Farm Store Manager

Founded in 2002, in Springfield, MA, Gardening the Community (GTC) (gardeningthecommunity.org) is a food justice organization engaged in youth development, urban agriculture and sustainable living to build healthy and equitable communities.  GTC works with youth to grow food on vacant lots and organizes to expand healthy, affordable food access in the Mason Square neighborhoods of Springfield. GTC’s vision includes building a vibrant, healthy food system with just and equal access to it – one that recognizes and addresses inequity, so racism no longer determines the health or well-being of a neighborhood or community.

GTC is a fiscally-sponsored organization of TSNE (tsne.org).

This role oversees the day-to-day farm stand operations. including managing staff, inventory and planning, inventory and financial goals.  Also promotes educates and promotes the farm stand the EATS program.  Manages relationships with clients, vendors and youth participants. 

Essential Functions

Daily Operations

• Responsible for the daily operations of the farm stand- focused on creating a welcoming, clean, and abundant shopping environment for GTC customers;
• Staff 3-4 farm stand shifts per week;
• Oversee the opening and closing of the farm stand (including financial and product recordkeeping); ensure register close out sheets/receipts and paperwork is in order to present to the accounting clerk;
• Ensure produce is properly stored at closing and valuables are stored safely in dry storage area;
• Oversee marketing, enrollment and distribution of GTC EATS! Farm shares.

Farm Stand Ordering and Management

• Oversee and execute farm stand goals and budget set by the Board and Executive Director;
• Determine pricing within guidelines set by Executive Director and update pricing on a weekly/daily basis as needed;
• Role model good leadership, customer service, safe food handling, and work ethic for staff, youth and volunteers;
• Assist with the development of vendor/partner standards;
• Develop a diverse list of products, place orders, maintain inventory, manage expiration dates, and determine store merchandising layout;
  • Develop and place product orders for Farm Stand, including EATS!, GTC grown produce and Costco orders;
  • Maintain and implement an inventory tracking system;
  • Source vendors to get new local products.
• Perform and supervise general store maintenance (including bathroom); refer issues concerning major repairs or other issues to Executive Director;
• Work with the GTC Farm staff team to identify the ideal crop mix for distribution through farm stand and EATS!;
• Serve on Farm Stand Leadership Team including planning for the Farm Stand’s sustainability, growth, marketing, and staffing.

Manage Farm Stand Staff

• Train store staff in store procedures;
• Train GTC youth and work with them on developing the skills for running a successful farm stand;
• Assist with managing the daily participation and involvement of GTC youth at the farm stand and in general, helping to build their leadership abilities and capacity.

 Farm Stand Promotion and Food Education

• Lead/design farm store and CSA marketing strategy;
• Develop and update pricing signage and ensure that educational materials about farms, farm stand/GTC values, etc are developed and posted at the farm stand;
• Organizes tastings and cooking demonstrations;
• Contribute to the monthly e-newsletter, social media and website content regularly;

General Duties

• Assist with other organizational activities including fundraising, events, and office management as requested;
• Attend all GTC Staff and team meetings as well as Board Meetings upon request.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Understanding of issues relating to racial equity, food and health equity, food access, local food, and sustainable agriculture;
• Commitment to food justice, increasing food access issues and identifying solutions;
• Entrepreneurial spirit and drive and experience with marketing, community outreach and engagement;
• Completion of Undoing Racism Workshop (required upon hire);
• Experience assisting staff with new youth, interns, and volunteers in a farm or garden setting;
• Experience leading a group (large or small);
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed in Springfield, MA. Work is not eligible for remote work.

Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $18.00/hr and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation, 1 week personal holiday, and sick time for full-time staff;
• 80% Employer-paid, $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim;
• Low-cost Guardian Dental and Vision;
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care;
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance;
• Employer-paid Pension through TIAA;
• ...and more!

TSNE/Gardening the Community envisions a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all our employment-related decisions, including hiring practices. Accordingly, TSNE actively seeks people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.

As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE/Gardening the Community will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.