Now Hiring - Mahi'ai (Farmer) Waena - Product Sales/Distribution in Waianae, HI

Reports To: Processing & Quality Control Manager

Organization:

MAʻO Organic Farms (MAʻO), located in Lualualei Valley, Waiʻanae, is a social enterprise of the Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Established in 2001, MAʻO grows organic food and new leaders for a sustainable Hawaiʻi. Today, MAʻO manages 280 acres of organically certified land producing over 260,000 pounds of food per year with operations co-managed by young leaders learning a trade and going to college. The ʻāina provides many opportunities to increase overall health and well-being in Waiʻanae and Hawaiʻi through two interconnected activities:

• Production, sales and distribution of high quality, certified organic fruits and vegetables for grocery stores, farmer's market, natural food stores, and restaurants; and,
• Training, mentorship and development of young adults within a pathway of college and workforce edu-preneurial programs.

Currently in the midst of a 10-year Māʻona expansion plan, our kuleana is to manage the land and water of Lualualei with aloha ʻāina and aloha kekahi i kekahi- to radically increase the production of nutritious local organic food, while empowering a new generation of leaders to serve Hawaiʻi nei.

Job Summary:

The Mahiʻai Waena role is a full-time intermediate staff role in organic fruit and vegetable farm management. Through the training model of ma ka hana ka ʻike (learning through doing), Mahiʻai will be immersed in a fast-paced learning environment.

Working alongside a team of Managers and Youth Interns, the Product Sales/Distribution Mahiʻai Waena will work in the wash-pack facility, and at farmer's markets, and will focus on the Sale, Promotion, Distribution of MA`O's organic fruit and vegetable line.

Detailed Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the Processing and Quality Manager, as well as mahi`ai and interns to sell and distribute MA`O's vegetables and fruits this includes wholesale and restaurant sales, co-management of farmer's markets, and management of our Community Supported Agriculture program
• Act as a conduit between the farm and MA`O's wholesale and retail co-producers communicating availability, quality, quantity and mission
• Co-manage the team that grows sales to MA`O's current co-producers
• As product availability expands create new co-producer relationships with wholesale accounts, restaurants, and via farmer's markets and CSA
• Support the training and evaluation of the farm's youth crews.
• Nurture existing business relationships, networks and alliances to grow the capacityof MAʻO and the "MAʻO" brand.
• Uphold organic standards, food safety practices, and food quality expectations.
• Model mutual love, respect and a willingness to work, thus reinforcingorganizational and programmatic policy and values in a positive and formativemanner that supports the mission, goals and activities of WCRC and MA'O whereverpossible.

Experience Required:

We're looking for a person with the desire to learn and lead at the same time. The successful candidate will need a 110% commitment to social justice for Hawaiʻi's food system, be a team player and an excellent communicator, and be willing to embrace hard work (we start most days at 5am).

The candidate will need to motivate/inspire young adults in a hands-on organic farm environment, where an attention to detail and accuracy is critical. A good sense of humor will really help. Minimum experience we're looking for includes:

• AA/AS Degree required, Bachelor's Degree preferred;
• At least 3-years food sales, promotions, distribution, farming, food processing, restaurant and/or related experience with tested communication and interpersonal skills;
• Thorough knowledge of a diversity of vegetables and fruits, with an understanding of what comprises best taste and appearance;
• Ability to work independently;
• Knowledge of and/or interest in Hawaiian cultural traditions with a commitment to Hawaiʻi's rural communities and the Leeward Oʻahu region;
• Driver's license, comfortable driving heavy trucks and equipment, able to work for long periods in a hot environment and lift up-to 50 pounds; and
• Comfortable working with computers, especially Microsoft Excel and Word.

Compensation:

Salary range $38,480- $44,609 annually, based on experience and education.

Benefits include: Medical and dental coverage; Paid vacation, sick and holiday time; Employer sponsored 401K Plan; fresh, Organic fruits and vegetables!