Job Announcement: Professional Production Assistant for the VFVC

Vermont Food Venture Center

Professional Production Assistant

The Vermont Food Venture Center, a program of the Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick, VT is a semi-automated multi-kitchen incubator and processing facility. We offer our clients co-packing services as well as commercial kitchen production space supported by business and technical services. 

We are seeking an individual to work closely with a variety of clients in a processing and production capacity.  A highly organized and motivated person with a solid knowledge of commercial cooking, processing and recipe scale up is desired. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong “people” skills is necessary. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Assist and instruct clients on the use of facilities and food processing equipment at the VFVC as required.

·         Assist clients with recipe scale up and development of production techniques.

·         Maintain and inspect  food processing and related equipment under direction of the Operations Manager

·         Manage the organization and cleanliness of production kitchens

·         Assist in maintaining cleaning and managing the warehouse

·         Perform additional tasks as required

REQUIREMENTS

·         Food Processing or commercial cooking experience

·         Excellent customer service skills

·         Strong organizational and time management skills

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills..

·         Flexible work schedule with ability to work occasional weekends and evenings.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS DESIRED

·         Knowledge of food preservation

·         Better Process Control certification

·         ServSafe Certification

·         Culinary degree or equivalent kitchen history is desired

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

·         Requires standing/walking/bending/kneeling throughout shift and ability to lift & carry up to 50 lbs.

To Apply:

Please send your resume to elena@hardwickagriculture.org

Please, no walk-ins or phone calls. 

Press Release: CAE Seeds New Growth

Center for an Agricultural Economy Seeds New Growth

Seeks an Executive Director

For Immediate Release

Hardwick, Vermont – November 28, 2012 -- Today, the Center for an Agricultural Economy’s Board announced new staff changes that will enable the organization to meet the growing opportunities in local, healthy food systems.  Monty Fischer, the CAE’s Executive Director has been named the new Director of Development, as the call for a new executive director was made.  Elena Gustavson, CAE’s Program Director will serve as Interim Executive Director while the search for a new Executive Director is underway.

“Monty has been instrumental in helping us grow from a young, start-up to an expanding and maturing organization with two major properties and growth in several program areas,” says Andrew Meyer, member of the CAE Board and a local business owner. “We are excited about his new role and look forward to his continued leadership.”  Over the last eight years, the Center for an Agricultural Economy has been a leader in the statewide local healthy food system movement.  

 “We are reinvesting in our food system”, says Tom Stearns, owner of High Mowing Seeds in Wolcott and President of the Center for an Agricultural Economy’s Board, “and we will continue to innovate, lead and deepen our commitment to fulfilling our mission of a healthy and local food system.” The CAE has formed a Transition Team to search, interview and hire the new Executive Director.  The position description is available on the CAE’s website at www.hardwickagriculture.org or on its blog.

Since 2004, the CAE has encouraged the development of a local system that meets the needs and aspirations of the community and ensures economic and ecological stability and abundance. Through involvement within the community and local businesses and a commitment to economic, ecological and nutritional health, the Center for an Agricultural Economy supports a vibrant regional food system.

Media Contact:

Elena Gustavson

Center for an Agricultural Economy

elena@hardwickagriculture.org

802-472-5840

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Job Announcement: Executive Director

Center for an Agricultural Economy Executive Director Position

Over the last several years, the CAE has evolved from a young, start-up to an expanding and maturing organization. The management and ownership of two major properties, the growth of several program areas and the strengthening of the region’s local food movement have resulted in enormous opportunity to deepen our commitment and fulfill our mission of building a regenerative, healthy and local food system.

The Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick, Vermont seeks an Executive Director dedicated to a building a vibrant agricultural economy.  An engaging leader with experience in organizational and financial systems management will direct and implement our strategic plan. A stellar public presence with outstanding communication skills is necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the day to day operations of the Center for an Agricultural Economy and it’s various programs, including the Vermont Food Venture Center, a food processing facility and incubator kitchen
• ·         Builds, analyzes and maintains organizational budgets, processes and systems
• ·         Full engagement of the Vermont Food Venture Center including management of the staff, working with the Operations Manager and overseeing its budget, processes and systems
• ·         Leverages internal talents, manages and supervises a staff of six to nine 
• Oversees program development and management with the Program Director
• ·         Identifies fundraising opportunities and develops/builds on relationships with the Development Director
• ·         Works with the Board on the development and implementation of the strategic plan
• ·         Public face of the organization and coordinates collaboration with other groups

Skills and Requirements:

• ·         Strong experience in financial and business systems with ability to analyze data, refine and further develop current and new systems
• ·         Outstanding communication skills, both spoken and written
• ·         Familiarity with non-profit management including grant writing, fundraising, awareness of fiscal and regulatory responsibilities
• ·         Ability to effectively manage an established and growing staff
• ·         Ability to work with a creative and hands-on Board of Directors
• ·         Ability to reach out and work within the community of Hardwick and its surrounding towns as well as on a statewide and regional level

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and five year’ experience (or commensurate combination of education and experience) in a private, non-profit, or government setting

Compensation:

• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Health Benefits: Not offered at this time

To Apply:

Please submit the following via email to (no phone calls, resumes via postal mail, or walk-ins please):

elena@hardwickagriculture.org (please include: “Exec Dir” in the subject line)

*A resume and three references

*A brief statement of interest

*Salary history and requirements

This position will be open until filled. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Winter 2010/2011 Newsletter is hot off the presses!

It's a sunny, cold and snow covered morning here in Vermont, but the coffee is hot, the fire is warm and there is much to look forward to in the coming year.

READ the newsletter in its entirety here.

AmeriCorps Member Opening at the CAE

AmeriCorps Member - Community Outreach & Administration:

Want to help build a 21st century food system?

Wonderful service opportunity available at the Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick. Position includes co-coordinating general volunteer program and co-organizing participation in community-related events. General administrative duties, including web site maintenance and data management, are a part of this half-time position. Ideal candidate is a positive problem-solver and independent with a passion for furthering the development of a local food system. Excellent communication skills are essential. Benefits include living allowance, education award, health insurance, federal school loan forbearance and trainings. Position ends in June 2010. Send resume to Box 451, Hardwick, VT 05843. EOE.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

The Center for an Agricultural Economy