, with good water infiltration and moisture holding capacity. USDA soils class, "Sacramento Clay". Current soils labs reflect medium-high organic matter [4.5% average] and moderate pH [6 average]. Very low salinity, boron and carbon-nitrogen ratios. 'Walking Wetlands'& "Pop-up wetlands" on Biologically Integrated Farming Systems [BIFS].
Crop History:
Organic rice & safflower; processing tomatoes, melons, squash, pumpkins & vines; produce vegetables, vetch-mustard-grass cover crops; beans, corn and wheat. 'Pop-up wetlands' and 'Walking wetlands'. Minimum field size 4- acres. Maximum 200-300 acres. Sustainable Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program farm management plan, and nutrient management plan. Full description & virtual tour go to: http://www.landandfarm.com/property/Sacramento_River_Organic_Farmland_Sa...
Wesco offers a huge selection of seat belts including 2 point (lap only) non-retractable or retractable seat belts. Also, easily order online micro-switch seat belts that will not let the equipment start up until the operator has buckled up. Many colors and sizes to choose from. Trailer accessories also. Buy Seat Belts at our online store http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seatbelts.html
Hubcapmike.com offers Hubcaps and wheel covers for most any trailer, van, truck, bus or car. Easily and securely order online with fast shipping. Click here to order.
Pine tree mulch for delivery to your location - $100/ton. Great as a soil amendment or as a moisture barrier - While supplies last.
Save big with year-end sale on worm castings and red worms purchased by Dec. 31. One yard of castings is reduced from $250 to $150! Buy four pounds of red worms for $80 and get another pound free! Ask about delivery.
Horton Road Organics is hiring apprentices for the 2015 season.
At Horton Road Organics, we cultivate 5 acres of vegetables that provide food for three local farmers markets, natural food stores, restaurants, and a 70-member CSA.
Our apprentice program is predominantly hands on. Prior field experience can be very helpful but not as important as a willingness to meet the demands of the farm each day. It is essential that you: (1) Are able to commit to the entire season mid April through October and have a good work ethic, (2) Are physically able to do field work, which involves a combination of stamina, strength and flexibility, and (3) Are able to work well with others in a team, have good communications skills, and are prepared to contribute time and energy to community building activities.
Students spend much of their time planting, weeding, harvesting and preparing vegetables. They also dig and fertilize raised beds, go to farmers markets, do deliveries, keep records, choose projects to pursue, and write for the CSA newsletter. Throughout the season, students are expected to gain mastery over different tasks and develop an understanding of the working farm that comes with working closely with past graduates and being an important part of a seasonal crew. What is learned in the field is contextualized by classes and field trips that introduce students to the basic subjects involved in small scale organic farming. Our goal each year is to foster a diversified, productive, ecologically sensitive and personally enriching learning environment.
Commitment & Compensation:
• April 15-October 31, 2015; 40-hour work week, Monday-Friday
• $700 Monthly Stipend & Worker’s Compensation Coverage
• Extra pay for Saturday Farmers Markets
• Community Living, Private Bedroom & Bulk Food Provided
The position is open until filled. Please apply online at www.hortonorganics.com.
Apply now to be one of the first students of an emerging hub for sustainable agricultural education!
The Grange Farm School is dedicated to teaching the next generation of responsible, innovative, and successful farmers. We are strong believers in experiential education, and our Practicum Student Program is built upon that philosophy. A combination of hands-on field work instruction with rigorous academic curriculum provide an environment for students to learn the foundations of integrated crops and livestock operations, business management, industrial arts, sustainable technologies and ecological restoration.
The school is located on the 5,000 acre Ridgewood Ranch in Mendocino County, and students in the first few years have the exciting opportunity to collaborate with staff on infrastructure development of a working farm.
Students will be developing 6 acres for cultivation and pasture, working with a 2 acre orchard, building facilities for the farm, marketing produce, meat and eggs, and creating sample business plans, research proposals, or grant applications. Experts and mentors in various fields are available for students to focus on an individual area of interest and field trips will expand the perspectives we all have on the many methods of achieving sustainable food production. This program is designed to allow for independent, project oriented individuals an opportunity to test out theories and methods while envisioning their future in farming.
