CWC is hiring a Farm Site Manager- ASI Student Farm

This position description is not intended, and should not be construed, to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Description

Position Summary
The Farm Manager provides leadership for the overall management and operation of CWC’s Alpine Science Institute student farm. The Farm Manager is primarily responsible for developing and managing farm infrastructure, developing and maintaining the site and equipment, providing technical assistance (TA) and mentorship, providing input on farmer training curriculum development, conducting field training and workshops for beginning farmers and community members. This is a grant funded position lasting through September 14, 2024. Continued funding for this position is possible.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manage and maintain equipment, infrastructure, tools, and capital procurement as needed to operate the incubator.

• Assist the Local Food and Ag Instructor to manage, plan, and support the student farm
• Assist with crop production classes/workshops
• Lead marketing efforts including farmers markets, retail/wholesale, and direct to consumer outlets
• Conduct operations on the student farm including soil/bed preparation, planting, harvesting, cultivation, irrigation, and pest management.
• Coordinate student recruitment to attract new participants and aspiring farmers

3. Incubator Farm Management

• Manage the incubator sites and orchard utilizing organic and sustainable production practices.
• Establish clear roles and expectations at the ag incubator to support the needs of multiple constituents (incubator participants, CWC students, CWC faculty and staff, neighboring landowners, community interests).
• Conduct ag operations including soil and bed preparation, use/management of hoop house and geodesic dome greenhouse, irrigation, and cooling/storage of food products.
• Determine equipment and supply needs, procure necessary items needed to support the student farm, incubator plots, and develop standard operating procedures for farm equipment.
• Provide comprehensive individual technical assistance to incubator participants to help them achieve their ag business planning and crop production goals.
• Facilitate and lead workshops, farm demonstrations, farm tours, guest speakers and other activities for beginning farmers.
• Coordinate, mentor and supervise volunteers, staff and faculty, student interns involved with the ag incubator.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

4. Controlled Environment Agriculture

• Support the development of new CEA infrastructure
• Assist with project management
• Coordinate operations management with Local Food and Ag Instructor

Typical Qualifications

Position Specifications and Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agroecology, Soil Science, Range/Forage Science, Horticulture, or directly related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education.
• Master’s degree preferred but not required.

Preferred Experience

• At least three years experience in diversified vegetable production, marketing, distribution (farmers’ markets, CSAs), and recordkeeping
• Experience in providing instruction/mentorship in the areas of crop and livestock production
• Familiarity with government and non-profit grant applications, budgets and reports, or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, or related field

Licenses/Certifications

• Must possess a current, or be eligible to obtain, Wyoming Driver’s license and hold an acceptable driving record.

Equivalency Statement

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for sustainable agriculture emphasizing farm to table concept, local food movements, and social and economic justice.
• Experience in regenerative agriculture, complying with certified organic production and recordkeeping requirements, and promoting reduced tillage practices to conserve soil health.
• Enthusiasm for educating aspiring and beginning farmers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Friendly, personable, good sense of humor, demonstrates empathy, and able to maintain positive relationships under pressure.
• Work well independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Dependable, innovative, and creative.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Use and maintain small-scale agricultural tools, equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative farming practices in challenging, high altitude environments.
• Self starting and the ability to work with limited supervision
• Knowledge of techniques for season extension.
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Exercise good judgment and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to manage people, including large groups.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and organize details.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and respectful working relationships with project partners, students, administrators, faculty, co-workers and community members.
• Ability to use a computer, G-suite, Microsoft programs.

Level of Supervision

• This position operates under the direct supervision of the Local Food and Agriculture Instructor.

Working Environment

• Reasonable accommodation will be extended to otherwise qualified individuals with a legally recognized disability.

Work is performed using:

• Standard office equipment.
• Small-scale agricultural equipment such as tractors, implements and agricultural tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift or move objects up to 50 pounds. o Ability to safely operate heavy machinery and implements on small acreage and in tight spaces. o Use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. o Move, traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); reach with hands and arms; occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is substantially performed outside and in often adverse weather conditions.
• Walk on uneven terrain.
• Evening and/or weekend work is required.

CWC is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-855-2112 or email [email protected].

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.