Farm Manager

Founded in 2002, Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Birmingham, Alabama. Envisioning communities inspired by food and transformed by youth, JVTF uses food as a foundation so young people can lead, create, and grow a healthy future for themselves and their community. Learn more .

Our Culture:
The “Teaching Farm” isn’t just part of our name, it’s the heart of our mission. Every team member plays a vital role in educating, mentoring, and working alongside students and young people. If you’re energized by passing on your knowledge and skills while doing meaningful work, you’ll thrive here.

The Farm Manager oversees one of JVTF's largest Teaching Farms located on 2–3 acres of production, orchard, greenhouse, and gathering spaces at either the Center for Food Education or Woodlawn High School. Under the supervision of the Farm Operations Manager, this position leads the site’s day-to-day operations and upholds the organization’s vision of welcoming, productive, and diverse learning environments. The Farm Manager is responsible for all aspects of crop production, produce distribution, farm-related record keeping, care of farm equipment and infrastructure.

It is the Farm Manager’s role to serve as a steward of their site and to welcome a variety of individuals to engage with the work and mission of the organization. The site is both a working farm and a classroom, and the Farm Manager ensures that it is both productive and welcoming at the same time.

This position is responsible for leading interns, volunteers, and any JVTF Growers stationed at their site. They collaborate with JVTF’s Education, Community Programs, and Development teams to coordinate program needs.

The role is hands-on and physically demanding. This work requires a deep understanding of sustainable and diverse growing practices. A successful candidate must have a high degree of professionalism, strong management, organizational, and communication skills.

Core Responsibilities:

Site Production

• Plan and execute the site's annual crop plan: greenhouse sowing, transplanting, direct seeding, irrigation, fertigation, pest and disease management, pruning, trellising, and bed turnover
  Manage soil health through composting, cover cropping, and amendments; maintain orchard, perennial, and pollinator plantings
  Operate hydroponic and vertical systems at assigned sites: nutrient mixing, pH and EC monitoring, lighting, water changes, and system cleaning
  Operate the site's greenhouse and manage hydroponic systems to JVTF's production standards
  Complete weekly farm walks, manage produce availability for programs, and keep bed, pest, amendment, and harvest records current
  Purchase farm equipment, materials, and supplies within the site budget; maintain inventory

Programs and Distribution

• Harvest, wash, pack, and distribute produce for the farm stand, harvest shares, education and culinary programs, and partner deliveries, to food-safety standards
  Operate the weekly farm stand, manage and make deliveries for CSA program, coordinate partner pickups
  Coordinate with the Education, Community Programs, and Development teams on produce needs, field trips, camps, and events hosted on the farm
  Host and support site events that bring students, families, and the community onto the farm

People Management:
Interns, Apprentices, Volunteers, and Stationed Staff

• Supervise interns: daily task lists, skills training, expectations, feedback, and evaluations
  Direct the day-to-day work of any Grower stationed at the site
  Manage volunteer programs on the farm: scheduled shifts, open hours, and group workdays, including waivers, check-in, safety standards, and supervision
  Serve as a leader and model for students, interns, volunteers, and visitors;…