Homeboy Harvest Hydroponic Farm Program Manager

Homeboy Industries is seeking a Farm Program Manager for its Homeboy Harvest Hydroponic Farm in Los Angeles. The role involves managing farm operations, training participants, and promoting food justice and social equity. Responsibilities include overseeing crop management, ensuring safety protocols, and developing educational programs for trainees. Candidates should have a degree in agriculture or related fields, management experience, and a passion for sustainable farming and social justice.
Company Overview

Homeboy Harvest is the newest social enterprise of Homeboy Industries, which combines sustainable urban farming with workforce development. Homeboy Harvest is a cutting-edge hydroponic farm in Los Angeles, dedicated to producing fresh, sustainable, and locally grown produce. Using vertical farming and innovative hydroponic systems, we grow nutrient-rich greens with 90% less water and space than traditional farming. Our closed-loop, eco-friendly approach yields crops three times faster, reducing waste and carbon footprint. Participants learn micro and macro concepts of agriculture and farming, including environmental science, nutritional literacy and food entrepreneurship.

Job Description

We are seeking a Farm Program Manager who is dedicated and passionate about agriculture. This role will be responsible for managing crops, training Cohort participants, overseeing day-to-day farm operations, and supporting the healing and empowerment of individuals through hands-on agriculture education.

The Farm Program Manager will balance the technical aspects of farming with the broader mission of food justice and social equity, while nurturing the growth of individuals impacted by incarceration, gang involvement, and other barriers to employment. The successful candidate will be committed to the success of the business and its staff.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Management
• Oversee all aspects of farm operations, including planting, harvesting, crop maintenance, quality control, and order fulfillment
• Manage the farm’s resources efficiently, keeping within budget and ensuring operational sustainability
• Ensure staff adhere to health and safety protocols, including food safety standards and farm-specific regulations

Staff Supervision
• Manage the 2.5 work-phase trainees in all work-related activities, while providing a supportive environment that emphasizes skill development, healing, and career growth
• Implement effective training programs for Homeboy Cohorts, ensuring they understand farm processes, work-readiness expectations, and the broader impact of sustainability and food justice
• Collaborate with Workforce Development in recruiting 2.5 Trainees ensuring alignment with the program’s mission and goals
• Establish partnerships with outside organizations to build career pathways in agriculture.

Program Development
• Design and implement initiatives focused on food justice and urban farming, ensuring that each initiative aligns with Homeboy Industries' core values
• Manage Cohort enrollment and create actionable metrics to track participant progress and outcomes
• Develop and maintain professional networks to expand Homeboy Harvest’s reach and influence within the agricultural community
• Stay current on trends in agricultural science and technology, incorporating new practices that enhance the farm’s sustainability and productivity

Qualifications

Education
• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Environmental Science, Business Management, or related field
• Management experience, including supervising and training staff, is desirable
• Experience working with a trauma-informed approach is preferred but not required

Skill Requirements
• A passion for agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and social justice
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and healing environment for all participants and staff
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset, keeping both short-term and long-term goals in sight
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic in managing staff and trainees, with an understanding of trauma-informed care principles
• A strong advocate for the mission of Homeboy Industries and the broader goals of food sovereignty and social equity

Working Conditions
• Indoor controlled farm and warehouse setting
• Schedule may include early mornings, weekends, and holidays, depending on demand
• Protective clothing/hairnets/gloves may be required in certain areas.

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Salary: USD 43200 - 72000 per year