Farm Manager

ABOUT BLACK FARMERS COLLECTIVE

Black Farmers Collective (BFC) is a 501(c)3 that works to create a local, sustainable Black-led food system by developing a cooperative network of food system actors, acquiring and stewarding land, facilitating food system education, and creating space for Black liberation in healing and joy. It presently operates:

Yes Farm:

Our quaint, yet robust, farm occupies 1.5 acres of space along I-5 at Yesler Terrace in Seattle. As our inaugural farm, we’ve leveraged this asset to serve the community by providing educational programming; partnering with local Universities and K-12 Programs alike. We are modeling sustainable urban agriculture centered around the needs of the communities who are likely to experience the impacts of health disparities as a result of food apartheid, redlining + gentrification, and systemic oppression.

Small Axe Farm:

Serves as our Incubator Farm, stretching across 4 acres. We utilize this space as a “teaching farm” which aims to support emerging BIPOC Land Stewards (Farmers) by providing access to land, infrastructure, business development and farm training resources– in addition to a Universal Basic Income (UBI). Small Axe Farm is located in the Sammamish Valley, alongside the Sammamish River, and just outside of the Woodinville City Limits in King County.

Yes Forest:

Situated on our Yes Farm Site, we’re working to restore our wooded tree-canopy habitat with native plants to create an Urban Forest, to include a trail that connects the Urban Farm to communities on the North and South of the green space while reducing the air and noise pollution from the I-5 Corridor.

These green spaces are intended to provide opportunities for all through workshops + educational programs in addition to food sovereignty, with the importance of centering Black + Afro-Indigenous practices through historical relevance and growing food.

We envision Black liberation through food sovereignty in spaces built on cooperation and interconnectedness with the environment and community, where our knowledge and creativity are boundless.

KEY SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Vision & Planning: Support the organization’s mission, goals, and strategic plan.

Organizational Culture & Equity: Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and healthy work environment.

Create Spaces: Where communities gather to transfer shared-knowledge, build strategy to address Food + Land Sovereignty, and strengthen Black liberation through joy and healing.

THE FARM MANAGERS ROLE WILL CULTIVATE PRIORITIES IN:

The Farm Manager plays a vital role with Black Farmers Collective with the daily agricultural operations of the farm. This position is responsible for ensuring that all fieldwork is executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the overall succession of the site. The Farm Manager leads seasonal staff, interns and volunteers in the field, maintains production of food + systems, and supports the farm’s incubator program. Additionally, the Farm Manager will:

Manage Field Leadership (40%)

• Lead daily field operations including planting, cultivation, harvesting, irrigation, and field maintenance
• Supervise seasonal staff, interns and volunteers to ensure work is completed correctly and efficiently
• Provide training and mentorship to crew members and volunteers
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment
• Execute crop plans in coordination with farm leadership
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, and pest pressures
• Ensure all growing practices align with regenerative standards
• Support seasonal planning and implementation; weaving in monthly workshops to support our incubator partners

Equipment Operation and Systems + Infrastructure (30%)

• Safely operate tractors and related field equipment
• Assist with bed preparation, mowing, material movement, and infrastructure work as needed
• Ensure proper record keeping related to field activities
• Uphold safety standards and proper tool use in the field
• Oversee irrigation systems and field infrastructure
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of growing spaces
• Assist with compost systems, soil building, and regenerative practices; maintain healthy farming practices

Community & Education Support (30%)

• Support the Engagement Manager to facilitate volunteer days and educational programming
• Serve as a knowledgeable presence for visitors and program participants when needed
• Model the farm’s values of stewardship, education, and collaboration on and off the land
• Participate in staff meetings and team-wide collaboration
• Nurture collaborative relationships with partner organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and expand available resources.

An aligned candidate would possess the following Qualifications:

• least four - six years experience working in agriculture + horticulture, urban farming or public green spaces; preference given to those with experiences working in afro-indigenous spaces (OR 7+ years as part of a field crew)
• educational background in environmental justice with a strong ability to design and implement curriculum (or related experiences in lieu of education)
• Tractor, BCS and Sprinter Van operation experience required
• Carpentry, maintenance, or power tool operation experience.
• excellent written and verbal communication skills; cognizant of non-exploitative practices.
• experience engaging with global-majority communities (through lived experience or professional + work experience)
• Able to lift, pull, and push up to 40 lbs; embracing the physical nature of this work.
• A valid WA State Driver’s License; no violations in the last five years
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, required.
• Passion for and knowledge of food sovereignty and food justice.

HOURS REQUIRED TO FULFILL THIS ROLE:

Tuesday, 9a - 4p (with paid 30mins rest)

Wednesday, 9a - 430p (with paid 30mins rest)

Thursday, 9a - 430p (with paid 30mins rest)

Friday, 9a - 430p (with paid 30mins rest)

Saturday, 10a - 330p (with paid 30mins rest)

Medical and Dental (Employee Only)

Mileage Reimbursement

Monthly Technology Stipend

Company Rest-Periods and Unlimited PTO