BRF Seasonal Operations Coordinator

Position Information

Job Title: Big River Farms Seasonal Operations Coordinator

Program/Dept: Big River Farms

Location: Big River Farms, Marine on St. Croix, MN

Manager: Big River Farms Operations Manager

This is a seasonal part-time non-exempt position that will run from April 1st-October 31st. This position is not eligible for benefits. The hourly range is $25-28 per hour. Weekly hours will range between 20-24 hours.

Job Summary

The BRF Seasonal Operations Coordinator is a part-time, hourly position that supports the operations team with general farm maintenance, tractor work, and occasional class and education support. In order to succeed in this position, the BRF Operations Coordinator needs to be collaborative, a proactive communicator, an independent worker, organized with attention to detail, curious, and have a dedication to working with communities who face discrimination in farming. Tasks and schedules will vary seasonally. This position will include occasional evening and weekend hours. This position reports to the BRF Operations Manager and will work closely with the BRF Operations team.

Core Job Functions

1. Farm Operations – Approx. 90% of time

1. Work closely with Operations Manager and the operations team to prioritize weekly work plans.
2. Assist with BRF farm operations, including tractor work, mowing, trimming, greenhouse watering, maintenance in vegetable and perennial crops, and supply tracking.
3. Independently and safely perform tasks such as tractor work with a variety of implements, mowing, occasional equipment maintenance, and infrastructure repairs.
4. Drive farm truck and operate other equipment
5. Assist with general pest and fertility management
6. Communicate and coordinate with farmers in the Education Program about field work and tractor schedules as needed
7. Assist with general maintenance at the New Hope microfarm
8. Provide occasional technical assistance to farmers in the program. Topics may include: cover cropping, vegetable seeding, various growing techniques, fertilizer use
   1. Provide hand tool training for farmers

1. Administrative- Approx. 10% of time
   1. Bi-weekly all staff meetings
   2. Weekly check-ins with Operations Manager

Position Requirements

1. General farm maintenance and repair such as mowing, weed whacking and basic hand tool usage
2. Basic knowledge of farming skills: cover cropping, vegetable seeding, various growing techniques, fertilizer use
3. Familiar with tractor operation and small engines
4. Basic mechanical maintenance and repair skills
5. Must be able to lift 50 lbs
6. Safe driving skills
7. Must be able to work effectively with partners who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion
8. Must be able to work effectively in an organization that has recognized its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community

1. Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication across various cultures
2. Strong organizational and planning skills
3. Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities
4. Basic numeracy & computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google and Excel on PCs.

1. Have access to reliable transportation for work purposes

1. Minimum Education and Experience

1. At least 1 season of work experience in the sustainable agriculture field.
2. At least 1-year safe operating history on tractors or other heavy equipment.

1. Licenses and Certifications

1. Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance

Organization Overview

The Food Group (TFG) is a local nonprofit focused on advancing healthy food access. Established in 1976, we provide nutritious food and support services to over 240 hunger relief partners and food distribution locations, in addition to training immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and other historically underrepresented farmers in sustainable farming practices.

Our culture and environment can be described as high-trust, cooperative, collaborative, open, and fun. We are a workplace that is full of people who genuinely appreciate each other and work best when tackling big ideas as a team. We value individuals who bring their life experiences to their work, knowing that the ways that they have experienced racial, economic, or gender injustice drive their passion to create change. We are a team of passionate, dedicated people who work alongside each other.

Equity is fundamental to our mission to fight hunger and nourish our community. Where we live, how much money we make, or the color of our skin currently influences access to healthy and culturally appropriate foods. We must address the roots of these inequities so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their best life. We believe in working with our community and organizations to improve food access and make systemic changes in hunger relief. To do so, equity is a part of all aspects of our work. We invite individuals from different abilities, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to take part in and shape the work in the community.

Working Conditions and Environment

This position will primarily work from Big River Farms in Marine on St. Croix, MN, with occasional meetings at The Food Group in New Hope, MN. The New Hope location is a dog-friendly office setting. Both locations are accessible and smoke free. This position works primarily during normal business hours and will include occasional weekend and evening hours to accommodate farmer availability and event schedules. Specific work schedules are flexible to adjust to the needs of the right candidate.

All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.

People of Color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.