Just thought I would pass this along from a
facebook post of the Denver
permaculture group.
Position Opening: Larimer Square Urban Farm Manager Location: Denver, Colorado Type: Seasonal, Full-time (Mid-June – Mid- November)
Project Overview Bio-Logical Capital is a regenerative
land investment, development, and conservation company that focuses on food,
energy,
water and habitat. Urban Villages, our sister company, is the developer, property manager, and asset manager for Larimer Square. While Urban Villages plans for the larger longterm redevelopment of Larimer Square, they have engaged Bio-Logical Capital to execute an initial urban agriculture program that demonstrates a model for small-scale productive agriculture in downtown Denver.
Our team seeks an Urban Farm Manager to manage the different growing spaces around Larimer Square which include a 4,000-square-foot growing space on the top of Larimer Square Parking garage, as well as raised beds along the street and Bull and Bear Courtyard of Larimer Square. This management position will experiment between soil-based bed types and sizes, cold frames, greenhouses, shade structures, crop types and irrigation systems. This position will work with us to understand what grows best on rooftops in Colorado and the best methods of cultivation in urban spaces. An emphasis will be placed on making all of the structures, equipment, and installations in this space temporary, so that they can be reused in the redevelopment of the square’s long-term food production plan. Another goal of the project is to help shift our community’s understanding of “wild spaces” and food cultivation. Although we do not believe that rooftop agriculture is the solution to the future of food production, we do believe that it will be an important supplement rural food production and that it increases urban awareness around food systems.
Position Overview We are searching for an Urban Farm Manager who has a strong work ethic, is a proactive communicator, and is enthusiastic about the larger and longer-term goals of the project – particularly in experimenting with a successful rooftop urban farm for Denver. It is essential that this position is flexible, adaptable, and a problem-solver. We seek applicants who have a knowledge and
experience with the Front Range growing climate, soil,
greenhouse production, and Colorado appropriate plant species. Because the rooftop will be both a public and private space, this position must feel comfortable interacting and engaging with community members while simultaneously maintaining the productivity of the space. We seek an Urban Farm Manager who is excited to work closely with the Bio-Logical Capital team and community, and who is able to both teach us and learn with us. The Urban Farm Manager will coordinate closely with and be supported by our entire team and will report directly to the Ecological Designer.
Primary Responsibilities Rooftop Farm Operations • Manage 4,000 ft2 of rooftop production (Two thirds of that space will be vegetable and fruit production and one third in
perennial and
native plant gardens)
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• Provide oversight, management and executive for all rooftop farm activities, including, but not limited to:
compost program management, irrigation, cultivation, propagation, seed saving, general maintenance, daily harvest operations, and tree care • Successional and rotational planting for pest mitigation, optimizing space • Maintain accurate inventory of all materials and supplies related to rooftop farm production activities, including, but not limited to: compost, harvest tools and supplies, packaging and labeling supplies • Preparing for and managing different weather situations (such as a hailstorm) and problem solving how to best manage these • Manage farming project goals, planting and work schedules, critical timelines, reporting mechanisms and resource allocations • Submit a Weekly Status Report on all rooftop farm activities and attend a weekly meeting to discuss important details contained in the report • Work closely with Bio-Logical Capital to document learnings, evolve practices, and plant species • Manage and coordinate farm volunteers
Street-Level Operations • Manage 1,500 square feet of street level agricultural and native plant program that complements the infrastructure of the block and creates synergy between the rooftop farm and the street level. This includes a mix of plant-based installations that showcase native plants and crops, hardy herbs, and species that are associated with food but not tempting or pick-able (e.g., edible flowers, lavender, sage, some Brassicaceae, etc.). Examples of such installations include: wooden raised beds that host a mix of native and edible plants; colorful baskets hanging from street posts; and creative, vertical garden installations that are water-use efficient, reflecting the surrounding landscape and growing-climate. • Create planting plans for different seasons, order respective species mix and plant • Preparing for and manage the resulting consequence of unknown weather (such as a hailstorm) and pedestrian influence (replant when necessary due to disruptions on the block) • Water and weed garden boxes • Manage project goals, planting and work schedules, critical timelines, reporting mechanisms and resource allocations • Work closely with Bio-Logical Capital to document learnings, evolve practices, and plant species as appropriate
Secondary Responsibilities • Serve as a spokesperson for marketing, media, and communication purposes at the farm • Work with Bio-Logical Capital on community program development and management, which could include participation in and the facilitation and leadership of: o Rooftop Garden event planning and execution o Community education and workshops o Public speaking
Candidate Qualifications • Minimum 3 years of agro-ecological farming and farm management experience
• Demonstrated success in previous management and leadership positions with excellent interpersonal and communications skills
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• Demonstrated ability to integrate management operations with community and
sustainability considerations and outcomes • Ability to interact comfortable and professionally with a broad range of community members and stakeholders • A strong facilitator and communicator • Open to learning and implementing new farming techniques • Flexible schedule with the availability to work on some weekends • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Computer, data entry and reporting skills • Proven record of success in a highly collaborative and dynamic work environment • Self-starter who is able to work independently, and solve problems creatively • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions • Minimum 2 references
Application Process Candidates
should send a cover letter illustrating experience, resume, available start date, contact information, and three references to
lhancock@biologicalcapital.com.
For more information on our company, please visit www.biologicalcapital.com.
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