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 Farm Stand Manager Position Description The Hudson Valley Farm Hub is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Farm Stand Manager to join our team. The mission of the Hudson Valley Farm Hub is to provide training for new and existing farmers, support research and demonstration of new agricultural technologies and practices, and serve as a resource to advance local food and farming. This position represents a unique opportunity for the right person to foster education and engagement in the vibrant Hudson Valley agriculture and local food system. Position Summary The Farm Stand Manager is expected to provide leadership and management for this retail operation, in accordance to our Farm Hub mission and goals. The Farm Stand provides a outlet for the sales of produce and other local farm-­‐based products with the purpose of education about local food and farming. As such, creating a Farm Stand experience that engages the public and highlights local agriculture is central to the mission. During the winter months, the Manager will work closely with our Professional Farmer Training staff to support education of new farmers on marketing and management of retail operations. The Farm Stand at the Farm Hub also serves as the primary outlet for interaction and education of farm supporters, local food system advocates, and area residents. As such, the Farm Stand Manager is responsible for cultivating a positive image for the Farm Hub by using the Farm Stand to educate the public about the wide range of Farm Hub programs, as well as our history, mission, and values. This position is ideal for a dynamic person deeply committed to helping educate the public about local food and agriculture systems as well as opportunities for supporting farmers in the Hudson Valley. This position requires an individual who is well organized, has strong communication skills, has experience in retail sales and customer service, and is enthusiastic about local food and farming systems. This person must be highly flexible and adaptable in our dynamic environment, yet able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines with little supervision. 1875 HURLEY MOUNTAIN RD / P.O. BOX 237 / HURLEY, NY 12443 / 845-331-1187
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Farm Stand Operations • Oversee all Farm Stand operations, including managing vendor relationships, coordinating with Hub staff for produce, ordering and inventory, general cash management and daily reconciliation, and scheduling of programs and events. • Manage Farm Stand staff, including staff hiring and training, creating schedules and maintaining staffing appropriate to Stand volume and programming needs • Monitor and ensure excellent customer service by all Farm Stand employees • Create attractive merchandizing, including layout and display. • Actively seek local food products and education programs to feature. • Monitor inventory to assure freshness and excellent presentation of products and prepare inventory reports. • Coordinate merchandising of Farm Hub produce with Hub students and farm staff • Work closely with Farm Hub financial managers to provide accurate and timely data on sales, costs, inventory, and other related income and expense, and manage Farm Stand payroll and operations on budget. • Troubleshoot computer point-­‐of-­‐sale systems and be able to work with spreadsheets, databases, word processing and desktop publishing programs. • Ensure a clean, safe and well-­‐maintained facility. Program Development • Lead development of overall Farm Stand goals and strategic plans for future growth • Develop a public education program that engages community and local food system collaborators • Participate in Farm Hub staff meetings and perform other related duties as needed to support the stand operations, coordinate goals or host events. • Maintain excellent communication with other Hub managers and staff. • Track appropriate sales and customer data to support Stand operations and provide feedback to students and Hub staff on product quality and public appeal Communications and Outreach • Provide enthusiastic representation to the public of the full range of the HV Farm Hub programs, events, and educational offerings. • Develop innovative, effective, and low-­‐cost marketing approaches to support overall sales, market specific products, address weather and day-­‐of-­‐week effects, and increase customer retention. 1875 HURLEY MOUNTAIN RD / P.O. BOX 237 / HURLEY, NY 12443 / 845-331-1187
Required Qualifications A Bachelors degree in management, marketing, public relations, education or related field is preferred. Demonstrable previous work experience with fresh produce in a farm stand or similar retail operation is recommended. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors (office environment and at the Farm Stand) in all weather conditions. Limited travel regionally may be required to meet vendors or represent the Hub at meetings. Other requirements: • Strong interest in and knowledge of local food systems and issues. • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in effective marketing and public relations. • Strong communication skills including the ability to provide excellent customer service, tactfully address customer complaints; and train, manage, and motivate employees. • Positive, motivated and creative attitude, strong work ethic, reliable. • Organized person who is able to create and implement systems for improved efficiency and communication. • Work is performed both indoors and outdoors; must be able to stand or walk on both hard surfaces as well as uneven ground in farm fields. • Ability to use computer spreadsheets, word processing systems and electronic communications. • 3 + years of retail experience in farm stand or other context, including familiarity with inventory control and management, handling and merchandising fresh produce, point-­‐of-­‐sale equipment, and operations. • Knowledge of overall farm and business operations and the ability to assess future farm stand needs. • Must be able to work both weekdays and weekends. • Must enjoy working in a busy environment and be able to juggle many tasks. • Ability to work with minimal supervision. • Ability to lift, push, or pull 50 pounds. • Spanish language proficiency is a plus • Must have valid NYS Drivers License and clean driving record This is a full-­‐time, year-­‐round, salaried position with the expectation of 50+ hours per week spent on the job during the spring and summer months, including weekends. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three references addressed to Nanette Dalton ([email protected]). Applications will be accepted until May 8th. We are an equal opportunity employer. All candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation are encouraged to apply. 1875 HURLEY MOUNTAIN RD / P.O. BOX 237 / HURLEY, NY 12443 / 845-331-1187