Date Posted: 20:46:47 2024-01-14
Location: Pembroke Township, Illinois, United States
Contact Person: Dr. Jifunza Wright-Carter
Company/Business Name: Black Oaks Center
Phone: 4126005783
Mobile:
Website:
Apply Online
POSITION OVERVIEW
Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Renewable Living (BOC) is a BIPOC-led, non-profit institution dedicated to local food system development in Illinois and the surrounding region. Situated in the historic Black farming community of Pembroke Township, we've been actively restoring its legacy of Regenerative Farming since 2011. As of 2024, over 20 parcels, totaling 300+ acres, are earmarked for small farm viability projects, encompassing vegetable and melon production, fruit (berry and fruit tree) cultivation, livestock management, high tunnel production, hemp, grain, and legume cultivation.
Our 100-year Vision is to restore this once-fruitful farming community to a thriving natural environment and food production hub. We are actively seeking a producer experienced in any of the following to apply: organic, ecological, or regenerative farming. If you are passionate about what is possible in the current global energy transition, and want to be a part of a land-based solution to the climate crisis, join us in this mission. The ideal candidate is ready to lead, teach, and contribute to sustainable and regenerative practices. At BOC, we believe in preserving culture and the planet through our commitment to healthy and regenerative farming, ensuring the highest quality and quantity of nutrient-dense harvests. Each production season, we grow, harvest, process, package, and distribute fresh vegetables and medicinal and culinary herbs to individuals, health collectives, wholesalers, and specialty retail outlets throughout Greater Chicagoland.
As the Farm Production Co-Manager in 2024, you'll play a crucial role in the efficiency and success of our production plans. Your responsibilities will span from the seed to the sale of our high-quality products. This involves overseeing production personnel, ensuring proper training in compliance with company and safety standards, managing farm equipment maintenance, and meeting production demands. You will collaborate with a Farm Education Co-Manager charged with responsibility for the Pembroke Farmland Restoration Educator training program. Farmer Educator Trainees will engage in farm system upgrades, train in a comprehensive curriculum for regenerative farming, and support our EcoCampus farm production. We invite you to consider joining us as we grow the Black Oaks Center, and bring our 100-Year Vision closer to reality with each passing season.
COMPENSATION/SALARY: Starting at $60,000 per year, with on-site housing. Application deadline February 5. Hiring decisions by March 1, 2024; start date to follow.
Ideal Candidates Should Have:
Experience and efficacy in regenerative, sustainable, ecological farming and management:
Knowledge
Specialty Crops: vegetable, melons, perennial crops, grains, legumes, hemp and hay
Livestock and poultry management and rotational grazing
Soil development and compost production
Irrigation and water conservation
Experience operating and maintaining farm tools, equipment, and machinery
Knowledge of soil and nutrient management, crop rotation and post harvest handling, succession planting, plant pathology, IPM/pest and weed management
Skills
Excellent safety practices (hand tools, equipment, and ergonomics)
Farm Record Keeping and Budget Management
Proficiency with computer programs (Excel, Word, Email)
Good agricultural practices and Food Safety Training
Abilities
Excellent communication skills
Multi-task oriented and organized
Ability to make independent decisions
Ability to instruct, motivate, organize, and supervise work crews and volunteers
Ability to contribute ideas on how to expand and diversify the operation
Education/Experience:
A degree in Agriculture OR work experience equivalent in produce and livestock production (preferably experience of 5+ years).
Our ideal candidate for Farm Production Co-Manager in 2024 will have a comprehensive background in small-to-medium scale farming, with demonstrated expertise in crop management. This includes proficiency in soil health, crop rotation, succession planting, weed management, harvesting, grain production, and livestock care.
We seek an individual who excels in collaboration with people, has good knowledge of farm equipment, and exhibits strong problem-solving skills. The ability to motivate others and establish high standards for organic and sustainable production is paramount.
We highly value candidates who are comfortable navigating spaces led by individuals of color, demonstrating diverse cultural exposure and awareness. Preference will be given to those who embrace and contribute to the rich tapestry of our community as we work towards our collective vision of sustainable and regenerative farming.
To apply: please submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references to careers@blackoakscenter.org.
Salary: $60,000
