Garden Production Manager

Company: Iowa State Job Bank
Location: Orient
Posted on: January 25, 2023

Job Description:

The Wallace Centers of Iowa (WCI) is seeking a Garden ProductionManager who has experience in vegetable/fruit production. Thisnon-profit organization (www.wallace.org) carries on the Wallace familylegacy of connecting food, land and people. The two historic locations -the Wallace Farm near Orient and the Wallace House in Des Moines - offereducational programs and community services, produce fruits andvegetables, and provide locally sourced meals. This position is based atthe rural Orient location. Qualifications: Experience in vegetable/fruitgardening; experience with small equipment such as tillers, mowers,small farm tractor and equipment/attachments; good communication skills;and creative problem solving ability. Supervisory and greenhouseexperience is a plus. -Salary Range: \$46,000 to \$52,000 depending onexperience -Benefits: Paid Time Off, Qualified Health InsuranceReimbursement Plan, Professional Development, Learning and NetworkingOpportunities -Immediate opening, year-round position Key componentsof this position are as follows: Overview: The Garden ProductionManager will manage the organization\'s 12 acres of tillable land andorchard including an annual site plan for 1-2 acres of vegetable/herbproduction for use by our two commercial kitchens, fallow ground, covercrops, and other land use. WCI is in the process of constructing ageothermal greenhouse, so helping the builder on the installation andintegrating the facility into food production is a 2023 priority.Coordination with the two Chef/Foods Program Managers, Wallace Farm SiteManager and CEO will be critical. Responsibilities: -Manage allaspects of food production - starting plants from seed, using organicfarming practices, keep the garden weed-free and attractive, utilize anunheated low hoop house and a shade house, and organize the harvest anddelivery schedule. -Work with chefs at both historic sites to planproduce needed for their kitchens and coordinate harvest and deliverytimelines -Determine how to manage the new geothermal greenhouse andincorporate it into year-round food production. -Manage the 4-acreOrchard (approximately 175 apple, pear, cherry, and peach trees) withorganic practices. -Maintain yearly production records, ensurecompliance with all relevant regulations, adhere to approved annualbudget, provide reports to the CEO and board of directors. -Operate andmaintain small farm machinery and equipment. -Supervise seasonal staff,including interns and occasional volunteers. -Shared responsibility for9-acre restored prairie with Site Manager and CEO. -Other duties asassigned Requirements -Familiarity with small/medium scale organicproduce production including starting seeds to post harvest handling,horticulture management skills, record keeping, equipment maintenanceand experience operating such equipment. -Self-motivated: ability torecognize what needs to be done and coordinate its completion -Excellenttime-management and organizational skills -Outstanding verbalcommunication skills -Ability to work with diverse and multidisciplinaryteams -Flexibility and ability to problem-solve Please send a coverletter and resume via mail or email to: The Wallace Centers of IowaAttn: Debra Houghtaling, President/CEO 2773 290th Street Orient, IA50858 debrahoughtaling@wallace.org Job posted: January 5, 2023

Keywords: Iowa State Job Bank, Des Moines , Garden Production Manager, Executive , Orient, Iowa