Job Vacancy: Incubator Farm Manager

Job Vacancy: Incubator Farm Manager, ECO City Farms

The Incubator Farm Manager (IFM) is a new position at ECO City Farms.  The successful candidate will help to create and manage an 11-acre incubator farm in Prince George’s County on M-NCPPC land, in partnership with the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreations, Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, Prince George’s Food Equity Council and Capital Market. Plots will be available starting March 2022. Located at Watkins Regional Park, the incubator farm will provide land, tools and other resources as well as advanced training for new and beginning farmers who completed the Beginning Farmer Training Program at ECO or its equivalent.  

The Incubator Farm Manager is responsible for working with ECO’s incubator farm partners and staff to: 

• establish and manage the 11-acre fields and incubator farm site at Watkins Regional Park;
• formulate and codify the farm’s ground rules and farmer selection process;
• help select, purchase and maintain farm equipment, farmer tools and infrastructure; 
• help to develop, support and implement land management and new farmer crop production plans using Certified Naturally Grown production techniques, established conservation plans and food safety protocols; 
• provide practical, hands-on mentoring and instruction to beginning farmers as needed;
• help to determine and provide farmer technical assistance and business management training. 

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Providing instruction and support on crop production methods and business plan development to beginning farmers to achieve their farm goals and launch their own farm businesses;
• In collaboration with ECO partners, staff and beginning farmers, prepare, inventory, maintain and upkeep the Incubator Farm site, including farm equipment, supplies, and infrastructure in partnership with beginning farmers and other ECO staff;
• Connect beginning farmers with needed trainings and resources focused on topics like food safety, business structures, value-added production, marketing, and grant writing and support beginning farmers in recordkeeping and data management;
• Attend partner and networking meetings as needed;
• Provide project record keeping, evaluation support and input on grant reporting and proposals in support of the incubator farm.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant agricultural experience, which may include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or multiple seasons of progressively responsible farming experience;
• 3+ years of instruction, mentorship, or supervision experience in an agricultural setting;
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable, regenerative, environmentally responsible farming practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, integrated pest management, and soil management;
• Demonstrated knowledge of farm business practices, marketing, recordkeeping, and data collection;
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to racial justice, environmental justice, and food justice;
• Ability to maintain and use equipment safely and effectively;
• Ability to do physical labor and work outside in all weather conditions;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends;
• Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently
• Experience and ability to work with people of all ages, diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, gender identifications;
• Experience and ability to teach and communicate with diverse audiences at varying skill levels;
• Access to personal transportation and smart cell phone. 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience repairing and maintaining farm infrastructure and equipment;
• Experience with food safety compliance and training;
• Familiarity with federal and private grant proposals and reporting, or willingness to learn;
• Prior farm incubator management experience a plus;
• Additional languages spoken a plus
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Application open until filled and start ASAP after Jan 15

Beginning Salary: $36,000 yearly; Paid Vacations, Holidays, Flexible Work Schedule

To apply, email an up-to-date resume and a cover letter detailing your experience, plus three work/personal references ASAP to INFO@ECOCITYFARMS.ORG.