Assistant Orchard Manager, Seed Savers Exchange, Decorah, Iowa

Seed Savers Exchange is seeking an Assistant Orchard Manager to join our team to assist with managing Seed Savers Exchange’s extensive apple collection of over 1700 varieties housed in 2 separate orchards. The position is a 5 year grant funded position. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience working in or managing an apple orchard and a background in horticulture or plant sciences.

Primary Role:

The Assistant Orchard Manager uses their orchard management expertise to tend trees in the Seed Savers Exchange apple collection and to facilitate distribution of germplasm to members and customers. Assists the Orchard Manager with tree cultivation and propagation of trees in an organic setting, and works with the Orchard Manager and Director of Preservation on the revitalization strategic plan. The Assistant Orchard Manager will assist Preservation staff in documenting apple histories as well as evaluate apple varieties. The Assistant Orchard Manager also serves as a public speaker, customer service representative, and staff consultant on subjects related to apple cultivation, care, and history.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cultivate apple trees, including grafting, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, and pruning of trees
• Monitor and assess tree health
• Utilize an integrated pest management approach to ensure long-term tree health by monitoring pest and disease pressure, maintaining proper soil fertility, and applying approved organic pesticides and fungicides
• Research and document the phenotypes, cultural uses, and horticultural histories of accessions and prospective accessions in the apple collection
• Maintain inventory records and documentation within the collection database
• Assist staff with evaluating the apple collection
• Assist with inventory of apple trees and updating field mapping
• Assist with apple collection inventory update and GPS mapping
• Assist with distribution of apple germplasm by harvesting, storing, grafting, and packaging scion wood and/or grafted trees

External-Department Responsibilities:

• Assist Collection to Catalog team to recommend varieties to sell in annual catalog
• Assist Seed House team with apple tree production for catalog sales and work with customer service staff to serve customer needs
• Communicate with Field Operations team on machinery use and labor needs for grafting, planting, and root cellaring trees for both catalog and collection needs
• Develop apple-related presentations and articles for events, web platforms, and printed materials
• Serve as an organizational delegate at public events

Skills:

• Experience with both bud and bench grafting preferred
• Keen eye for detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to juggle competing projects
• Ability to think on your feet
• Strong organizational skills
• GPS and GIS skills preferred

Qualifications:

• Degree in horticulture or working experience in fruit tree production with preference to those with organic orchard experience
• Hold or be willing to obtain a pesticide applicators certification
• Tractor and equipment experience
• Computer skills
• Demonstrable record of successfully working independently and as part of a team
• Organic farming background

Benefits:

 

• Health insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee merchandise discounts
• Participation in employee wellness program

Applications accepted through May 18, 2020.

Additional information can be found at seedsavers.org/jobs.

Farm Manager, Saltcathcher Farm, Denmark, SC

Organization: Southeastern Housing and Community Development

Position: Farm Manager (Full-time permanent)

Location: Denmark, SC- USA

Start Date: Immediate

Overview:
Saltcatcher Farms is a community teaching center and gathering space located in Denmark, SC (Bamberg County) where residents can cultivate food sovereignty through education and access while securing economic empowerment through green jobs. By providing tangible examples of low-cost, low-tech demonstrations and training, the farm encourages residents of all ages to see farming, gardening, and food entrepreneurship as an accessible tool to improve their physical, mental and financial health.

The Farm
Saltcatcher Farms is located in rural Denmark, SC and includes a 5 acres site which is currently comprised of 20 raised garden beds, a tool library, a high tunnel, a greenhouse, compost area, pollinator habitat, main-line irrigation, fencing, and storage shed. All edible food production is conducted above ground in raised beds and containers with the potential for in-ground production at another 5 acre farm site owned by SHCD.

Position
The Farm Manager at Saltcatcher Farms has the opportunity to play an active and integral role in the planning and development of a unique and pioneering project and program working with a broad range of organizations and individuals in rural South Carolina. In the first year, the Farm Manager position will be focused on reaching the infrastructure and programmatic goals as well as managing the daily operations for Saltcatcher Farms at the current location. The position includes all aspects of daily operations of the 5-acre site including the planning, planting, maintenance, harvesting, distribution, and oversight of the garden as well as those staff and contractors working on-site. In the future, the position will include in-ground production management at the alternate location. As a farm grounded in sustainability, the operation needs to include an understanding of the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the farm operation including utilizing organic practices (non-certified), empowering community members through education, and acting as a catalyst for social entrepreneurship by engaging in and promoting revenue generating activities on the farm.

Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt employee position at 40 hours/week. This position requires some evenings and weekend work, as well as a heavier workload during the season over the off-season. Adjustments to hours worked and a flexible work schedule are available. The hourly rate range is $20 – $22/ hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Saltcatcher Farms provides a generous benefits package including employer paid group health insurance, 401k match, paid sick and vacation time and holidays in accordance with the Southeastern Housing and Community Development Handbook.

For more information: https://www.scribd.com/document/445902320/Saltcatcher-Farm-Manager-Job-Description?fbclid=IwAR0hAK8N5oMA4MTg2hYPviNaSWcL0Qs2fzlClLdIsfR46UEiu4o4ZiFaFRs

Extension Assistant – Organic Production Systems Program, NCSU, Rakeigh, NC

Department Crop and Soil Sciences
Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties

The Organic Production Systems Program in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is seeking to fill an Extension Assistant position. The incumbent will lead extension and research activities pertaining to large acreage organic commodity crops and general organic agriculture training for industry stakeholders, growers, and extension personnel. Development of educational materials including websites, social media, field demonstration plots, field days, fact sheets, and production guides will be required.

The incumbent will be required to work with faculty and students in related areas to develop appropriate educational materials that address the needs of growers. Travel (1-2 times per week) will be necessary for the individual to develop good working relationships with NC organic farmers and a deeper understanding of the organic production systems employed around the state.

The Extension Assistant will coordinate organic working group meetings.

Minimum Education/Experience

Relevant Master’s Degree, or a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) or more years of professional training and experience (horticulture, agronomy, or closely related fields).

Job Open Date 04/20/2020
Anticipated Closing Date 5/4/2020

For more information: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/131894

Student Farm Production Manager and Educator, UC Davis

 

Academic Coordinator I – Student Farm Production Manager and Educator

This Academic Coordinator has primary responsibility for long-term planning, development, management and evaluation of academic programs related to the UC Davis Student Farm’s Market Garden (an educational production farm) and works closely with the Student Farm Director and Field Operations Coordinator to manage the teaching and research fields of the Student Farm. The Student Farm celebrates and values the UCD Davis Principles of Community as guiding principles for the work we do serving a diverse student body who bring their own unique perspectives, life experiences and academic interests.

The Market Garden is a 9 acre, CCOF certified organic mixed-vegetable farm built into the 23 acre UC Davis Student Farm and is used for experiential learning in organic production and related activities. The broader Student Farm includes a 1.5 acre Ecological Garden, 12.5 acres of teaching and research fields, a farm repair shop, tractors, and packing and storage areas. The Student Farm focuses on sustainable agriculture and food systems, emphasizes in-field experiential learning, and supports student exploration, creativity, initiative and leadership.

Basic qualifications
• Hold a Master’s degree in a natural science, agriculture, education, or related area by the time the position starts.

Additional qualifications
• 2 years of experience managing all aspects of an organic farm, including crop planning and production, marketing and sales, personnel supervision, equipment operation, budgeting, organic certification.
• Hold or acquire a pesticide applicators license within 60 days of being hired.
• Knowledge and experience developing and maintaining a safe farm working environment, including an understanding of food safety rules.
• Experience facilitating a team approach with shared leadership, decision-making, and management, particularly with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in facilitating experiential learning in sustainable agriculture and food systems, teaching and mentoring students, and supporting student agency, initiative, and empowerment.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, including speaking, listening, and writing.

Open date: March 2nd, 2020

Next review date: Friday, Apr 17, 2020 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

For more information: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03454

 

Assistant Grower Foster Farm Botanicals, East Calais, VT

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our organic herb farming team in East Calais, Vermont for the 2020 growing season. This is a full-time seasonal position (May-October) with potential for some reduced hours during the off-season. The assistant grower will work very closely with our farm manager to strategically accomplish weekly farm goals. This is a fast-paced, fun working environment on a beautiful organic family farm in Northern Vermont.

