Description

Brooklyn Grange is the world's largest green roof farming and intensive green roof business. We grow vegetables, and we design/install/maintain green roofs, gardens, and farms for clients ranging from private homes, to corporate headquarters, to non-profit organizations and schools. We also host programming & events on our rooftop farms in Brooklyn, NY.

All three of our departments - our Farm department, our Programming & Events department, and our Design/Build/Maintenance department - are part of our close-knit "farmily," so working with Brooklyn Grange means working alongside a diverse team of extraordinary and knowledgeable individuals who share a common goal of making their city a greener, more sustainable, delicious, and equitable place to live.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with Co-Farm Manager in crop planning, rotation, propagation, and cultivation. Responsibilities include keeping related records and data (e.g. update planting logs).
• Undertake propagation, planting and cultivation, and keeping related records and data. Manage disease and pest concerns, maintain soil health, set up and maintain irrigation.
• Take lead on training, supporting, and managing farm crew on all field duties and farm practices, including bed preparation, hand-weeding, harvesting and packing produce, etc. Help train, support, and manage farm crew on all field duties and farm practices. Be a pace-setter and an advocate for the farm team.
• Maintain, update, and improve upon irrigation systems. Maintain tools for longevity, and organize tools and other materials systems for efficiency.
• Assist with management of year-round hydroponic system and greenhouse crop production, including training and assisting crew on greenhouse work.
• Harvest, wash, and pack produce for orders. Participate in weekly walk-throughs with Cultivated chefs; communicate realistic expectations for crop availability; synergize the relationship between farmer and chef.
• Maintain GAP and NY Grown and Certified food safety protocols and ensure annual certification and recertification.
• Work closely with other team members as well as Javits team members (including senior Javits team members) and Javits research and educational partners, to create a welcoming and educational environment for visitors. Communicate proactively.
• Coordinate and oversee the maintenance of perennial spaces on the roof; train Crew on the same; ensure plant health and quality aesthetics.
• Maintain the food forest onsite; suggest and implement design changes, plant recommendations, harvest schedules, pruning requirements, nutrition management, etc.
• Coordinate with Javits sustainability staff, and Brooklyn Grange leadership, related to changes related to the farm/roof, tours and press. Host VIP tours as requested by Javits leadership.
• Create and ensure functional and welcoming workspaces; organize office and storage spaces.
• Create and improve upon protocols related to all aspects of operations (farm, greenhouse, perennial, compost, office/storage, washroom, etc).
• Work with Co-Farm Manager to understand and be accountable for annual budget; make tools and materials purchases with an eye towards improved operations and costs efficiencies; understand labor metrics and staffing needs. Collaborate on annual goals, off-season planning and analysis, and winter operations as well as peak-season operations.

Skills and Abilities

• Has 3-4 seasons of relevant experience cultivating produce on a soil organic farm, including greenhouse work (hydroponic experience may be relevant as well). At least 1 year of farm management experience required.
• Is adept at crop planning, succession planting, crop rotation, composting, and vegetable sales. Can plan and execute a full season of vegetable (and some fruit) production, with strong knowledge of seasonal adjustments to crop plan and cultivation.
• Can successfully execute and balance responsibilities under time constraints, is adept at prioritizing essential tasks, and is motivated by the challenge of getting “it” all done - while also having fun and maintaining positive team and community dynamics.
• Is attentive to soil health, and can manage compost according to food safety standards. Has strong irrigation experience.
• Can establish and ensure clear harvest and packing protocols, in accordance with GAP standards and general best practices.
• Possesses excellent leadership skills, can take direction, works well with others and can motivate a team, and feels strongly about working in an environment that is open and welcoming to all.
• Is able to work independently, be very self-motivated, and possesses a great work ethic.
• Is an adept problem solver.
• Is organized and professional, responds to emails in a timely fashion, can navigate Google Drive, record and enter data into spreadsheets, maintain daily logs, etc.
• Enjoys working outdoors in any weather.
• Is able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly, and to squat, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time.

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's degree or any other equivalent degree related to agriculture.

Benefits

• A progressive work environment as part of a small team
• Salary of $64,105 annually
• Participation in the company’s Simple IRA with 3% company match
• 20 days Paid Time Off and generous Paid Holidays
• Family, Medical, Bereavement, and other applicable leave
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Participation in the company’s life insurance plan, with option for additional coverage amounts
• Employee Assistance Program to support overall mental wellbeing, caregiving assistance, and other benefits
• Discounted Employee CSA offering
• Discounts to Brooklyn Grange events and workshops

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