Farm Manager – Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and Technologies Farm to School program – Clackamas County, OR
CREST Farm to School Position: Farm Manager
Position Announcement:
The Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and Technologies (CREST), an environmental and science education program of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, is seeking an experienced farmer to work with the district on the on-going development of a farm-to-school program. CREST is looking for a farm manager to oversee food production at the farm site. The farmer will also support educational programs by coordinating with education staff and mentoring small groups of students, volunteers and interns. The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is located at the southern edge of the Portland Metro region in Clackamas County, OR and serves approximately 8,400 students each year.
The Project:
The CREST farm-to-school program has been in operation for one year. We are currently using a half-acre portion of a 10 acre district owned parcel of land. Farm infrastructure includes a small pole barn, 20’ by 50’ greenhouse and washing station. The Farm to School program engages students in garden-based education, on-site internships, science inquiry, farming production and research to better understand local food systems. Students have the opportunity to participate in the planning, planting, maintenance, harvesting and preparation of produce for a variety of school district and community sources.
Requirements:
The CREST farm-to-school program is looking for an experienced farmer, capable of managing a half acre plot of land, developing and managing a 20 share CSA program, and working with community groups, student interns, volunteers around intensive farming practices. This person should have at least three seasons of experience as a farm manager and at least two years of experience growing food for commercial settings (e.g. Farmer’s markets, CSA programs, etc.). In exchange for the compensation described below, the farm manager will spend:
20 hours a week managing the farm site, assisting with educational programs and other activities associated with the planting, cultivating, and harvesting of crops. The farm manager will also maintain adequate records for future planning and development.
5 hours a week maintaining the larger property, including mowing and general upkeep of the landscape around the buildings on the property.
The farm manger will work closely with the director and educators from CREST to further develop the scope of work. The farmer must be available Mondays and Wednesdays during school hours. Other hours will be flexible and will be at the farmer’s discretion.
Compensation:
Compensation for this position comes from a variety of sources. Funding is secured through June 30th, 2012 and funding for July 1st 2012 through June 30th 2013 will be dependent on successfully filling a 20 share CSA.
On site living accommodations (1900 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home)
All utilities paid (water, electric, garbage, maintenance, home insurance).
20 hours per week at $8.80/hr
CREST Farm Manager Duties:
Maintain half acre production plot with assistance from students, interns, volunteers and CREST staff. Keep an on-going task list with appropriate jobs for different groups.
Teach and train student groups, interns and volunteers about farming techniques, proper maintenance and farm safety. Work with CREST educators to coordinate connections between education programs and farming practices.
Develop and manage student-run CSA program and farm stand for 2012 growing season. Work with other CREST staff to engage students in harvesting, processing and selling of crops.
Produce annual crop plan using strategies that maximize vegetable production but maintain soil health. Prepare soil, plant, cultivate, and harvest crops using organic methods.
Maintain site infrastructure, including, but not limited to, irrigation systems, greenhouse, and general farm equipment.
Operate farm vehicles, tractors, trucks and forklift, power tools, weed whacker, mower, etc.
Collect, maintain and provide data to district staff regarding the crops cultivated,
irrigation process, yields, accounts receivable and products sold.
Order and maintain records of supplies necessary to operate the farm.
Interact with grant requirements as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience in Agriculture or related field. Knowledge of local food systems and sustainable agriculture.
Experience maintaining and repairing farm buildings and equipment and knowledge of safe farm practices. Physical strength, endurance and stamina for manual labor, ability to lift 50lbs. Demonstrated ability to operate hand tools, tractors and heavy farm equipment.
Dependable, self-motivated, able to work independently when necessary and use sound judgment as well as establish effective and productive working relationships with co-workers and groups with diverse interests and perspectives.
Excellent organizational skills and experience maintaining adequate and detailed farm records.
Excellent understanding of farm products, farm marketing and selling techniques and market prices.
Experience working with students, volunteers and other community members around farming practices.
Experience growing produce in the Willamette Valley for a commercial setting (e.g. Farmer’s market, CSA program, etc.)
Strong computer competencies using adequate software programs for record keeping and project management.
Ability to work with others, stay organized, follow written and verbal instructions and compete tasks on time.
Ability to maintain a safe working and farming environment.
Valid Oregon drivers’ license and clean driving record.
Background Check and fingerprinting required upon employment.
To Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume to Bob Carlson, CREST Director: [CarlsonB@wlwv.k12.or.us]
Cover letters should be brief and include a brief description of the following:
Education and work experience
Documentation of pertinent qualifications such as experience as a farmer/farm
manager
Resume
Three References
Deadline:
Open until filled
To be considered for the first round of interviews please submit an application by Feb 1st
First round of interviews will occur Feb. 6th-10th
Position will start as soon as possible