SLV Local Foods Coalition
Job Title: Rio Grande Farm Park Director
Job Overview:
The Rio Grande Farm Park (RGFP) Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of programs, staff, and infrastructure at the Farm Park. This role ensures smooth operations, oversees community engagement efforts, and maintains the park’s farming, education, and volunteer initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a passion for land stewardship, community organizing, and program management.
About the Farm Park:
The Rio Grande Farm Park’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant place where people come to learn, play, and grow. It is a land-based project of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition (LFC). The RGFP Director joins a collaborative team at a grassroots nonprofit working to foster an equitable local food system in the San Luis Valley.
The Farm Park hosts over 40 growers each year on 15 arable acres managed with regenerative and traditional methods. These growers participate in either the cooperative/market farming program or the family garden program. The full 38-acre site provides youth and community education, volunteer programs, and a public park, playground, and orchard—connected to Alamosa’s Rio Grande trail network.
The Farm Park also hosts a variety of community events, including a Wednesday evening summer Farmers’ Market. Additionally, the Farm Park manages enterprise projects for community benefit including retail compost sales, Education Center rental, and market vegetable production.
Learn more at slvlocalfoods.org and riograndefarmpark.org
Workplace Locations:
- Rio Grande Farm Park: 6935 State Hwy 17, Alamosa, CO 81101
- San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition Office: 412 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101
Supervisor:
San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition Executive Director
Responsibilities & Duties
Operations and Programs
- Manage and mentor RGFP staff, including interns and full-time service members (AmeriCorps and Mennonite Voluntary Service).
- Hold regular team meetings and check-ins with individual staff members and volunteers.
- Oversee the development and implementation of volunteer, education, and farming programs.
- Ensure the maintenance and functionality of Farm Park infrastructure, including water systems.
- Coordinate public outreach efforts for Farm Park programs with LFC marketing staff.
- Develop and implement policies for RGFP operations and land use.
- Manage RGFP budgeting, grant tracking, spend-down, and reporting with LFC admin staff.
- Oversee the weekly Mercadillo en el Rio farmers’ market during the growing and harvest seasons.
- Collect and analyze Farm Park program data for evaluation and improvement.
- Monitor RGFP enterprise projects to ensure financial sustainability.
- Participate directly in programs to build trust with community members.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, agreements, and environmental stewardship guidelines.
- Perform other duties as needed to maintain smooth program operation.
Partnerships and Community Organizing
- Lead RGFP Participant Advisory Committee meetings to align strategy with community needs.
- Act as a liaison for individuals and organizations seeking collaboration with the Farm Park.
- Work collaboratively with the Farm Park team and partners to address challenges.
- Represent RGFP within the Local Foods Coalition at monthly meetings and admin check-ins.
- Support other partnership efforts as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
- Passion for land, soil, and water stewardship.
- Knowledge of the diverse communities, traditions, and cultural values of the San Luis Valley.
- Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Leadership experience in nonprofit management, regenerative agriculture, or a related field.
- Proven ability to manage staff and coordinate multiple programs.
- Strong organizational skills and multitasking ability.
- Effective communication and responsiveness to a variety of stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace and related software.
- Must reside within commuting distance of the Rio Grande Farm Park.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Position Details
- Start Date: Mid-May 2025
- Hours: Full-time, 32–40 hours/week, including some evenings and weekends
- Pay: $56,160–$64,480 annually (pro-rated for less than 40 hours/week), based on experience
- Benefits:
- 20 days paid time off/year (for full-time staff)
- 9 paid federal holidays
- 50% employer-covered health and dental insurance
- Roth IRA through Colorado SecureSavings
- 20% discount at Valley Roots Food Hub
- Reimbursement for work-related travel
How to Apply:
Send a letter of interest and resume to opportunity.slvlocalfoods@gmail.com by April 25th.
The Rio Grande Farm Park is a program of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition, an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in strengthening our local food system.
In compliance with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act, applicants may redact information that would identify their age, date of birth, or dates of study from their application.