Appalachian Sustainable Development’s Groundwork workforce development program provides paid, on-the-job training combined with wraparound services that support personal and career growth. The program provides opportunities for job shadowing and internships, plus advanced education through college coursework or certifications, as well as training on essential skills, financial literacy, career development, and more.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Groundwork manager, the Commercial Kitchen and Cohort  Supervisor will manage and coordinate all food operations, food preparation, and food service for the Groundwork food services pathway and its associated Social Enterprises located in Abingdon or Duffield, VA. The Kitchen Supervisor will provide independent leadership in the areas of food preparation and staff supervision, quality control, food safety and cleanliness, sustainability, food and supply ordering and requisitions and recordkeeping.

Duties and Responsibilities

Day-to-day work responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide direct support to Groundwork trainees
• Train and evaluate the performance of Groundwork trainees working in one or more phases of a food service operation
• Coordinate with other members of the Groundwork team to plan the annual gardens to supply produce and herbs for the food trailer kitchen
• Assign, coordinate, and maintain workflow in the mobile food trailer
• Train and implement standards based on the following:
  1. Sanitation standards for equipment and workspace in accordance with federal and state regulations
  2. ServSafe handler and manager standards
• Coordinate food and supply orders deliveries
• Ensure food safety, taste, and quality for customers
• Apply sustainability practices to food operations (for example, composting food waste, using recyclable/compostable packaging materials) when possible
• Maintain sale records and regular deposits according to organization standards

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a restaurant setting is preferred. Experience managing a team of employees or staff is preferred. SERVSafe Manager certification is preferred. 

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory principles
• Cash handling principles and practices
• Commercial food service equipment
• Customer service principles
• Safety procedures

Demonstrated Skill in:

• Supervising subordinate staff
• Monitoring and maintaining inventory
• Maintaining food service equipment

Supervision

This position reports to the Workforce Development Program Manager but is also expected to work closely with other ASD employees, and with limited daily supervision. This position will oversee the activities of a cohort of 4-6 trainees.

Location

Abingdon or Duffield, Virginia, with potential travel

Salary

$50-53k

Hours

Full time

Monday – Friday, with schedule to be determined with the Program Manager and program needs

Requirements

Able to lift up to 50 pounds

Ability to stand/be on feet for extended periods of time

Appalachian Sustainable Development’s Groundwork workforce development program provides paid, on-the-job training combined with wraparound services that support personal and career growth. The program provides opportunities for job shadowing and internships, plus advanced education through college coursework or certifications, as well as training on essential skills, financial literacy, career development, and more.

Job Summary

Site areas and anticipated projects for this position include:

• Outdoor Nursery 
• Air Pruned Nursery Beds 
• Inground Nursery Beds
• Indoor Controlled Environment Goldenseal Production
• Woody Perennial Coppicing
• Other plant propagation 

These areas of focus and related tasks for this position are outlined below. 

Area 1: Supporting trainee cohorts as they transition back into the workforce, by offering as much support as each cohort needs in order to best ensure post-program success. (45%)

Responsibilities related to Area 1:

• Maintaining of a weekly professional development evaluation for individual cohort members
  • Provide written and recorded feedback per the Groundwork Report Card System
• Support trainees in Direct Skill Building through the Nursery Curriculum
• Support trainees in workforce transition by maintaining partnerships, effective communication, and flexibility to respond to trainee needs
• Offer opportunities for individual growth plans for trainees to pursue their goals 
• Respond to individual concerns from and for trainees in a timely fashion
• Maintain communication with the Professional Development Manager regarding trainee outcomes
• Complete appropriate crisis management and professional development trainings to respond to trainee needs
• Providing verbal and written feedback on trainee activities and performance
• Providing transportation for trainees to and from events such as onboarding, Sustainability Summits, Retreats, and other necessary functions
• Track financial expenditures and manage site budget for supplies, equipment, and other needs

Area 2: Managing the ASD planting stock nursery and associated sites (indoor controlled production, alley cropping site, air pruned nursery beds) by coordinating the daily operations and establishing long term goals (45%).

Responsibilities related to Area 2:

• Complete upkeep and maintenance on ASD nursery fleet vehicles and equipment
• Maintain and repair the associated systems for the nursery sites including irrigation, lighting, shipping, and storage
• Maintain any necessary safety certifications for equipment related to job duties
• Prepare nursery sites for visits from funders, farmers, and staff with the assistance of the Groundwork cohort
• Develop Nursery startup and business plan with Groundwork Social Enterprise Manager
• Startup nursery sites as funding is available for implementation
• Manage and maintain nursery sites, including planting, weeding, nutrient management and other operations 
• Coordinate with mowing contractor for mowing in the nursery and alley cropping system as needed
• Oversee harvest, proper storage and timely shipment of nursery material to meet orders

Other Duties: (10%)

These duties are largely applicable to ASD staff and are relevant to this specific position. 

• Attend weekly ASD Team Meetings 
• Attend monthly Groundwork Team Meetings
• Attend weekly One on One Meetings with direct Supervisor
• Attend monthly Groundwork Budget Meeting
• Attend Bi-monthly Nursery Meeting with Director of Workforce Development and Agroforestry Team
• Communicate time out of office via Google Calendar
• Participate and support ASD events related to fundraising and marketing
• Participate as a member of relevant ASD Committees
• Respond to requests from management and other program employees as needed

Qualifications / Required Skills:

• Experience and/or knowledge of order fulfillment systems and timelines specifically for fulfilling purchases of plant materials.
• Education: Associates degree or higher in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience required.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to collect and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, optimize cultivation techniques accordingly, and record-keeping. Attention to detail on shipping, quality standards, processing, and customer relations. 
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of building and motivating teams both familiar and unfamiliar with farming and agroforestry systems. Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Ability to address personal crises in a way that builds rapport and supports team members. 
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication with interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and other stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying, evaluating and resolving challenges related to plant health and productivity. Ability to problem solve independently in real time.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in varying temperatures year round.
• Deep understanding of plant propagation techniques.
• Understanding of or ability to troubleshoot plant and soil health issues as they arise. 
• Deep understanding of agroforestry systems including but not limited to alley cropping and forest farming. 
• Understanding of certified organic practices for both indoor and outdoor plant production.
• ·A valid driver’s license.
• Operating knowledge of collaborative google documents, spreadsheets, etc
• A staunch commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods.
• Experience and ability to operate and repair farm machinery including but not limited to tractor, tractor implements, tiller, weed eater, mower, fork lift, chainsaw, etc. 
• Experience and/or knowledge of best practices in shipping plants.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of progressive and hands-on experience in farm management and soil-based propagation, including leadership experience. 
• 2+ years of experience managing a team of at least 2 or more people. 
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and with justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles. 

We need more Appalachian Harvest Drivers!

ASD’s Appalachian Harvest Food Hub in Duffield, VA provides support, training, aggregation and distribution support to markets for regional farmers.  Since 2000, farmers have sold more than $36 million dollars of fruits and vegetables to wholesale retailers. 

All drivers must have:

• 2 years over the road experience
• Hold a Class A CDL
• Ability to pass required drug screen
• A good driving record

Contact Chelsea Lee for more details:
Phone: (276) 431-3385
Email: clee@asdevelop.org