Hydroponic Farm Manager

Organization

Lifespan Local’s mission is to cultivate well-being through partnerships with local residents and community champions. We approach our work from a systems and strengths-based perspective with an emphasis on diversity, equity and community-based leadership. We are placemakers, convening partners with a shared commitment to healthy living and social change

Position Summary

The hydroponic farm manager positions is a multifaceted role responsible for facilitating produce production via a state of the art nutrient film technique (NFT) and media bed hydroponic system that is located within an integrative health/wellness/community hub building. This role includes being a part of the system set-up, testing, and launching for long-term, sustainable produce production.  The farm manager will also be a part of the team that designs and executes a business plan which includes selling product to local restaurants, residents and others who are interested in healthy produce as well as supporting local food justice efforts. In addition, the hydroponic farm manager will expand community impact and connection to food grown on-site through the implementation of hydroponics-based STEM curricula with a particular focus on youth.

Essential Functions:

  • Manage day to day operations of a production and educational farm.

  • Work to achieve efficient and effective operations in terms of vegetable production distribution, and outreach, aligned with mission/vision/values of Lifespan Local.

  • During first 3 months, plan and prepare for system installation including orientation to farm space, design and equipment.

  • Develop comprehensive operating/training manual including SOPs and training records.

  • Implement policies that adhere to food safety HAACP/Gap standards and guidelines as well as local regulations to maintain a healthy environment for workers and consumers.

  • After farm set-up and activation, running the farm will include the following duties:  General cleaning, regular maintenance, and sanitization according to SOPs, developing infrastructure for all aspects of farm operations (e.g., production data, expenses).

  • Problem solving/troubleshooting technological/mechanical/biological/environmental challenges and operational issues.

  • System monitoring, e.g., water quality, nutrient mix, plant health.

  • Develop and implement crop plan including schedule for seeding/transplanting/harvesting.

  • Meet production and quality standards for optimal operations and financial/educational outreach goals.

  • Develop customer base.

  • Help develop, maintain, and collaborate with an effective network of existing food system organizations.

  • Collaborate with Lifespan Local staff re: volunteer recruitment and farm opportunities.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Skill Requirements:

  • Strengths based approach to working with diverse communities

  • Ability to communicate and work easily with a wide variety of people

  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks

  • Ability to balance big picture and detailed work

  • Possess valid Colorado Driver’s License and pass background check

  • Bachelor’s degree in science or related coursework and/or 6 years experience managing a hydroponic farm

  • Experience in aquaponic and/or hydroponic farm management including production farming/controlled environments

  • Excellent data collection and analysis skills related to hydroponic systems

  • Proficiency in Microsoft suite and hydroponic farm monitoring system/s

  • Time management/organizational skills

  • Ability to give, receive, analyze information

  • Ability to formulate work plans, prepare professionally written materials, articulate goals/action plans

  • Attention to detail and follow through

  • Comprehensive understanding of farming practices

  • Understanding of based organic and biochemistry, ecology, crop planning, biological systems, business practices involved in selling crops, awareness of market behavior/demand for specific types of products

  • Awareness of safety of self and others in all actions

Typical Physical Demands:

Required sitting, standing, bending and extended reaching. May require lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, the telephone and other office and/or clinical equipment.  With proper PPE, handling a wide variety of farm elements including bacteria, fungus, decomposing plant material, plant pests, and chemicals.

Working Conditions:

Generally 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. May require occasional evening, weekend, or on-call hours.  Hours vary by day/season.

Compensation/Benefits:

Salary range is $65,000-$70,000 for this full‐time exempt position (40 hours/week), depending on experience.

Generous benefits package includes:

  • 3 weeks vacation time and 1 week sick time annually

  • Portion of medical and dental care premiums covered by Lifespan Local

  • Short‐ and long‐term disability insurance (Fully covered by Lifespan Local)

  • Life insurance (Fully covered by Lifespan Local)

  • 401K plan (Safe Harbor Plan)

  • Vision insurance is available to purchase through benefits provider.

To Apply:

Please forward cover letter and resume to:

Lydia Prado, Executive Director: lydia@lifespanlocal.org

Start Date:

May 2024