Summary – Teter Organic Farm is seeking candidates to develop and manage a certified organic vegetable farm and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project in central Indiana.
Farm Description – Teter Organic Farm sits on a total of 120-acres (34-acres tillable) located on the banks of the White River just north of Indianapolis in Noblesville, Indiana. We are a non-profit community outreach of Noblesville First United Methodist Church which seeks to enrich the lives of our community through sustainable agriculture.
We have 6 acres in organic vegetable production (including cover crop rotation) with an additional 20 acres contracted to a neighbor hay farmer. We also have a 45 share CSA, attend one weekly farmers market, and donate vegetables weekly to local feeding programs.
Currently we have a propane-heated 72’x30’ hoophouse, an unheated 100’x14’ high-tunnel, 20-acres in a CRP conservation program, 40-acres of mature forest, 10-acres of recreation space (including a lodge, cabins, outdoor worship area, picnic shelter, fire pits, peace garden, and a playground), and a 15 acre hardwood tree farm.
Our primary mission is to provide high-quality, organically grown produce to those in our community who are experiencing food insecurity through community partnerships with local food pantries and food banks, to build community through meaningful relationships across barriers that sometimes divide us, and to educate children and adults on the importance of environmental stewardship and care.
To learn more about Teter Organic Farm, visit: www.teterorganicfarm.com.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 2-5 years of farm management experience and/or equivalent education or experience.
- 2-5 years of experience developing a production schedule for mixed vegetable production.
- Experience operating tractors and farm implements.
- Experience managing farm staff and/or volunteers.
- Some weekend, evening and holiday hours required.
- Moderately experienced with Google Sheets / Excel for planning and record keeping.
- The ideal candidate will be an experienced farmer, with an entrepreneurial spirit, willing to both cast a creative vision for the farm, as well as, carry out the work to accomplish that vision, desire to live out the values of service, and community, and possess strong organizational, communication, time management, and mentoring skills.
Primary Farm Responsibilities:
- Develop yearly budget, purchasing plan, and manage inventory.
- Develop crop plan for mixed vegetable production and spring plant sale (vegetables, hanging baskets, & bedding plants).
- Develop and implement a sustainable soil fertility plan.
- Manage marketing, website, and communications for Farmers Market and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Project.
- Maintain NOP Compliance for USDA Organic Certification through OEFFA.
- Train and supervise staff and volunteers for greenhouse and field tasks.
- Maintain food sanitation standards in accordance with the Food Modernization Safety Act.
- Design and maintain irrigation system including drip and sprinklers.
- Operate 55HP tractor with rotary tiller, bedshaper, disc, water wheel transplanter, and other implements.
- Perform/schedule routine maintenance on all farm equipment.
- Attend or coordinate weekly farmers market, weekly on-farm CSA pick-up, and weekly produce donations.
- Work with the Teter Operational Team to develop short and long term goals for the farm.
- Be on-call for Retreat Center Guest emergencies.
- Welcome Farm & Retreat Center Guests.
- Maintain general safety and cleanliness of outdoor areas of both the farm & retreat center.
- Do periodic trail maintenance.
- Build and maintain quality relationships with local restaurant owners, food pantries, food banks, the Noblesville Farmers Market, the Teter Operational Team, Noblesville First United Methodist Church, and other community organizations.
Compensation and Schedule:
- This is a full-time, year-round position.
- Salary commensurate with experience. Base Salary of $28,000-$32,000 plus Bonuses.
- Onsite Housing Provided (3-bedroom, 2-bath farmhouse including utilities)
- Paid holidays and vacation.
- Pets are welcome.
To Apply:
Send Cover Letter, Resume, and a list of at least 3 References to:
R. Aaron Hobbs, Director of Farm Operations
Teter Organic Farm
(317) 502-2833
Name:
Aaron Hobbs
Email:
Phone:
317-502-2833
City:
Noblesville