Farm Manager

Farm Manager — Food for Change Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity Bronx, New York | Full-time | $50,000 annual salary Help grow a school-based farming program that connects fresh food, student learning and community health. About the Center The Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity is an independent, New York City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to translating rigorous research about food, nutrition and healthy aging into practical knowledge and community action. We accept no commercial funding. Founded and led by Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH, the Center brings together research, education, and community programming to help people understand how food can support health—and use that knowledge in everyday life. Food for Change puts that mission into practice by bringing fresh food production directly into Bronx public schools. About Food for Change Food for Change is building a coordinated network of professionally managed indoor hydroponic farms in Bronx public schools. Students participate in the growing process alongside faculty and our farm team. They can help choose crops, plant seedlings, monitor growth, harvest produce, and share it with others. Through that work, they explore plant science, nutrition, environmental systems and the connection between food and health. The produce is intended for students, families, and surrounding communities at no cost . Crop planning can reflect the foods, herbs and cooking traditions that matter to each school community. Our work currently spans six Bronx school sites at different stages of operation, setup and restart, with plans to expand to 25–30 locations. Reliable farm management is essential to making that growth possible. The opportunity We are seeking a capable, dependable Farm Manager who can grow healthy crops, keep hydroponic systems functioning, and help make each farm a productive part of its school community. You will manage the growing operation across multiple locations: plan crops, maintain systems, identify problems, organize harvests, and keep accurate records. You will also work with teachers and student groups, helping them participate meaningfully while ensuring that essential farm care remains consistent. A successful day might include adjusting nutrients at one school, troubleshooting a pump at another, guiding students through a harvest and recording how much produce was distributed. You will work independently in the schools and coordinate directly with the Center’s team. What you will do Manage healthy, productive farms Oversee crop production from seedling through harvest across participating school sites. Monitor and adjust nutrient levels, pH, water, lighting, and growing conditions. Maintain pumps, irrigation components, timers, and other growing equipment; Establish consistent cleaning, sanitation, and food-safety practices. Develop crop plans and planting schedules that support dependable harvests. Work with students and school partners Train and guide student groups and faculty leads in planting, routine observations, harvesting and safe handling of produce. Explain growing practices in clear, engaging language appropriate for students with different levels of experience. Help students understand how their work connects to food, nutrition, science and community needs. Coordinate visits, activities, and building access with school staff. Serve as the Center’s day-to-day farm contact for teachers, principals and facilities personnel. Retain responsibility for the technical care and continuity of the farms as students learn and participate. Organize harvests, supplies, and records Coordinate harvesting and produce distribution with school partners. Record every planting, harvest, and distribution in our mobile tracking app on the day it occurs, including harvest weights and plant counts. Complete required timestamped video documentation of site visits and farm conditions. Maintain accurate supply inventories and move materials between sites. Provide reliable records to support program evaluation and grant reporting. Communicate equipment issues, crop losses, supply needs, and scheduling concerns promptly. Help build the program Support installation, setup, planting, and launch of new farms. Help establish practical routines and operating procedures that can be used across the network. Coordinate plans for ongoing plant care during weekends and school breaks. Contribute ideas that improve crop production, student participation, and the consistency of the program. At least two years of hands-on growing experience in hydroponics, urban farming, horticulture or a closely related field. Direct responsibility for maintaining crops through a growing cycle, including identifying and resolving plant-health problems. Working knowledge of hydroponic systems, such as tower gardens, nutrient film technique, deep water culture, or comparable systems.