We currently produce about 25 different medicinal herbs on 40 acres of land, which we dry and process on-site. A well suited candidate for this position would have significant farming experience and be very comfortable driving tractors from 20-150 HP and operating many implements. The assistant grower’s responsibilities will include:

– Tractor work – spreading compost and manures, transplanting, seeding cover crops and herb crops, precision cultivating, mowing, harvesting, operating pallet forks and bucketing

– Machinery maintenance – fluid changes in tractors and smaller engines, repairing implements and broken machinery on site, welding and some basic on site fabrication would be a big plus, picking up parts and equipment (a valid driver’s license is a must)

– Crop work – helping with harvests, working with the field crew, loading and unloading herb dryers, cleaning harvesting equipment, milling dried herbs, shipping pallets

Our farm crew is from Mexico, and most of the members speak very little english. Some basic Spanish is preferred and would be very helpful in communicating at work.

Pay is competitive and based on overall experience and work ethic.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 /year

Experience: Relevant: 2 years (Preferred)

Location: East Calais, VT (Required)

Language: Spanish (Preferred)

For more informaton: https://fosterfarmbotanicals.com/

 

Fall Compost Intern, UGArden, Athens, GA

This posting of for CURRENT UGA students only.

UGArden is searching for a fall compost intern. The UGA Office of Sustainability is now accepting applications for fall interns – Applications due by April 12

UGA’s office of Sustainability is accepting applications for interns for fall 2020. The internship positions are as follows: UGArden Compost Intern, Bee Campus USA Intern, Campus Compost Intern, Communications Intern, Athens Clarke Co. Sustainability Office – Natural Resource Management and Habitat Restoration Intern, Campus Engagement Intern, EcoRep Intern, and Sustainability Metrics Intern. The deadline to apply is April 12th. To find more information and to apply, visit: https://sustainability.uga.edu/student-programs/internships/

Summer Field Worker, VISTA Position, UGArden, Athens GA.

UGArden is hiring for a summer worker. This a summer service VISTA/Americorps position open to current and former students. Its just for the summer. Work will be mostly helping in the fields, with planting, cultivating, and harvest organic produce and herbs as part of our student community far and outreach work in the local community.

Its a full-time job for about 2 months. Its a great way to get some practical experience. You will drive tractors, operate equipment, learn food safety protocols, meet some friendly folks,  and eat some fresh produce while serving families in the local community in need.

For more information, and to apply, go to: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=94703&fromSearch=true

Aquaponics Technician, Harrisburg U., PA

The Aquaponics Technician conducts activities in all aspects of greenhouse management, crop production, including purchasing supplies, propagation, fertilizing, watering, fish farm management, pest and disease management practices and maintaining overall system health. The technician constructs, renovates, maintains and repairs aquaponics structures and production areas to maximize production and efficiency.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in plant or soil science, aquaculture, environmental science, agriculture, biosystems engineering or a related field; OR the equivalent professional experience in greenhouse management, horticulture, or relevant crop production methods.
Experience maintaining greenhouse agriculture systems; Strong knowledge of either aquaculture systems or crop production (vine and leaf crops) in controlled environments preferred.
Experience working with hydroponic or aquaponic farming methods preferred.
Building, construction, plumbing, HVAC and/or general maintenance experience preferred.
Understanding of GAP certification, safety protocols for food crops, basic biosecurity measures.
Ability to learn the skills necessary to effectively manage both aquaculture systems and hydroponic crop production methods in a greenhouse production environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage the daily operations of the universities aquaponics facilities as necessary for the operation to be successful
Work closely with Aquaponics Lead to meet the goals of the University for its aquaponics facilities
Work closely with student interns assigned to the facilities so they derive the full benefit of an internship in Aquaponics
Communicate regularly to the Aquaponics Lead about the general operation of the facilities and programs
Communicate immediate concerns regarding the systems operational integrity or functioning that jeopardizes the operation of the system

Posted: 03/18/2020

Type: Full-Time

For more information: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d7d41d6e-e9f2-43e0-af0f-ac2146083d4f&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=291980&lang=en_US&source=TW

Farm Manager and Education Coordinator, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA

Position type: full-time
Location: Lewisburg, PA

The Dreamcatcher Farm Manager and Education Coordinator will be a full-time, casual position responsible for working with DreamCatcher Farm and Bucknell faculty, staff, students, and other partners to facilitate farm operations, coordinate educational opportunities, and strengthen collaborations between DreamCatcher and various Bucknell programs, regional food banks, and Geisinger.

