Job Opening at TLC – Food Forest Manager

Food Forest Manager (part time) View PDF job description 

The Land Conservancy is looking for the right person to help us with our food forest! Our goal is to transition a conventionally farmed field into a place for the community to learn about growing a diversity of food crops, using regenerative practices, permaculture, agroforestry and ecology as our guide.
Position Summary: The Food Forest Manager will oversee, organize and facilitate The Land Conservancy’s Apple Creek Community Food Forest. This is a new project with a lot of opportunity for the right person to make a difference, starting at the ground level. Our food forest is a place where people will learn about a diversity of crops that can be grown for food, health and profit in McHenry County. We need a person with good organizational skills that can take this project and run with it. This is not an entry-level position, but one that requires self-direction and a passion for perennial agriculture, agroforestry, permaculture and regenerative agriculture.

Job Description
Hours: Part-time (20 hours +/- per week) Start Date: Early 2023
Location: McHenry County, IL Wage: $15-$20/hour DOE
 This position will report to the Farm Program Manager
 This position is eligible for paid time off and holiday pay based on hours worked
 This is a one-year position, with possible extension based on funding

Required Qualifications
 Degree or demonstrated experience in the field of agriculture, permaculture and/or agroecology
 Strong interpersonal communication skills
 Strong organizational skills, recordkeeping and data collection
 Genuine interest in and ability to relate to all kinds of people
 Self-motivated, ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously
 Social media skills
 Commitment to a healthy, productive local food and farming landscape in McHenry County
 Previous work with nonprofits a plus
 Valid driver’s license. Your own vehicle a plus, with mileage reimbursement
Preferred Qualifications
 Permaculture design certification or similar
 Experience with perennial food crops
 Two years of experience maintaining vegetable gardens, plant nurseries, community gardens or food forests
 Experience in designing and planning food forests or similar projects
 Familiarity with McHenry County

Essential Job Duties
 Works with the Farm Program Manager, Steering Team and Savanna Institute to design and implement the site plan
 Develops, coordinates and conducts educational programs and activities
 Prepares written reports, press releases, and articles  Coordinates and trains interns and volunteers
 Assists with the planning, coordination, and implementation of events
 Plans and coordinates permaculture and forest gardening workshops and trainings
 Assists with the maintenance of plant health, introduces new plants, and designs new projects within the Food Forest
 Maintains signage for the Food Forest
 Facilitates construction of a shelter to be used for community events
 Ensures a safe and inclusive environment to foster learning within the Food Forest
 Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Posted January 9, 2023
Organization Description
The Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Woodstock, Illinois. Established in 1991, we are an accredited land trust with a mission to preserve and steward McHenry County’s natural and agricultural lands.
How to Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Deadline
January 27, 2023 or until filled
Questions? Email Linda Balek, Farm Program Manager, [email protected]