Food Processing Hub Manager

Company Overview

The Sullivan County Conservation District (SCCD) is seeking a candidate for the position of Food Processing Hub Manager. This position reports directly to the District Manager, with support and guidance from a Hub Steering Committee.

Job Overview

The purpose of the shared-use Farm and Community Food Processing Hub is to strengthen the local and regional food system by enabling farmers, homesteaders and food entrepreneurs to safely produce frozen and shelf-stable products from locally sourced fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts

Duties

The Hub Manager oversees the operations of the new Food Processing Hub, combining day-to-day operations and longer-term planning to ensure the safe, timely, and undamaged flow of Food Hub products:

• Greet, train and assist users of the Hub.
• Maintain the facility and equipment.
• Ensure facility compliance with food safety regulations, including sanitation programs. Perform, monitor, track, and record food safety-related processes.
• Creatively problem solve as daily operational needs evolve, calmly adapting to, and solving for, unexpected issues.
• Assist in keeping accurate operations records through various tracking mechanisms and reporting functions. Track Hub production and finances, and draft project reports.
• Proactively assess production and distribution efficiencies and propose areas of strategic development and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years of management experience in one or more of the following types of roles. Some professional experience in the food industry is strongly preferred:
• Operations
• Project management
• Farming or food production
• Other applicable lived experience
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, safety rules, operation/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: in person, over the phone, by email, and text.
• Excellent customer service skills and/or successful teaching experience.
• Familiarity with computers, spreadsheets, and digital business management tools.
• Strong organizational skills and natural proclivity for keeping detailed records.
• Enthusiastic ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable with change and growth in an evolving business; creative problem solver and ability to jump in where needed to optimize operations.
• Helpful, calm, professional presence.

Preferred:

• Relationships with/knowledge of local food producers.
• Knowledge of/experience with food processing (freezing, dehydrating, freeze drying, and/or nut production).
• Experience in small business management and/or business development, especially in the food sector.
• Knowledge of basic food safety regulations.
• Food safety training.

Skills and Attributes:

• You are deeply passionate about supporting farmers and providing local food to community members of all income levels.
• You excel at communicating clearly and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• You’re skilled in creating schedules and setting internal deadlines to keep projects on track.
• Colleagues often describe you as the most organized person they know or someone who always gets things done.
• You bring positive energy to the team, always adaptable and ready to go the extra mile, while also maintaining healthy work-life boundaries.
• You thrive in a role that balances physical tasks in a commercial kitchen and office-based responsibilities.
• You’re confident in your abilities yet eager to ask for guidance, learn and develop new skills.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 lbs. and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to handle various food products, including major allergens.
• Office space is open-concept, meaning conversations and activities happen in close proximity.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25