Farm Apprentice, Chewonki Farm, Wisscasset, ME

The Farm Apprentice is a year-long position that aids in all aspects of x’s small, diversified farm, including livestock, pasture, and diversified vegetable production and integrates Chewonki students and participants into all production systems.

Position Title: Farm Apprentice
Schedule (hours and weeks): Full-time January 13, 2020 – January 10, 2021

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities of the Farm Apprentice: 

The farm crew includes three tiers of positions:

• Leadership positions (year-round): Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager
• Crew positions (year-round): Farmer/Educator and Farm Apprentice
• Seasonal crew positions: We hire alumni of Chewonki programs for three- to ten-week positions as Summer Farm Workers during the months of June through August.

The Farm Apprentice’s areas of responsibility include the following:

• Assist with managing the primary production focuses of the Chewonki farm during the growing season:
  • Small-scale, diversified, organic food production
  • Pasture and livestock management
• Integrate workhorse into many farm tasks
• Help with maintenance and care of pasture and harvesting of hay
• Work with and teach Maine Coast Semester students during the academic year through work program and chores
• Work with Chewonki Elementary School students, Boys and Girls Camp participants, and Outdoor Classroom students on various work projects, chores, and lessons during their program season
• Lead projects/tasks with summer farm help
• Organize and maintain tools (mechanized and otherwise)
• Maintain buildings in coordination with facilities department
• Attend various staff meetings

All Chewonki Farmers: 

• Thoughtfully prioritize
• Recognize and celebrate the farm’s historical context
• Have the flexibility to grow and adapt systems based in that context
• Are facilitators of Chewonki’s food system
• Make mission-driven decisions
• Use our strengths to support Chewonki’s programs, the farm, and all staff
• Share the workload and responsibilities fairly
• Balance production and education within the farm context  

Farm Activities and Responsibilities throughout the annual cycle:

Farmers are expected to be present for morning chores beginning around 5:00 or 6:00 am (season dependent) through afternoon chores beginning at approximately 4:00 pm. Chores to care for livestock are done at the beginning and end of every day throughout the year. Generally, our workday is between ten to 11 hours daily, five days a week, and can be more during certain seasons. Chore weekend responsibilities alternate with “off” weekends.

There is a seasonal flow to work on the Chewonki farm, though there is less of an “off” season than on some market farms.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in education-based, diversified farming
• Good communication skills
• Ability to live and work in a small community
• Ability to oversee a work crew, as well as manage projects collaboratively
• Experience working with youth
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with different kinds of people
• Ability to (or willingness to learn to) use draft horsepower on a diversified farm
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The Farm Apprentice will be compensated at a semi-monthly rate of $300 through 8/31/2020 and $500/semi monthly 9/1/2020 until the end of the employment term. Room and board are included as part of living on campus. This a full-time residential position.

Applications due: Sunday, November 17, 2019

For more information: https://chewonki.org/jobs/farm-apprentice/

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Food Systems Coordinator, Kernersville, NC

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council seeks a talented, dynamic, and self-motivated Food Systems Coordinator to facilitate vibrant collaboration among Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council members. The Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council (PTRFC) is an enthusiastic regional food council that envisions communities united for an inclusive, healthy, and resilient local food economy. The coordinator will stimulate dialogue that encourages diverse perspectives and consensus making while fostering an energetic environment of trust and collaboration. PTRFC website: http://www.ptrc.org/food.

The Regional Planning Department will oversee the Food Systems Coordinator position. The food council represents the region, a broad array of food system sectors, and a balance of rural, urban, socio-economic, cultural, racial, and gender backgrounds.

Primary Responsibilities
Seek innovative funding opportunities to support the goals of the program through persuasive grant proposals
Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with local governments to build strategic partnerships and increase action on economic development opportunities
Prepare, review or analyze a variety of technical reports including grant applications, annual reports and the Regional Food System Assessment (a tool that provides data to understand processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population)
Maintain knowledge of current issues and strategies related to food policies, and appropriately convey information to the local governments in the Piedmont Triad region and PTRFC stakeholders

Additional duties may include providing support for other projects in the planning department, including long-range land development plans; transportation, pedestrian, and bicycle plans; greenway and open space preservation plans.

Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field and three years of experience working with food system policies and practices. Candidates can distinguish themselves with a Master’s or AICP certification. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with a variety of individuals, including elected officials, local government staff, communities, and stakeholders
Understanding of food systems. Food Systems is the path that food travels from field to fork including growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consuming, and disposing of food.
High energy and ability to work collaboratively and independently
Exceptional organizational skills are critical
Experience working in Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint software is required
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, ArcGIS, Mail Chimp, and social media is highly desirable, but not required

First review of applicants is November 1, 2019. Job posting will remain open until filled.

Salary Range Classification and starting salary ($42,107 – $46,421) i

For more Information: https://www.ptrc.org/about/job-openings-careers

Farm Apprentice Program, Arkansas

The 2020 Apprenticeship program at the University of Arkansas Center or Food and Farm System Entrepreneurship is now accepting applications!

The Center for Food and Farm Systems Entrepreneurship at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is partnering with successful farms in Northwest Arkansas to offer a NEW apprenticeship program. The program begins January 2020 with 12 educational classes, and on-farm placement begins in March. The classes focus on foundational topics important to regenerative farming practices and sustainable farm business management while the on-farm experience allows apprentices to learn while working alongside experienced farmers.

The program also exposes apprentices to farm service providers and resources, mentorship with experienced diversified farmers and provides networking opportunities with other beginning farmers. Applications are now being accepted at https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/apprenticeship-programs/.  More information can be found there as well.

Farm Host sites include:

• Dripping Springs Garden, Hunstville AR
• Red Barn Farm, Bentonville AR
• Appel Farm, Springdale AR
• dH Farm, West Fork AR

Questions? Send email to heatherf@uark.edu.

 

 

 

Small Farm Research Technician, NC A&T, Greensboro, NC

Research Technician

Minimum Experience/Education
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

BS in horticulture or plant sciences with three or more years of plant science related experience. MS preferred. Must be able to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed. Must be able to lift 50 pounds safely.

Position Overview
Primary Purpose of Position
The recruit will work with specialty crops research projects in field, low tunnels and high tunnel settings. Extension/outreach activities will be assigned by the PI as needed, which include helping with field days and agent training, and presenting research results to growers. The initial contract period of this project will be through 9/30/22 and continuation is contingent upon future funding.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
Work Hours M-F 8-5 some variation

Research Support
Data Collection
Laboratory/Subject Care

Hiring Range $41,000 – $45,000

Open Date 10/15/2019
Close Date 11/15/2019

For more information: https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/19077

Farm Products Curator, Stmford Museum and Nature Center, Stamford, CT

Reporting to the Co-Managers of Heckscher Farm, the Farm Products Curator position is a full-time, non-exempt position working primarily Sunday-Wednesday, with winter hours (November to March) of 7 am-5pm and summer hours of 8 am-6pm (March through October) (36 hours), although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will be responsible for overseeing our Organic Vegetable Garden and Sunday Farm Market (June-October), as well as aiding in our Maple Syrup and wool production.

The Farm Products Curator will also help with daily animal care on the farm, will help to supervise volunteers, interns, and Part-time staff and will serve as on-site manager when supervisor is not present. This position will help staff our major festivals and may help with the teaching of farm-based school programs and after-schools.

Specifically, the Farm Products Curator (Full-Time) will:

• Oversee our organic vegetable garden, including choosing plantings, propagating seeds, ordering plants, maintaining soil, harvesting, and maintaining year-round living collection in our small greenhouse
• Coordinate our Sunday Farm Market including recruiting and retaining vendors, helping to set up market programs and special events, helping with set-up and break down of the Heckscher Farm booth
• Aid in all aspects of our Maple Syrup production including tapping, sap collecting and boiling, bottling, and maintaining equipment
• Aid in daily care of farm animals, including feeding, watering, enrichment, exercising, and cleaning
• Oversee and direct volunteers, interns, and part-time staff
• Serve as on-site manager in absence of supervisor
• Help to maintain accurate records for permits and files
• Provide interpretation to the general public while on the farm;
• Staff festival weekends and aid in the teaching of farm-based school and after school programs
• Explore potential new products for Heckscher Farm
• Serve as a liaison with our Gift Shop staff to place farm products in Shop
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Minimum of two years relevant, professional related experience in agriculture or with gardens
• Minimum B.S/B.A. in agriculture, education, science or similar field

Compensation: Yearly salary commensurate with experience and consistent with the staffing of a non-profit organization; excellent full benefits package, and numerous perks including garden produce.

