Assistant Production Manager

The Assistant Production Manager will support the Farm Manager in operating all aspects of Alaska Pacific University’s Spring Creek Farm, located at the APU Kellogg Campus in Palmer, Alaska.

Spring Creek Farm supports food security in Alaska by operating a vegetable farm using sustainable methods, training new farmers, and creating a space for integrated academic and co-curricular programs that are both ecologically and economically sustainable.

The farm grows 1.5 acres of vegetables to provide for a 100+ member CSA program, a farmers market, the dining hall, Alaska TILTH, and other sales venues.

This is a full-time, seasonal position with a start date of ASAP and an end date of October 15, 2024. Compensation is $2800 / month, on-farm housing, and vegetables equaling one full CSA share.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Vegetable Production :

Works with the Farm Manager to implement a crop plan that will provide for a 100+ member CSA, farmers market, APU Dining Services, Alaska Tilth, and other customers.

Responsibilities will include seeding, planting weeding, harvesting, small equipment operation, distribution / delivery, and marketing.

• Ensures the quality of farm products before sales and distribution.
• Communicate with the Farm Manager regarding the availability and progression of crops each week.
• Maintains records of farm production including but not limited to planting and harvest dates, amounts harvested, and products sold.
• Maintains and / or communicates with the farm manager about farm equipment and infrastructure.
• Communicate with the farm manager about possibilities for future improvements of the farm, such as equipment, infrastructure, customer relationships, and growing practices.
• Helps to coordinate ongoing and timely distribution of produce to the correct daily / weekly destinations and customers.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with customers. Seeks input from buyers regarding crop selection and provides advance notice regarding expected harvest times and crop volumes when relevant.
• Manages vegetable production from the perspective of ecological and financial sustainability.

Intern and Volunteer Management :

• Assists the Farm Manager with training and providing oversight for farm interns, volunteers, and practicum students in all aspects of the vegetable farm operation, such as but not limited to : propagation, greenhouse management, tillage, cultivation, soil management, pest control, harvest, and marketing.
• Acts as farm crew manager when Farm Manager is not present or is occupied, answering intern and volunteer questions, and directing workflow.
• Provides useful and timely feedback to crew members and volunteers, ensuring the quality of work and farm products.
• Works to facilitate a positive, cohesive, functional, and efficient work and living environment between Farm Manager, self, farm interns, practicum students, volunteers, and farm visitors at all times.
• Communicate with the farm manager about ideas and improvements regarding intern and volunteer programming, individual task assignments, and workflow.
• Participates and leads farm tours, workshops, and community days, as appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• Skill in cultivating vegetable crops using small-scale, ecologically sustainable techniques.
• Skill in providing oversight, supervision, and training to volunteers or new employees in a fast-paced setting.
• Skill in operating small machinery such as lawnmowers and weed trimmers.
• Skill in communicating effectively with customers.
• Skill in consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines and goals.
• Skill in working effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Skill in being self-directed, collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

Non-Supervisory : At least one (1) year experience contributing significantly to the operations of a vegetable farm with multiple sources of revenue and demonstrated experience or interest in sustainable agriculture, environmental studies, and / or food systems field.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

Supervisory and management experience preferred.

Degree in sustainable agriculture, environmental studies, food systems, or related field.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess a current valid driver’s license. Ability to pass a driving history check, background, and driving test.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Works indoors in planting areas as well as outdoors in cold, windy, rainy, and sometimes dark environments in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sits, stands, bends, and lifts throughout working hours. Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move a minimum of 50 pounds.

Interacts with students, staff, faculty, and patrons in a variety of conditions and circumstances including inclement weather.

Ability to traverse uneven terrain and operate 4-wheel drive vehicles.