Farm Program Manager

Description

About Nuestras Races
Nuestras Races is a grassroots urban agriculture organization based in Holyoke, MA. Nuestras
Races mission is to create healthy environments, celebrate agri-culture, harness our
collective energy, and to advance our vision of a just and sustainable future. Our programs
span our 30-acre farm, La Finca, community gardens across Holyoke, and our downtown
commercial kitchen. Description of Farm Program Coordinator Role
Nuestras Races is seeking an experienced and excited candidate to serve as incoming Farm
Program Manager. This role will report directly to Hilda Rque, Executive Director, uphold
farming operations, and lead educational programs on our 30-acre farm. Farm programs span
our farm property. An incoming Farm Program Manager will work alongside and supervise the Farm Production
Manager, Farm Maintenance, Interns and Volunteers, and Farm Enterprises (Farmers) to see- through annual crop-production and coordinate relevant programs for farmer trainees. The
Farm Program Manager will have light cross-training on farm maintenance, particularly with
equipment (tractors, tools, etc.) to be versed on holistic farm operations. Farm Program Manager should be aligned with the mission and vision of Nuestras Races and
will have an active role in designing program strategy. The ideal candidate possesses strong
experience in an educator role, knowledge of sustainable agriculture, experience working with
inter-generational leadership (elders, youth, families), and is strongly motivated by increased
community access to good food and farming. The Farm Program Manager role will eventually evolve to include speaking invitations at
community colleges, trade schools, universities, etc. to share the work of Nuestras Races and
collaborate on farm-site and community projects. Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Co-develop growing season plans (planting, crop production, maintenance practices, harvest, farmers market schedule, etc.)
329 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 Tel. (413) 535-1789, Fax (413) 535-1100
www.nuestras-raices.org
Lead and maintain farm programming, including farmer training program (Finqueros en
Accion), that focuses on knowledge and skills transfer, while providing the necessary
support for beginner farmers, summer youth programmatic, Co-work with and support Farm Maintenance Supervisor to maintain farm practices, tools, and production
Guide and support farmers, youth, TerraCorps members and community members. Contribute to the planning of community events. Cultivate and keep relationships with mission-aligned organizations, Attend required trainings, conferences and meetings. Develop and execute an emergency plan for farm, as needed
Manage inventory and ordering of seed/growing materials/seed saving
Keep records of farm yield and protocols . Occasional report writing to support grant applications. Construction and Contractors oversight Pluming (Well), fencing knowledge and experience
50% time in the field / 50% time office work
Required Qualifications
Bilingual (English-Spanish) Experience farming more than 5 acres . Proven track record of coordinating people, programs, events, etc. Personal commitment to increasing access to agricultural knowledge, land, and good
food
Strong knowledge of sustainable farming practices — cover crops, soil biology, low-till
crop production, permaculture, growing perennials, utilizing living mulches, composting, soil testing
Strong communication and collaboration skills Detail-oriented and organized
Commitment to record-keeping and farm plan-management. Professional maturity and reliability. Reliable transportation to and from farm; Ability to works some late afternoons, early evenings, and weekends , Valid driver’s license & good driving record; Ability to lift 50 pounds, and capacity to walk, bend, stand and climb stairs; Required CORI Check
Preferred Qualifications: A passion for food ju