Lead Farmer

Position Title: Lead Farmer - Hydroponics Reports to: VP of Facilities Exempt/Non-Exempt Status: Exempt JOB SUMMARY: This full time position will support the growth of VOA's urban hydroponic farm program The lead farmer will work in VOA's Greenery S vertical container farm. The lead farmer will be responsible for day to day operations, including seeding, transplanting, harvesting, delivery and maintenance, and maintaining records and reporting in accordance with Volunteers of America of Upstate New York's policy and procedures. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Operate and grow inside a hydroponic container farm (Greenery S). This includes seeding, transplanting, harvesting and maintenance. Perform routine maintenance of farm, including water and nutrient tan turnover, HVAC maintenance, sanitation and sensor calibration Packaging and distribution of retail, wholesale and program produce Follow standard operating procedures and best practices for crop health, food safety and indoor agriculture Assist with The Farm's Program Manager with education, volunteers and workforce development. Assist with manning farm markets as necessary Assist with finding new customers for fresh produce. Manage inventory and ordering needs Other relevant duties as assigned to support the farm mission and operations. EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Background in hydroponics, urban farming, gardening education and/or culinary arts preferred Passion for hands on learning, plants, food and farming. Inherent interest in how things work, enjoys technology and troubleshooting Comfortable with computers and using computers to operate the farm Organized, clean and detail oriented Physical ability to be on your feet for hours at a time, bending, reaching, lifting heavy objects and reaching in tight spaces Experience with farm operations, GAP and other certifications preferred Clean NYS Driver's License Commitment to the VOA Farm mission of providing quality affordable produce to low income households. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel throughout Greater Rochester Region is required for delivery of product PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Performing the duties of this job require occasional stationary and movement in and around an office and vertical farm setting. Must be able to move loads up to 50 pounds. Must be able to community effectively in person, by email and over phone with clients and community providers. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions are exposed to communicable diseases and are required to function around behavioral concerns. Essential duties are performed in an office setting, in the vertical hydroponic farm and in the community. The employee will be asked to travel between sites and travel for other key job duties RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS: The employee has no direct responsibility/supervision responsibilities LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis. EEO POLICY STATEMENT: VOAUPNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at VOAUPNY will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. VOAUPNY does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, training, and access to benefits, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Position Title: Lead Farmer - Hydroponics Reports to: VP of Facilities Exempt/Non-Exempt Status: Exempt JOB SUMMARY: This full time position will support the growth of VOA's urban hydroponic farm program The lead farmer will work in VOA's Greenery S vertical container farm. The lead farmer will be responsible for day to day operations, including seeding, transplanting, harvesting, delivery and maintenance, and maintaining records and reporting in accordance with Volunteers of America of Upstate New York's policy and procedures. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Operate and grow inside a hydroponic container farm (Greenery S). This includes seeding, transplanting, harvesting and maintenance. Perform routine maintenance of farm, including water and nutrient tan turnover, HVAC maintenance, sanitation and sensor calibration Packaging and distribution of retail, wholesale and program produce Follow standard operating procedures and best practices for crop health, food safety and indoor agriculture Assist with The Farm's Program Manager with education, volunteers and workforce development. Assist with manning farm markets as necessary Assist with finding new customers for fresh produce. Manage inventory and ordering needs Other relevant duties as assigned to support the farm mission and operations. EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Background in hydroponics, urban farming, gardening education and/or culinary arts preferred Passion for hands on learning, plants, food and farming. Inherent interest in how things work, enjoys technology and troubleshooting Comfortable with computers and using computers to operate the farm Organized, clean and detail oriented Physical ability to be on your feet for hours at a time, bending, reaching, lifting heavy objects and reaching in tight spaces Experience with farm operations, GAP and other certifications preferred Clean NYS Driver's License Commitment to the VOA Farm mission of providing quality affordable produce to low income households. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel throughout Greater Rochester Region is required for delivery of product PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Performing the duties of this job require occasional stationary and movement in and around an office and vertical farm setting. Must be able to move loads up to 50 pounds. Must be able to community effectively in person, by email and over phone with clients and community providers. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions are exposed to communicable diseases and are required to function around behavioral concerns. Essential duties are performed in an office setting, in the vertical hydroponic farm and in the community. The employee will be asked to travel between sites and travel for other key job duties RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS: The employee has no direct responsibility/supervision responsibilities LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis. EEO POLICY STATEMENT: VOAUPNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at VOAUPNY will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. VOAUPNY does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, training, and access to benefits, leaves of absence, compensation and training.