Job Description
CSA Manager
Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables
November 2006

The CSA manager plans and oversees all aspects of Featherstone Farm’s seasonal Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.  At present, the program provides 20-24 weekly produce deliveries to 200+ members in three communities: Winona, Rochester and Minneapolis / St. Paul.  The CSA management position is a combination of indoor and outdoor work, involving roughly equal parts member communication (computer and phone work) and vegetable pack management (in the field and in the pack shop).  The position begins in March (early April at the latest) and winds up in October.

Spring Planning   The CSA manager begins in early spring working with FFV partners and the Field Production Manager (FPM) to create a plan for the season.  This includes crop selection and special event planning, as well as membership development through the website and at recruitment events.  Agricultural processes do not always adhere to a preordained schedule; the CSA manager must be able to adjust timelines and expectations as the season unfolds.

Weekly Delivery Management   The CSA manager is responsible for all aspects of the weekly box assembly.  This includes planning box contents on Monday (in consultation with FFV partners and the FPM), overseeing crop harvest concluding Wednesday morning, writing and editing the weekly CSA newsletter, and coordinating box pack-out by noon Wednesday.  Follow-up communications with members (by phone or e-mail) are often necessary Thursday and Friday.

CSA Box Delivery   The CSA manager delivers packed share boxes to sites in Winona and Rochester on Wednesday afternoons in a cargo van.  This delivery often wraps up as late as 6 pm.

Special Events   The CSA manager plans and runs special events on the farm for members, including (but not limited to) the spring greenhouse field day, June Strawberry Social, August salsa workshop, and fall harvest party.  In addition, seasonal pot luck gatherings in member communities (Rochester, Twin Cities) are a possibility.

Fall Wrap-up   In the month of October, the CSA manager coordinates special orders from members for winter storage crops (potatoes, garlic etc.) and circulates a survey to collect feedback from members.  Survey results are then used in discussions with Featherstone partners about plans for the following year.  

Winter CSA   In the past, the farm has organized and run an additional “Winter CSA” share program for the months of November and December.  Continuation of this program in the future will be contingent on agreement among the CSA manager and Featherstone partners.
Assisting with Field Production and Harvest   The CSA manager will be called upon weekly to assist with basic field production (transplanting, cultivation and harvest etc.).  This is a secondary though critical area of responsibility, particularly when adverse weather makes completion of such tasks critical.

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Requirements    The CSA Manager must have the ability to work independently, calling on help when necessary.  (S)he must have good computer and writing skills, and the ability to organize and communicate information effectively.  (S)he must have a good knowledge and love of fresh vegetables, their handling and preparation.

Compensation    Competitive wage with housing and/or housing allowance are based on experience.  The CSA Manager works an average of 40-50 hrs/week from March – October.