Three terms, each lasting three months, will be offered in 2015, and students are encouraged to apply for multiple terms. The first term a student completes will provide foundational curriculum needed to demonstrate the full spectrum of skills and focuses necessary to achieving success. Upon completion of the first term, students will have developed a proposal for a design-build project, research topic, or business opportunity. This will turn into the student’s Capstone Project in their second or third term, allowing students to take charge and develop a project of their own.
Creativity and hard work are essential for this emerging generation of farmers, and the Capstone Project is an excellent way to begin experimenting with leadership and accountability.
Apply January 15th for the March-May term, April 1st for the June-August term, or July 1st for the September-November term. Each term will feature the same basic foundational curriculum, with an emphasis on the seasonality of the farm. Tuition is $2,000 for one 3-month term, and $1,000 for room and board if the student chooses to live on-site. Scholarships are available, and we encourage students to apply regardless of financial constraints.
To download the application and learn more about this program, visit www.GrangeFarmSchool.org, and go to the Practicum Student Program page. For more information, please contact us at manager@grangefarmschool.org
Thank you for your interest in the Grange Farm School, we look forward to collaborating with students in developing this beautiful farm.
Great trailer has it all. 8 feet wide x 10 ft. trailer. Pulled with a ball hitch. Great for farm operations or prepared food operations. Half the trailer is a cooler, the remaining area holds a double door freezer, Manitoba ice machine and a place to put a sink or dry storage. There is a water holding tank underneath. No rust, in great shape. Tires like new and comes with a spare. Everything works great and is clean. 220 volt electricity plugs in to a panel or use a generator if need be. Roll down door to the container can be locked. Comes with metal baker racks that fit the inside perimeter of the cooler. Used in the past for a meat and egg operation. Stairs included. $13,500 OBO
A complete set of heavy duty 8 ft. fencing that will go around 2 acres of land. Only two years old, looks like brand new. Wire fencing has a life expectancy of 30-40 years. Posts and wire this tall are impossible to locate locally. We stopped farming ground because the well went out so we took down the fence.
This is what the fencing includes:
High tensile steel 8 ft. fencing (enough to go around 2 acres)
75 metal T-stakes, 8 ft. heaviest gauge
30 Round pressure treated posts, 10 ft. largest size - about 5 inch diameter
20 misc size (4 ft, 5 ft, 3 ft) round treated posts for bracing corners
1 chain link gate, 7 feet wide
12 steel corner braces
2x4 (several) pieces to cross fence the corners
hardware for fence
Pick up in Aromas. Email if interested. $4,800
Serendipity Farms is looking for a farm manager with organic row crop experience to assist in managing three parcels of land, totaling 20 acres in Carmel, CA. Farm manger would report to the owner, carrying out weekly directions and oversee planting, cultivation and harvest, and tractor work. Would be a liaison with our local restaurant and market accounts, doing deliveries as needed. Great opportunity to learn from a successful organic farm that has been in business for 14 years. Pay dependent on experience. There is no living situation on the farm.
Interns would report to the farm manager. Interns that have no experience in farming would not be paid, but would learn all aspects of farming many varieties of vegetables and berries. Interns with significant experience would be paid, rate also depending on type of experience and what can be brought to the table. Interviewing now for position to start in March. Also no living situation.
Please send a resume and letter to: info@serendipityorganics.com
VERITABLE VEGETABLE is seeking a full-time PURCHASER.
