Farm to School Project Manager (Grant-Funded)
The Project Manager will coordinate daily operations of the KelRae Farm Training & Processing Hub, ensuring efficient processing, packaging, and distribution of locally grown produce for all 16 WJCC school cafeterias. The position supports logistics, workforce training, safety compliance, data tracking, and partner coordination. The Project Manager is essential to successful implementation of the USDA Farm to School project.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nutrition, agriculture, culinary arts, public health, education, or related field; or equivalent experience. Experience in foodservice, agriculture, culinary management, or school nutrition. Knowledge of food safety practices (ServSafe preferred or required upon hire). Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to work at farm and school sites.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Programs or institutional foodservice, farm-to-school, local food systems, or community food education. Experience in training or workforce development.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods.
Purpose of the Position: This position is essential for coordinating logistics, training, processing operations, and USDA reporting. Without a dedicated Project Manager, WJCC would not have the operational capacity to implement or sustain the KelRae Farm Training & Processing Hub or meet the project's farm-to-school objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Processing Hub Operations: Coordinate produce intake, washing, cutting, roasting, packaging, and delivery. Maintain food safety and USDA Child Nutrition compliance. Monitor freezer inventory at the WJCC Operations Center. Communicate with KelRae Farm regarding harvest schedules and product availability.
- Workforce Training Coordination: Coordinate and oversee Community Food Training Program (CFTP) for CNS staff, Foodbank trainees, and KelRae staff. Coordinate culinary instructors and on-site training logistics. Track trainee progress and certification (e.g., ServSafe).
- Program Administration & Reporting: Maintain accurate processing and distribution records. Track use of "seconds" produce for waste-reduction metrics. Assist with USDA-required quarterly reports, year-end summaries, and audit documentation.
- School Nutrition & Education Coordination Communicate with CNS staff on menu planning and recipe integration. Coordinate with SHIP to align processed produce with farm-to-school lessons and cafeteria events. Coordinate cafeteria tastings and educational events.
- Partnership Coordination: Serve as liaison among CNS, KelRae Farm, SHIP, and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Schedule partner meetings and maintain shared workplans.
Required Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nutrition, agriculture, culinary arts, public health, education, or related field; or equivalent experience. Experience in foodservice, agriculture, culinary management, or school nutrition. Knowledge of food safety practices (ServSafe preferred or required upon hire). Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to work at farm and school sites.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Programs or institutional foodservice, farm-to-school, local food systems, or community food education. Experience in training or workforce development.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods.
Purpose of the Position: This position is essential for coordinating logistics, training, processing operations, and USDA reporting. Without a dedicated Project Manager, WJCC would not have the operational capacity to implement or sustain the KelRae Farm Training & Processing Hub or meet the project's farm-to-school objectives.