Farm Manager – Food for Change Hydroponic Program
2 days ago
Bronx
About CFAM The Center for Food as Medicine, Inc. (CFAM) is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to evidence-based health and nutrition research, education, and community programming. Our Food for Change initiative operates a growing network of hydroponic tower gardens across South Bronx schools, senior centers, and community institutions — bringing fresh, locally grown produce to neighborhoods that need it most. We are expanding rapidly and looking for a passionate, hands-on Farm Manager to lead and grow this work. Position Overview The Farm Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of CFAM's hydroponic tower garden network at various locations in the South Bronx. This is a unique opportunity to combine agricultural expertise with community impact — managing multiple active farm sites, training community members and students, and helping scale a model that is transforming food access in one of New York City's most underserved communities. Key Responsibilities: • Manage daily operations of hydroponic tower garden sites across South Bronx schools, senior centers, and partner locations, • Monitor plant health, nutrient levels, lighting, water systems, and overall grow conditions across all sites, • Troubleshoot and resolve equipment, irrigation, and crop issues in a timely manner, • Coordinate planting schedules, harvests, and produce distribution, • Train and supervise student interns, volunteers, and community participants in hydroponic farming practices, • Build and maintain strong relationships with site partners, including school principals, facility managers, and community organizations, • Track and report on farm performance metrics (yield, plant health, harvest volume), • Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment; manage procurement and vendor relationships, • Support grant reporting by documenting program outcomes and collecting data, • Assist with the setup and launch of new farm sites as the program expands, • Represent CFAM's Food for Change program at community events, partner meetings, and public engagements Qualifications Required: • 1+ years experience in urban farming, hydroponics, horticulture, or a related field, • Hands-on knowledge of hydroponic systems (tower gardens, NFT, deep water culture, or similar), • Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple sites simultaneously, • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable working with youth, seniors, and diverse community members, • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varying indoor environmental conditions, • Reliable, self-directed, and comfortable working independently in the field, • Commitment to food justice, community health, and CFAM's mission, • MUST ALREADY BE LOCATED IN NYC AREA, BRONX PREFERRED. NO RELOCATION. Preferred: • Experience working in schools, nonprofits, or community-based organizations, • Bilingual in English and Spanish, • Familiarity with food safety protocols and/or ServSafe certification, • Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, public health, or a related field (or equivalent experience) Why Join CFAM? • Be part of a mission-driven team at the forefront of urban agriculture and food-as-medicine programming, • Work in a dynamic, growing nonprofit with real community impact in the South Bronx, • Opportunity to help build and shape an expanding farm network, • Collaborative team culture led by recognized experts in nutrition and public health