Farm Coordinator (Common Earth Gardens)

Overview

Catholic Charities of Louisville (CCL) is the social-service arm of the Archdiocese of Louisville (ADOL). We provide help and create hope for the poor and vulnerable through a wide range of programs, assisting clients of all races, backgrounds and beliefs. Our service area includes 24 counties throughout Central Kentucky.

Job Skills / Requirements

The Farm Coordinator is a full-time position reporting directly to the CEG Program Director (PD). The Farm Coordinator is responsible for establishing a new 7-acre blueberry farm as a social enterprise and. a productive, sustainable farming operation while creating meaningful community impact through workforce development, education and social inclusion initiatives

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:

·         Manage site preparation, planting, irrigation installation, soil health management and crop establishment activities for 7-acre blueberry farm.

• Develop and implement annual production plans and farm schedules.
• Monitor crop health and implement integrated pest, disease, and weed management practices.
• Oversee pruning, fertilization, harvesting, and post-harvest handling activities.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, agricultural, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures and productions records.
• Monitor budgets, expenses, and farm productivity metrics.
• Coordinate purchasing of equipment, plants, materials, and farm inputs.
• Maintain farm equipment and coordinate repairs and servicing as needed.

Team Leadership and Workforce Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor farm staff, seasonal workers, volunteers, and program participants.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and productive working environment.
• Provide hands-on instruction in farming techniques and workplace skills.
• Support workforce development opportunities for individuals participating in social enterprise programs.

Social Enterprise Development

• Help develop programs that align agricultural production with community impact objectives.
• With the Program Director, build partnerships with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and local businesses.
• Support educational programming, farm tours, and community engagement activities.
• Contribute to marketing, direct sales, agritourism, and value-added product opportunities.

Business and Strategic Planning

• Participate in strategic planning and business development efforts.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, profitability, and social impact.
• Prepare reports on production outcomes, financial performance, and program results.
• Support fundraising, grant reporting, and stakeholder communications when needed.

EFFORT:

• Ability to accurately examine and analyze information.
• Physical ability to perform demanding outdoor work year-round. Must be able to lift 50lbs 
• Ability to operate farm equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience managing fruit production, berry crops, or diversified farm operations. Experience operating farm equipment and performing physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Experience with perennial crop establishment and management preferred. Knowledge of irrigation systems, soil management, pest management, and food safety practices. 

Valid driver's license.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience with blueberry production or other small fruit crops.
• Familiarity with sustainable, regenerative, or organic production practices..
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Must be able to facilitate interagency collaboration to achieve project objectives.
• Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
• Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of any information encountered.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT:

Tractor with implements, BCS walk-behind tractor, driving a truck with a trailer. Must be willing to complete a safety course and equipment training as needed.

Additional Information / Benefits

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, 401K/403b Plan