The New York City school system (DOE) is the largest in the country, comprised of approximately 1.1 million students and 80,000+ teachers in over 1,800 schools. The DOE’s Genovesi Environmental Study Center (GESC) offers experiential environmental science programming for students and teachers at all grade levels, and also provides virtual field trip opportunities for a global audience. Nestled in the Bergen Beach section of Brooklyn, this 7,000 square foot learning center, sitting on over an acre of manicured grounds, is home to over 250 living organisms, four dynamic learning labs (Flora, Fauna, STEM, and a fully equipped biotechnology lab), an outdoor learning space (an urban farm, pond habitat, and themed gardens,) and a greenhouse laboratory housing aquaponic and hydroponic systems.

As a premier informal science destination space, GESC’s mission is to deliver hands-on environmental science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) instruction. Through targeted standards-based enrichment programs, the highly trained GESC staff encourage students to explore the natural world around them and become stewards for the environment. Our programs are age and grade appropriate, and aligned to the NYC Science Scope & Sequence, the Common Core Learning Standards, and the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards.

The Urban Farm Manager will be responsible for running all of GESC’s outdoor agricultural operations. Responsibilities include managing the various outdoor themed garden areas and perennial beds, compost operations, and maintenance of poultry housing, and a 4200 square feet urban food-producing space comprised of mostly raised beds. The aim of all growing spaces and systems is to facilitate and foster instructional and tactile learning experiences for GESC visitors. The manager will also be responsible for leading staff, seasonal interns, volunteer groups, and visitors in assisting with the agricultural work. We are looking for a strong, motivated and eager individual who enjoys and can tolerate working outside in all weather conditions and takes immense pride in their work.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
   2. High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
   3. Education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in “1” above.
   4. Three (3) years of experience in farming, greenhouse, and/or horticulture (with at least 1 year of management.)

Selection Criteria:

• Extensive knowledge of botany-both of native and non-native plants
• Experience working on a farm, greenhouse and/or in horticulture
• Knowledge of crop planning, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and propagation
• Knowledge of four season farming
• Preference for use of naturally derived agricultural amendments and pest controls
• Operation of light farm machinery (e.g. rototiller) and power tools
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Experience interacting with the public, either in a customer service or an informal and/or formal science education setting
• Experience leading students, interns, volunteers in garden-related projects
• Willingness to work with students of all ages and developmental stages
• Prior work with livestock, live animals, including birds, reptiles, and bees
• Knowledge and experience with composting organic matter
• Self-starter with excellent record of attendance, punctuality, and professionalism
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, time management, and prioritization workload
• Patience, flexibility, strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic computer and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Must pass NYCDOE’s fingerprint verification security clearance requirement
• Must provide proof of having received an approved COVID-19 vaccine as required by the DOE vaccine mandate and comply with all DOE health and safety protocols while at GESC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects involving the outdoor agricultural operations, including but not limited to:
• Development and implementation of season food-producing educational farm
• Maintain inventory of all consumable goods, tools, equipment, and growing systems
• Maintain multiple compost bins in all stages of decomposition
• Implement fertilization program with preference for naturally derived amendments
• Implement naturally derived integrated pest management program
• Design and build assorted outdoor farm structures to help promote optimal plant growth and fruit yield
• Operate greenhouse environmental systems controlling light levels, timers, ventilation, and temperature to ensure optimal plant growth
• Schedule and implement seed propagation and seedling care
• Collection of data on food production for comparative and quantitative analysis
• Tend to facility’s resident farm animals, including beehives
• Work collaboratively and supervise staff to provide assistance with maintaining the outdoor urban farm
• Lead service-learning opportunities for students, interns, and visiting groups while caring for animals and farm areas
• Serve as a facilitator in an informal classroom setting
• Provide support and botany knowledge to the professor for our college level course
• Provide assistance with the care of the indoor animals
• Other duties and responsibilities as consistent with the position and needs of GESC