As an organic produce distributor with 40 years of experience, Veritable Vegetable purchases, transports and supplies the highest quality organic fruits and vegetables on the market. We actively improve the sustainable food system by supporting organic farmers, increasing access to fresh produce, strengthening communities and cultivating a fair and dynamic workplace. What makes us unique is our commitment to running the business based on values rather than the bottom line. We believe in using the power of business to solve social and environmental challenges and have been certified as a B Corporation. Our company culture stresses high integrity relationships, quality produce, minimal environmental impact and active involvement in the community.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Purchaser maximizes business opportunities for VV and ensures the selection, pricing and promotion of organic produce to meet VV goals for availability, sales, margin and quality. The position maintains excellent relations with vendors/farmers and participates in advocacy for sustainable food systems.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: Reports to Purchasing Manager. Close working relationship with Sales department, Trucking Managers and Inventory Control team.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop and maintain a supplier base that aligns with current customer needs and future opportunities
• Maintain, grow, and strengthen relationships with organic vendors, obtain information about product availability, place orders, establish prices, and resolve quality issues
• Provide coverage across all product categories for Purchasing Department as needed
• Ability to communicate our company values to staff, our community and all outside contacts
REQUIREMENTS:
• 5+ years of experience in the Produce Industry, preferably in organic produce, with a proven track record of crop planning, negotiating and buying
• Knowledge of organic produce varieties, organic growing practices, quality standards and seasonality
• Outstanding relationship building skills; ability to manage strong vendor relationships
• Strong analytical skills and creative problem solving capabilities
• Ability to evaluate profitability and identify business development opportunities
• Must possess strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in MS Office suite software applications and experience utilizing databases
• Knowledge of logistics and ability to work closely with our Transportation Department
• Self-motivated, highly organized team player
• Effective time management skills
• An entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit
DESIRED SKILLS:
• Project management
• Skill at development of promotion programs and identifying volume sales opportunities
• Strong technical skills; ability to analyze and suggest improvements to database applications
• Knowledge and/or experience in food safety compliance
E-mail your COVER LETTER and RESUME to hr@veritablevegetable.com or fax to (415) 920-0448.
Veritable offers an excellent work environment, competitive salaries and great benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Greetings from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County! Our 2015-2016 scholarship application is now live!
DETAILS AND DEADLINES
WHAT: Nine scholarships, with a total of fifteen awardees. Awards range from $500 to $2,250, and several of them are renewable for up to three additional years. Please see our website for a complete list of the scholarships and their requirements (http://www.cfscc.org/Scholarships).
The Simunovich Family Agricultural Scholarship will be of particular interest to students who plan to major in Agriculture at a four-year college of university. One $2,000 award (renewable up to three additional years) will be given this year. Please see our website for the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.
WHO: Any student that meets the eligibility criteria. Students can apply for each scholarship that they qualify for using one application form.
HOW: Submitted through the online application portal found here. (Also accessible via http://www.cfscc.org/Scholarships/ApplyNow.aspx) There is a video tutorial on our website to assist students with the application.
WHEN:By midnight on Sunday, March 8th.
STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAN AHEAD!
The application requires:
As funding allows, in 2015 FACT will award scholarships for livestock and poultry farmers to attend select sustainable agriculture or humane farming conferences. As these conferences are a key way that farmers share resources and knowledge with one another, we want to prioritize sending humane livestock farmers to conferences. A limited number of scholarships will be available in 2015 to cover registration expenses to five specific conferences:
**As of January 9, 2015 limited funding is still available. Inquire at scholarship@foodanimalconcerns.org for additional information.**
Who is eligible for a scholarship? Current livestock and poultry farmers who express an intention to learn about humane farming methods at a sustainable agriculture conference are eligible. Farmers must own or be employed by a working, independent family farm. Interns and volunteers are not eligible for a scholarship.
How do I apply? Farmers seeking a scholarship should complete a simple application requesting funds to reimburse registration fees. We also require proof of conference registration. Please type directly into the application form, save your work, and email your application materials to scholarship@foodanimalconcerns.org. Applications are also accepted via mail but please keep in mind scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
How large are the scholarships and what do they cover? FACT’s will reimburse up to $400 for expenses associated with conference registration fees. FACT will not reimburse for conference meals, lodging, transportation, membership fees, or pre-conference workshops that are not related to livestock or poultry production.
How will decisions be made? Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible farmers for one of the five conferences listed above until funding is depleted.
What expectations are there for scholarship recipients? After attending the conference, scholarship recipients will be required to (1) submit photos, (2) complete a short questionnaire, (3) provide a testimonial, and (4) participate in our online forum for humane farmers. Recipients will also be automatically added to our monthly Fund-a-Farmer email listserv. If a scholarship recipient does not attend conference for which they received a scholarship, all funds must immediately be returned to FACT.