This position will be supervised by and report to Economics Professor Geoff Schneider. The person in this role must be highly motivated, responsible, reliable, and have the ability to work a flexible schedule. This position is excepted to start in mid-April and end in mid-October.

Job Duties:
• Assist at Dream Catcher farm with planting, weeding, and harvesting to facilitate the educational and research effort of Bucknell faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinate service-learning opportunities with Bucknell faculty and staff, helping to develop lesson plans for specific groups as appropriate, and overseeing public education workshops.
• Provide instruction on proper horticultural techniques, safety measures and risk reduction for Bucknell faculty, staff, and students engaged in educational and research efforts at Dream Catcher Farm.
• Oversee the delivery of produce to the Food Bank in Williamsport for the Geisinger Fresh Food Farmacy
• Actively support a diverse and inclusive student, staff, and faculty community.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Bucknell supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Agricultural or gardening knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage multiple spaces and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and groups.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• A current and valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience working with a diverse workforce, including supervising volunteers and instructing both K-12 and college students.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• One year of professional experience in horticulture and working with students
• Horticultural Training or Master Gardener Certification.
• First Aid/CPR certificate/training.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Bending, kneeling, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below shoulders
• Ability to work outdoors, some evenings and weekends.
• Possible daily exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature changes.

For more information: https://careers.bucknell.edu/cw/en-us/job/496583/dreamcatcher-farm-manager-and-education-coordinator

Farm Manager/ Co-Manager, Seed Song Farm & Center, Kingston, NY

Seed Song Farm is an L3C mission-based agro-ecological farm business that produces sustainably-grown vegetables, herbs, berries, flowers, and forest products, available through CSA shares, local farmers’ markets, on-site farm stand, and donations. The Farm’s commitment to health and sustainability goes far beyond the exclusion of harmful chemicals, as we will take the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York’s (NOFA-NY) Farmer’s Pledge. We use indigenous plants both for production, consumption, public activities, and habitat for beneficial plants and insects, including pollinators and natural insect predators.

Seed Song Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that partners with Seed Song Farm and many partner organizations to re-kindle a cultural reverence for the land and its bounty, through healthy food and farm experiences accessible to ALL. By growing, sharing, and celebrating our food together, we evolve our local culture toward an equitable and sustainable land access and stewardship. Seed Song Center organizes youth summer programs; afterschool program; field trips for schools, community groups and businesses; and farm-based educational events, workshops and festivals

Farm Manager/ Co-Manager
This is an excellent opportunity for the right person seeking to transition from experienced crew member to a farm manager role with guidance and within an established, dynamic community farm setting. With the farm owner, as needed, and with farm crew leading some operations, the manager is responsible for all aspects of planning, producing and distributing chemical-free vegetables.

Responsibilities include:

• crop planning and ordering of supplies (some is completed for this season)

• leading, motivating, and keeping one step ahead of farm crew in daily tasks

• seeding, planting, and greenhouse propagation of seedlings

• primary soil preparation and mowing using several tractors

• cultivating and harvesting mostly by hand

• distribute to CSA, farm market, on-site farm stand, retail contracts, donations.

• record-keeping and suggesting and implementing system improvements.

• other tasks required of some farm crew: minor daily animal care tasks for educational livestock; and, minor participation in education programs and events, eg driving tractor for haywagon or leading tours or activity stations

Ideal Candidate: Minimum 3 full seasons of experience with similar operation. Resonates with project mission. Good with people, able to remain positive and motivational with self, crew/staff, and public. Can balance priorities and speed versus detail. Able to work independently, take direction, and switch gears. Physically fit for the work in all weather. Mechanical and carpentry skills a plus. Priority given to 2-3 year commitment.

Reports to: Farm owner.

Terms: Start: now through March 31. End: Year-round position with great flexibility in December, January, and February, and mid-season vacation.
Hours: 25-50 hours per week depending on the month. Typically, Monday through Friday or Monday afternoon through Saturday lunchtime, but flexible.

Compensation: Salary: $15.00 to $20.00 /hour. Annual raise. Competitive wide range, based on experience, responsibility taken, and years of commitment. May Include farm produce and/or Hudson Valley Currents. On-farm housing options and inexpensive housing available locally.

For more information: https://www.seedsongfarm.org/jobs.html