For more information: https://www.stamfordmuseum.org/about-us/career-opportunities/

Instructor-Environmental Horticulture/Farm Manager, Gwiett Tech, Lawrenceville, GA

Job Posting: Oct 16, 2019 –

Closing Date: Nov 2, 2019

Primary Location: GA-Gwinnett-Lawrenceville 

 

 

Instructor – Environmental Horticulture/Farm Manager

This job is a full-time, benefited position in the Business Science Division that reports to the Dean of Business, Art & Design.

Salary – not to exceed $55,000/year

Minimum Requirements – Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree in a related discipline. Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s License is required.

Preferred Qualifications – Five years experience in Micro-farming and Farmers Markets and prior teaching experience preferred. Master’s degree in related field preferred. Must have knowledge of herbs, gardening, agriculture, with pollinators, composting, floriculture with experience in growing cut flowers. Must have experience with seed, herbaceous and woody stem propagation. This is an all weather position; the candidate will work in extreme heat and cold. Have the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. Knowledge of farming and gardening equipment including but not limited to tillers, hoes, shovels, pitchforks, trowels, 2-wheel and 4-wheel tractors.

Job Description – This job is divided between Teaching Duties and Farm Operation. The candidate will need to balance 50% of their time between each area.

Teaching Duties-Prepares and delivers lecture and/or lab course material. Prepares lesson plans for classroom instruction for general core courses. Evaluates students’ progress in attaining goals and objectives. Prepares and maintains all required documentation and administrative reports. Ensures safety and security requirements are met in the training area. Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure; demonstrates trustworthiness and responsible behavior. Accepts direction and feedback from supervisor and follows through appropriately. Assists with recruitment retention and job placement efforts.

Farm Operation– manages farm as a safe, sustainable, productive student micro-farm. Ensures correct sustainable or naturally grown practices are utilized on the farm. Operates the farm to be economically self-sustaining. Supports the goals, mission and projects of the Horticulture Department through the activities on the farm.

For more information: https://ga.taleo.net/careersection/ga_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=EDU027L

Assistant Vegetable Production Manager, Hudson Valley Farm Hub, Hurley, NY

The Hudson Valley Farm Hub, a 1,500-acre non-profit farm dedicated to an equitable and ecologically resilient local food system, is seeking an Assistant Vegetable Production Manager.

Position Summary: Under the guidance of the Vegetable Production Manager, the Assistant Vegetable Production Manager’s primary responsibility will be to operate tractors, implements, and other farm machinery relating to the Farm Hub’s organic vegetable production. The Assistant Vegetable Production Manager will also perform general fieldwork for the vegetable operation, as needed. She/he will work as part of the Farm Hub Team and report to the Vegetable Production Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Vegetable Production Manager with any and all tractor and equipment operations pertaining to vegetable production included, but not limited to:

o  Tillage, cultivation, spraying, fertilizer application, irrigation, mechanical harvest, direct seeding, transplanting, mowing, mulching, cover cropping

o  Assist in record keeping

o  Operate tractors and implements safely and effectively

o  Conduct routine equipment maintenance and adjustments as needed

• Perform general farm work, as needed, including, but not limited to:

o  Greenhouse operations

o  Field preparation

o  Hoeing/hand weeding

o  Planting

o  Harvest and post-harvest handling

• Assist the Vegetable Production Manager with training Farm Hub employees in safe and effective equipment operation
• Participate in training, workshops and staff meetings related to farm operations during work hours

Requirements and Qualifications

• Five or more years of organic vegetable production experience
• Three or more years operating tractors and equipment in a vegetable operation, including routine maintenance and adjustment
• Willingness to have a flexible schedule with evening and weekend hours as required
• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• Strong commitment to the Farm Hub’s mission and values of equity and ecological resilience
• Demonstrated ability to participate in a work environment of mutual respect, team building, and collaboration
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with people across different backgrounds
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred experience includes:

• Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred
• Use of Microsoft Office software and production record systems (e.g. AgSquared)
• NYS Pesticide Applicator license

The Assistant Vegetable Production Manager is a full-time, salaried position. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and are an equal opportunity employer. All candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.

Deadline for submission is December 15, 2019.

For more information: http://hvfarmhub.org/employment-opportunities/