Chief Urban Farmer - Toronto

JOB POSITION: Chief Urban Farmer

Are you looking to work for a company that values sustainability and helps build greener cities and communities?

MicroHabitat is seeking a motivated, ambitious individual with strong leadership and a passion for farming to fill the position of Chief Farmer.

Introduction:

At MicroHabitat, we implement urban agriculture to improve urban environments, enhance city dwellers' lifestyles, and foster greater awareness of environmental issues. We set up edible gardens on rooftops and ground-level spaces for businesses, institutions, and schools, reconnecting people with nature and their food sources.

What's in it for you?

• A fulfilling job where you can grow in unique spaces and enjoy the summer.
• Competitive salary and paid vacation from the start.
• Free coffee and tea in a workplace focused on employee well-being.
• A team-oriented environment encouraging initiative and leadership.
• Social events like happy hours, BBQs, bagels, and morning coffee throughout the year.
• Fun team activities—because MicroHabitat is a big family!
• Work alongside passionate colleagues.

Job Description:

The Chief Farmer will lead urban agriculture projects for a multicultural clientele in various districts of their region. Reporting to the Operations Director, this individual will be responsible for planning, setting up, supervising, and managing food production areas. They will also handle client communication, collaborate with the sales and marketing teams, and oversee all urban farming operations in their region. The role includes educating and transferring urban farming knowledge to a diverse audience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up and oversee urban agriculture projects.
• Manage client accounts and production zones.
• Guide and evaluate urban farming activities in the region.
• Work with the MicroHabitat team to expand the company globally and promote urban farming in each city.
• Conduct educational workshops for clients of all ages.

Horticultural Management:

• Coordinate and prepare materials for installations.
• Lead installations and supervise the team throughout the season.
• Ensure the maintenance of MicroHabitat's urban farms and engage organizations by providing project info and horticultural advice.
• Perform quality assurance for farm maintenance.
• Handle tasks like harvesting, watering, pest control, and plant care.
• Conduct educational activities with clients.

Representation and Administration:

• Host info kiosks and workshops on urban agriculture in both French and English.
• Attend team, partner, and client meetings.
• Prepare reports and document activities for each production site.
• Manage tool purchases and infrastructure maintenance.
• Perform quality assurance checks on farm infrastructures.
• Create standard documents and training guides.
• Work with different company branches (sales and marketing) and other MicroHabitat cities.
• Participate in grant applications and processing.

Project Management:

• Oversee all phases of establishing food production sites.
• Coordinate installations, maintenance visits, and closure events.
• Enforce safety measures across all MicroHabitat operations.
• Maintain cleanliness across all production areas.
• File all operational reports.
• Contribute to process improvements.
• Plan and coordinate production site visits.

Client Experience and Marketing:

• Manage project coordination and client accounts in the region.
• Send communications, marketing materials, and content to clients.
• Ensure client satisfaction and loyalty.
• Share operational reports with partners and clients.
• Enhance client satisfaction processes.
• Collect marketing content for the marketing and sales teams.
• Ensure the MicroHabitat brand shines across all regional activities.

Human Resource Management:

• Recruit the installation and urban farming teams.
• Supervise teams during installations.
• Monitor and evaluate employee performance and needs.
• Report on staff performance to the Operations Director and other relevant team members.

Off-Season Responsibilities:

• Prepare MicroHabitat infrastructure, vehicles, and stock storage for winter.
• Handle other tasks as assigned during the off-season.
• Ensure client satisfaction during the off-season.
• Participate in operational process improvements.
• Support the sales team with lead generation.

Conditions:

Required Education and Experience (flexible):

• College or university degree in agriculture, urban agriculture, horticulture, environmental sciences, sustainable development, or customer service.
• Experience or studies in agriculture, horticulture, urban farming, or sustainable development.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in agriculture or customer service.
• Experience in mobilization and workshop facilitation.
• Familiarity with tools like smartphones, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal skills in English.
• Valid driver's license with two years of driving experience.
• Functional smartphone.

Desired Skills:

• Strong mobilization skills.
• Participative leadership.
• Vision and passion for urban agriculture and sustainability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Autonomy, versatility, and resourcefulness.
• Strong initiative and organizational skills.
• Ability to simplify and share knowledge.
• Patience, empathy, and generosity.
• Group facilitation and management skills.

Salary and Benefits:

• Start Date: To be determined.
• Full-Time Position.
• Salary: $50,000/year.
• Includes 20 paid vacation days annually (one month/year).
• Bonus: $1,000 for retaining 90% of clients in your region from one season to the next.
• Company phone after three months.
• Health insurance option after three months.
• Work hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. in high season and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in low season (with a 60-minute lunch break).
• Possibility of overtime in high season (unpaid).

For any questions regarding the position, feel free to contact Marisa McLean at 438-221-3767