Job Description Job Title Position: Area Manager - Urban Farm Operations Location: Charles R. Drew Transition Center Farm Salary: $28.80/hourly Reports to: Farm to School Program Supervisor Bargaining Unit: N/A Benefits Eligible: Yes Telecommuting eligibility: Not eligible for telecommuting Position Summary: The Area Manager - Urban Farm Operations will oversee and expand farm operations within the K-12 school district, ensuring the successful cultivation, processing, and distribution of fresh produce to support school meal programs. This role includes managing Drew Farm, and applicable farm expansion projects, with a strategic focus on increasing crop yields, optimizing operations, and enhancing program revenue. The Area Manager will also provide technical support to school gardens, coordinate produce deliveries, and contribute to the district's commitment to farm-to-school initiatives. This position requires specialized agricultural expertise combined with culinary arts knowledge to align farm production with the district's nutrition goals. The Area Manager will play a pivotal role in maximizing the district's participation in Michigan's 10 Cents a Meal program by increasing annual crop output and diversifying available produce. Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of an associate degree and five years of experience in farm management, urban agriculture, or large-scale food production.
- Expertise in crop planning, sustainable farming techniques, and produce handling.
- Strong knowledge of culinary applications for fresh produce and school meal program requirements.
- Experience in managing farm operations, including labor, budgeting, and distribution logistics.
- Familiarity with Michigan's 10 Cents a Meal program and other farm-to-school initiatives.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team builder with nutrition professionals, educators, and community stakeholders.
Essential Functions: Farm Operations & Production Management
- Oversee Drew Farm and lead the expansion of operations across the district.
- Develop and implement strategic planting schedules to maximize crop yields while minimizing resource input.
- Manage soil health, crop rotation, and sustainable growing practices to enhance productivity.
- Ensure the farm meets Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety standards.
- Maintain farm equipment, irrigation systems, and infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
Produce Processing & Distribution
- Oversee post-harvest handling, processing, and storage of produce to ensure quality and food safety compliance.
- Coordinate produce deliveries to district schools, meal programs, and community partners.
- Track inventory, monitor crop yields, and adjust distribution plans based on demand.
School & Community Engagement
- Provide technical assistance and support to school-based garden programs within the district.
- Collaborate with nutrition and culinary teams to integrate fresh, locally grown produce into school meal programs.
- Lead educational initiatives, including student engagement, farm tours, and community outreach efforts related to urban agriculture.
Program Growth & Revenue Optimization
- Develop strategies to increase annual farm output beyond 60,000 pounds, aligning with district nutrition goals.
- Expand revenue opportunities by leveraging participation in Michigan's 10 Cents a Meal program.
- Identify and apply for grants or funding opportunities to enhance farm operations.
Supervision & Administrative Duties
- Supervise farm staff, seasonal workers, and volunteers involved in farm operations.
- Maintain detailed records of crop production, expenses, and sales, providing reports to district leadership.
- Ensure compliance with district policies, state regulations, and food safety protocols.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for special events, harvests, or educational activities.
Security Clearance: Internal Applicants If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check. External Applicants In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire. Method of Application: Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered. Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested. Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) ###-####. DPSCD does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) ###-#### or detroitk12.org/compliance.