Production Farmer at Hope Farms Urban Agricultural Showcase and Training Center in Houston

The Production Farmer is a key member of our Farm Team and responsible for growing top quality produce for market including: supporting the crop plan, activating effective horticultural practices to maximize production and food quality, which includes tending, harvesting and processing of vegetables and fruit as well as participating in field and site maintenance, meeting production goals and contributing to the goal of establishing our operation as a best practice for a small scale urban farming on the Gulf Coast.

A more detailed look at the key qualifications and responsibilities (which include but are not limited to):

Food Production:

+ Hope Farms utilizes small scale growing methods to optimize production of fruits and vegetables on 7 acres. You will need a background and knowledge of hand farming, organic practices and sustainable agriculture methods and techniques -- particularly as implemented in an high density intensive urban operation. And experience working with regenerative agriculture is helpful, as well as a desire to improve the farm as a healthy and productive eco-system for all living things.

+ You will execute day-to-day operations of a year round diversified vegetable farm, including cultivation; pest, disease and weed management; irrigation; harvest and post-harvest handling; quality control.

+ You will participate in the operation of an on-site farm stand, CSA program, restaurant and farmers’ market harvests and deliveries. 

+ Knowledge and experience of growing food in the Gulf Coast Region is ideal but not required.

Health and Food Access:

+ We like for our team to have a passion and understanding of the importance of equitable food access and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain good health. Obesity and other diet-related illnesses are ravaging communities and impact quality of life, health of the social and economic systems. Access to affordable produce plays a critical role in transforming the health and well-being of children, adults and society at large.

+ We hope that you will have an understanding in the power of food and community as the tenets to maintaining physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Community and Relationship Building:

+ Hope Farms is an integral part of Recipe for Success Foundation's work to combat childhood obesity with programs that teach, empower and inspire healthy eating. Cultivating good relationships with neighbors and supporters is fundamental to the success of the farm. Post pandemic, the farm is beginning to re-open to visitors. The Top Hand will be engaging and interacting with a diverse range of individuals who visit, from local community members, school groups, volunteers, veterans and funders. The Production Manager will need to have good communication skills and the ability to be inspiring, open, honest and understanding with people from many backgrounds, experiences and a broad range of ages.

Other Qualities:

+ Be guided by the vision and mission of the Recipe for Success Foundation as a member of dynamic team

+Be organized and committed to fostering and maintaining a clean, orderly work environment.

+ A commitment and desire to serve others and do positive work in the world with kindness, compassion, patience, openness, clear communication, self awareness and ability to listen to others.

+ A strong, self-motivated work ethic with the ability to work independently as well part of a collaborative team.

+ A dedication, understanding and appreciation of Quality.

+ A valid driver’s license and sound driving record.