Contact Information
Name: Traci Barkley
Phone: (217) 367-1189
Email: solagratiacsa@gmail.com
Job location: Urbana, Illinois
Business name: Sola Gratia Farm
Job/volunteer description: Location: Urbana, Illinois
Start date: Feb 2022
*This is an 11 month full-time position from early February through end of December.
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
We seek a Field Manager for our 15 acre not-for-profit community vegetable farm. Experience
working on a CSA farm or vegetable farm that follows organic practices in the Midwest is
important. Experience with a wide range of equipment is preferred as the farm’s infrastructure
includes a greenhouse, two high-tunnel hoophouses, wash/pack shed, three walk-in coolers,
water well and irrigation system, a storage building, a seed drill, a cultivating tractor, two
medium-sized tractors and a BCS walking tractor, each with a wide range of implements and
various other pieces of equipment and tools. A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
is a must. Preference is given to candidates who have expertise and experience working at
comparable farm operations. Also important is the ability to work effectively with a Board of
Directors, managing teams of staff and volunteers, maintaining a focus on the farm mission and
achieving CSA, retail, wholesale and food donation goals.
SOLA GRATIA FARM:
Sola Gratia Farm is unique in many ways. We are a community mission-based farm started by
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality produce
following organic practices. The farm is committed to helping those who lack adequate food
resources by donating at least ten percent of our product to support regional hunger programs,
such as Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Mobile Market, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, Jubilee Cafe
and our free market. We grow a wide range of produce to support our 200 member
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, three farmers markets and several retail
and wholesale clients. We operate a robust volunteer program and have many established and
active community partnerships. The Farm promotes healthy lifestyles and community building
through volunteering and service, special events and outreach and education programs. More
information at www.solagratiacsa.com
The Field Manager will work closely with the Sola Gratia Farm Manager and Director. The
responsibilities include:
● assist in execution of a yearly organic vegetable crop rotation plan including cover crops;
planting, weeding, watering, managing fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs, and
harvesting produce;
● oversight and management of seasonal staff, volunteers, seasonal interns and being
hands on the ground, as directed by Farm Manager, for most of the season;
● consult with Farm Manager on daily harvest numbers and quality;
● keep time records for field activities;
● co-management of irrigation system and schedule;
● operate field equipment including tractors and implements;
● manage inventory and care of harvest and field tools;
● manage compost;
● assist in promotion of the farm at farmers markets, farm activities, and community
events;
● assist Farm Manager in training of crew members.
Send cover letter and resume no later than close of business November 29, 2019 to Traci
Barkley, Sola Gratia Farm, 2200 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802 or electronically to
solagratiacsa@gmail.com. Early applications encouraged. Call 217-367-1189 with any
questions
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
