Farm Manager

Project EATS (PE) occupies a unique space in the urban agricultural landscape of New York City. Founded in 2009 by artist and social activist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS is a living installation transforming vacant lots and rooftops into neighborhood-based farms catalyzing creativity and cultivating greater food sovereignty. Project EATS food systems grow, harvest, market, and work to increase the consumption of food that nourishes people in the neighborhoods and housing communities where they live.

Over the past 16+ years, we have operated more than 20 farm across New York, now running soil, hydroponic, and green roof farms across Brownsville, Brooklyn; the Lower East Side;
East Harlem;
Belmont in the Bronx; and on Wards Island. We partner with the community through multiple workforce development, community‑building activities, and arts engagement work.

The Farm Manager position at Project EATS requires creative, goal‑oriented thinking, the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse groups, and an aptitude for bringing people together to support the vision of Project EATS. The Farm Manager will help create a vibrant team culture, inside our offices, on our farms and in the community. The Farm Manager will lead our farms – currently 6 – and the farmers’ day‑to‑day operations, anticipating and supporting the needs of each unique farm site.

From pre‑season planning, managing farm personnel, to achieving our projected production and farm goals, this role will be the connection that links our six farms spread throughout the boroughs. The Farm Manager must have knowledge of soil, and hydroponic farming in order to support this work in a comprehensive manner. This position is responsible for being an organized and efficient multi‑tasker, who is upbeat and eager to grow their professional skills.

The Farm Manager will ensure data is being regularly and accurately maintained on farm production and operations. Reporting to Senior Management, this position will mentor and guide the team, including farm volunteers and resident workforce farmers, towards understanding and success.

• Responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing PE’s farm operations on our soil, and hydroponic farms to achieve PE’s yearly production goals:
  • Wards/Randalls Island – equivalent of 3 acres (currently farming 1.5) with 5 tunnels, a greenhouse
  • The Crossings in East Harlem – on the ground raised beds community type garden/farm
  • St Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx – 27 raised beds
  • Essex Market in the LES – 40 raised beds
  • MGX in Brownsville, Brooklyn – raised beds and hydroponic container
  • The Rise – Brownsville, Brooklyn – 11 raised beds
• Hire, train, and supervise seasonal and full‑time farmers capable of achieving farm goals
• Conduct regular site meetings and visits while providing assessments, feedback, and guidance to PE leadership
• Improve, innovate, and train PE’s farm team in using sustainable farming methods, structure, and systems to achieve PE’s annual production goals and yield consistent high‑quantity and high‑quality production on small plot farms
• Develop, manage and track all crop planning, and field schedules, harvest lists, and related farm purchases for all soil, and hydroponic farms
• Manage and track farm budget
• Collaborate with appropriate PE program managers to support community resident and school‑based programs offered at each farm site
• Ensure PE farmers know, understand, and support the goals and objectives of our farms, use safe and efficient farm practices; and high‑quality harvest and produce handling/storage
• Maintain and update accurate inventory records of farm equipment, tools, and vehicles, and manage the PE van, its maintenance, driver (if hired), and deliveries to partner sites, markets, and events.
• Collaborate with farmers and others on the PE team to determine what produce is available for sale at produce stands and other outlets
• Collaborate with Senior Management to develop food distribution channels; with the farm team to manage customer relationships; and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records.

• 5+ years of farming experience with at least…