Farm Site Manager/Instructor Central Wyoming College
- Date Posted September 26, 2020
- Location Lander, WY
- Category Agriculture / Education
- Job type Full-Time
Position Summary
The Farm Site Manager provides leadership for the overall management and operation of CWC’s Alpine Science Institute farm business incubator. The Farm Site 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 trainings and workshops for beginning farmers and community members. This is a 2 year grant funded position.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Manage the ASI irrigated improved pastures, orchard, high-tunnel hoop house and ag incubator sites.
Manage and maintain equipment, maintenance, and capital procurement as needed to operate the ag incubator.
Maintain farm equipment and tools.
Develop and implement land management and crop production plans.
Support and mentor incubator farmers to achieve ag business goals.
Incubator Farm Management
Manage the 127-acre ASI property, including incubator sites, demonstration 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 preparation/tillage, the use/management of hoop house, irrigation, and cooling/storage of food products.
Determine equipment and supply needs, procure necessary items needed to support the ag incubator and ASI, 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.
Work with project director and advisory team to develop curriculum for crop production practicum.
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.
Position Specifications
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.
Experience
At least three years’ experience in providing instruction/mentorship in the areas of crop and livestock forage production;
Experience in recordkeeping for ag operations and local foods packaging, distribution and marketing (farmers’ markets, CSAs).
Familiarity with government and non-profit grant applications, budgets and reports, or willingness to learn.
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
Master’s degree preferred.
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.
Knowledge of techniques for growing 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 Director, of Lander Outreach and Alpine Science Institute.
Working Environment
Reasonable accommodation will be extended to otherwise qualified individuals with a legally recognized disability.
Equipment Used
Standard office equipment.
Small-scale agricultural equipment such as tractors, implements and agricultural tools.
Motor vehicle.
Physical Requirements
Ability to safely lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.
Ability to safely operate heavy machinery and implements on small acreage and in tight spaces.
Use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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 cwchr@CWC.edu. Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions