CSA Assistant Coordinator, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Lowell, MA

	February 02, 2012
	Lowell, MA
	Agriculture
	Full-Time
	ABOUT Our Mission Statement: The mission of the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (New Entry) is to assist people with limited resources who have an interest in small-scale commercial agriculture, to begin farming in Massachusetts. The broader goals of New Entry are to support the vitality and sustainability of the region's agriculture, to build long term economic self-reliance and food security among participants and their communities, and to expand access to high-quality, culturally appropriate foods in underserved areas through production of locally-grown foods. RESPONSIBILITIES Assist in Coordination of New Entry’s CSA ProgramAssist in planning and logistics for operation of a 450 share, multi-farmer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, providing fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to customers around the Boston area. The candidate will support the Marketing Coordinator with other tasks and should possess the desire to assume greater responsibilities over time. Supervise CSA share-packers (estimated at nine individuals for 2012) and ensure that produce is packed in proper volumes for each market Assess produce quality before and during packing and implement system of feedback and education for farmers to address quality issues. Deliver CSA shares to 20 CSA pickup sites per week in the Lowell/Boston area Pickup produce from area farms for inclusion in the CSA Work with Pickup Location Volunteers in Lowell/Boston to trouble shoot delivery or pickup concerns. Respond to CSA shareholder customer service inquiries Prepare weekly CSA newsletter, including recipes and farmer background stories Assist Marketing Coordinator in maintaining financial records for farmer payment and billing Ensure timely maintenance of delivery vehicle and cooler facility SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position has supervisory responsibility. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree preferred, 5 years of experience assisting with CSA operations may substitute for degree. Experience handling produce and assessing produce quality. Preferable work experience includes commercial farming work, produce manager of a supermarket, produce wholesaler, cook, etc. Community organizing and cross-cultural experience helpful; prepared to build relationships with beginning, immigrant and refugee farmer participants. Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience required. QUALIFICATIONS Desire to assume greater responsibility over time Valid driver’s license and a clean Motor Vehicle Record; commercial Drivers license is preferred. Friendly, reliable, high energy level, comfortable performing multiple tasks in conjunction with day-to-day activities. Good interpersonal skills; team player, ability to communicate with diverse personalities, tactful, mature and flexible. Good reasoning abilities and sound judgment. Self-motivated and directed; works well within a rapidly-changing environment. Working knowledge of computer software (MS Office) Ability and willingness to perform varied and repetitive warehouse tasks including manual lifting of boxes between 25 – 50 pounds, in conditions that vary from hot and humid, to cold and wet. Access to reliable private transportation necessary. Flexible schedule needed, including evenings and weekends. A CORI background check is performed for all employees. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. *External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis. http://www.goodfoodjobs.com/jobs/10334/csa-assistant-coordinator.html