Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center
225 Pavillion Rd.
East Thetford, VT
05043
(802) 785-4737
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center is a certified organic vegetable and berry farm with a farmstand and education center. We have retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop - called the Hello Cafe, and a unique CSA program.
Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture practices for our annual vegetable and flower production farm and to educating consumers about the need to support farms who are committed to growing food in a manner that improves and nourishes the soil.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Annual and Perennial manager is responsible for all stages of planning and implementing our annual and perennial department growing environments at Cedar Circle including propagation areas, greenhouses, garden retail area, outdoor cut flower garden and perennial nursery. You will be responsible for planning, ordering, record keeping, and hiring and training a team to implement the department’s seasonal plans. You will be excited about developing educational opportunities and finding creative ways to connect visitors to the land and food production systems. By working closely with our retail, education and marketing staff, you will ensure that our visitors are provided with top notch customer service and educated about the products and systems at CCFEC.
Customer service is our number one priority. Candidates must be able to maintain a friendly and enthusiastic attitude. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain a clean work environment is important. Some knowledge of annuals, perennials, vegetables, cut flowers and organic gardening practices is required. Knowledge of pests and diseases is a plus. We are willing to provide additional training to the right candidate. Rotating weekend shifts required. Priority will be given to candidates with interest or experience in flower arranging.
Department Responsibilities
Oversee all production of Annuals, Perennials and Cut Flower Garden to include seeding, potting, watering, fertilizing, and monitoring of greenhouse temperatures and systems
Hire, train and supervise a seasonal team to accomplish all department goals
Staff scheduling, project/ task coordination and quality control
Review and analyze sales data from previous year and adjust orders and cropping plans accordingly
Order all plants, seeds, pottery, garden tools, and supplies needed including receiving orders, unpackaging, displaying, and pricing
Keep greenhouses in working order, including watering and fertilization systems, the physical function of greenhouses, coordinating efforts with Operations Manager
Maintain all retail areas during 8 month sales season including creating and maintaining aesthetically pleasing displays
Oversee customer service for all Annual and Perennial department sales
Coordinate and implement with your team all aspects of the cut flower garden including planning, field preparation, planting, weeding, irrigating, and fertility management.
Organize cut flower CSA, PYO and bulk flower operations including customer coordination, maintaining order records, staffing harvest days and organizing delivery
Enter and price all department products into the Revel System (our POS) so that sales can be tracked and create barcode labels for all plants to be sold
Research and create informative point of purchase signage for all annual, vegetable and perennial plants
Department budget development and review in conjunction with Director of Agriculture
Pest management through detailed scouting and implementation of organic pest and disease control methods
Work with marketing and retail staff to promote products
Work with Education Manager to develop educational opportunities for our customers and find creative ways to engage the public with our local food system and our farming practices
Research and plan field maps, charts and seeding plans to adjust our offerings to suit the organizational and customer needs
Farm Team Responsibilities:
Proactively communicate work load and equipment needs with other departments
Participate in planning and development throughout the season with CCFEC team
Support other departments as needed
Maintain records for compliance with USDA organic certification requirements
Maintain a smooth, timely flow with team members while working through projects
Make sound judgment calls on project implementation and time management
Participate in educational activities or events as required and pre-arranged by Education Program Manager
Ability to contribute to a positive, meaningful work experience for your team and all co-workers
QUALIFICATIONS
At least two seasons previous greenhouse growing & plant propagation experience and two season of outdoor garden/ flower garden/ nursery experience
Comfortable developing and leading workshops and training opportunities
Knowledge of regenerative agriculture and passion for growing native, medicinal, edible and/or pollinator plants
Knowledge of and experience with pest scouting, IPM, and organic pest control
Previous experience managing a seasonal team or business preferred
Excellent time management skills and consistent attention to detail
Positive, energetic interpersonal skills and clear consistent communication skills
Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and give/accept constructive feedback
Ability to work independently and within a team
Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
Hands on manager with ability to work for long durations in inclement weather – standing, sitting, bending over, lifting and kneeling
COMPENSATION
This is a part-time year-round position. Full-time February-October, Part-time November-January. (Full-time year round potential for candidates with ideal skill set and ability to help grow the department). The Annual and Perennial Manager is an hourly position with benefits including sick time accrual, health insurance contributions, fresh produce, and discount to our farm stand. this position is hourly, $20+/hour.
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through our employment application on our website or email:
Email: growing@cedarcirclefarm.org
Online: http://cedarcirclefarm.org